SEMA '09: Mopar Jeep Wrangler Lower Forty "BigFoot" with Massive 40-inch Tires and HEMI V8

Taking the latest generation Jeep Wrangler to a new extreme, Mopar has designed the uber-impressive "Lower Forty" concept for this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The crazy Wrangler Lower Forty rides on massive 40 x 13.5-inch tires mounted on Mopar's 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels while power comes from a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine coupled to a Getrag 238 six-speed manual gearbox. The Mopar-supplied Dana 44 front axle and a Dana 60 rear axle, fitted with 5.38 gears and ARB air lockers complete the mechanical upgrades.

In order to fit the massive wheels on the Wrangler Rubicon without using a suspension air lift, Mopar's team created custom front and rear fender flares that are 1-inch wider and are located 4 inches higher than on the stock model.

Other exterior modifications include the chopped windshield frame that gets a 10-degree rake, a one-piece carbon-fiber hood with a Jeep CJ-like power dome and an all-new drop-down tailgate stamped with the "Jeep" logo.

The Lower Forty also gets a roll cage that is tied directly into the frame rails, a color-matched center console and instrument panel and two-tone Katzkin leather seats while the carpet has been replaced with spray-in truck-bed liner.

Fiat S.p.A Splits Dodge to Car and Ram Truck Brands

Fiat S.p.A Splits Dodge to Car and Ram Truck Brands

In a surprise move, the Chrysler Group's new Italian management on Monday announced that it is splitting the Dodge passenger car and truck division into two separate entities. The American automaker now has four brands - Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Dodge Ram. Heading the Dodge Ram brand is Fred Diaz Jr. who was appointed President and CEO of the marque while Ralph Gilles, Chrysler's Chief of Design becomes president and CEO of Dodge Car.

"The brand-focused strategy has been refined further with the unbundling of the Dodge Brand which now consists of the Dodge Ram Brand and the Dodge Car Brand organizations," said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of both Fiat S.p.A and Chrysler Group LLC. "This reorganization will allow us to protect and develop the unique nature of the product offerings within the Dodge Brand."

Other managerial changes include the appointment of Olivier Francois as the President and CEO of the Chrysler Brand. Francois, who continues to hold his position as head of the Italian automaker's Lancia brand, will also be the lead executive for the Marketing organization with responsibility to coordinate worldwide marketing strategies, brand development and advertising for the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Dodge Ram brands.

There are no changes at the Jeep brand that will continue to lead by Michael Manley.