Fred Martin Superstore at the 2014 Cleveland Auto Show

 

It’s auto show time again and Fred Martin Superstore is celebrating with their Slash-A-Mania Sale but that’s not all.  We will also be posting pictures and highlights from the 2014 Cleveland Auto Show including 2014 Model Vehicles, Pre-Production and Concept Vehicles, Classic Cars, Test Tracks, Exotics, Alternative Fuel and Fuel Efficient Vehicles and even 2015 Model vehicles.  

You can follow all of the lasted auto show information or get details on our great deals on any of our social media platforms: 

Facebook: Facebook.com/FredMartinSuperstore
Twitter:  Twitter.com/FMSuperstore
Pintrest: Pintrest.com/FMSuperstore
Instagram: FredMartinSuperstore
or even YouTube: YouTube.com/user/FredMartinCarGeek

We look to provide our customers and followers with the most up-to-date news and information as well as entertaining pictures and videos.  Plus you can always check out our extensive inventory with over 1,500 vehicles to choose from at FredMartinSuperstore.com.  We Know Cars! 

Valentine’s Day Cards from Fred Martin Superstore

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Fred Martin Superstore would like to help spread the love with these car-themed Valentine’s Cards that you can share with your loved ones.

Ram Valentine’s Day Card

Dodge Challenger Valentine’s Day Card

Jeep Wrangler Valentine’s Day Card

Ram Valentine’s Day Card

Jeep Fan’s Guide: Before You Ask the Question

        During this time of year, many of your friends may be asking the question and in all that excitement, you might think it’s time that you did as well.  Before you do anything this big, you should ask yourself a few questions.

1. When you ask to go on an adventure, do they jump in the passenger seat?
2. Are they ok with getting a little muddy?
3. When they give you gifts, are they parts and accessories?
4. Are they ok with your doors laying around the house?
5. How creative is their parking style?
6. Their idea of a picnic involves a rock obstacle, trail mix and getting a little dirty?
7. They prefer to climb up into your Jeep instead of falling into a sporty racer?

If you found someone who shares your affinity for Jeep culture, then what are you waiting for? 

Recap from SEMA: What Your Vehicle Could Be!

            If there is one thing we learn every year from SEMA, it’s that we never know what can be done to a vehicle until we see it happen.  Mopar does a great job of showing how you can take a stock Jeep or Ram and make it into the perfect vehicle for hobbyist.  This year didn’t disappoint and we saw some limited edition vehicles that have us excited for another year of custom cars.  Here are some of our winners from SEMA 2013!

 2014 Jeep Cherokee 

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee looked great in Mopar accessories at SEMA 2013

The Jeep Cherokee has gone through waves of praise and criticism from the front end design, handling, features and even off-road capabilities, but at SEMA the Cherokee was ready to plow over the competition.   It looked tough and rugged while keeping its everyday practicality.  Maybe they should just make this the base model Cherokee.

 Jeep Wrangler

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler won its 4th Hottest 4×4-SUV in a row at SEMA

Four years running, the Wrangler has won The Hottest 4×4-SUV and for good reason.  The Jeep Wrangler was built and designed around the idea that the owner would customize it from the bumpers, lights, suspension, brakes, tires and even the interior.   Nothing is safe on a stock Jeep so companies and individuals love to show off how they customized their favorite 4×4.  In all fairness, it’s like showing off your custom iPhone, there is thousands of accessories to choose from.

 2014 Corvette Stingray

The Corvette Stingray is one of the hottest cars of 2013 and the 2013 SEMA concept didn’t disappoint

It was an immediate hit from the moment the concept was released and SEMA just continued its popularity.  The performance cars are always crowded from Ford Mustangs, Dodge Chargers and Challengers, to exotic imports, but the Corvette is popular again and shows that Detroit isn’t dead.  Let the countdown to SEMA 2014 begin!

Only 100 Dodge Challenger Shakers Concepts will be available for 2014

Jeep Wrangler May be Ditching Their Solid Axles

The off-road beast needs to go on a diet to meet government regulations

            The big Jeep news is the arrival of the 2014 Jeep Cherokees but that isn’t the only noise that Jeep is making right now.  With government regulations continually being stricter on manufacturers to meet a specific fuel economy, it’s no surprise that companies are putting countless efforts into conserving weight and increasing gas mileage.  Jeep fans typically don’t worry about fuel economy but when they find out that Jeep is looking to get rid of their signature Solid Axes for a lighter independent suspension.

            Right now this isn’t a concrete idea but since Jeep is already reducing weight with the idea of aluminum body panels, and air suspension like the Grand Cherokee has.  What effect will this have on the off-road champion? Look at the Hummer for an example of lost performance going from a solid axle to the independent suspension.   Jeep fans don’t want to suffer the same fate as their signature axles and coil-suspension are what makes them so customizable.  If they remove this feature, it is very likely Wrangler fans will backlash more than they did over the Cherokee.   Without a concrete answer until closer to 2016, we can only wonder what kind of world it will be like in a Jeep Wrangler equipped with an independent suspension.

THE 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE: THE CHEROKEE REDEFINED

    You may remember the Jeep Cherokee from the 80’s and 90’s, the boxy SUV that was tough and practical.   Many Jeep lovers were sad to see the Cherokee go but they have even more reasons to rejoice about the resurgence of this American icon.  This certainly isn’t your mom or dad’s Cherokee.  The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee has aggressive lines and futuristic features such as the low profile headlights, that the older model didn’t share.   

    One thing they do share though is their tough mentality.  Whether you decide on a fuel-saving 4-cylinder 2.4L TigerShark engine or the 3.2L V6, you’re going to be paired up with a 9-speed transmission that will give you the best gas mileage with the most power you need.   You can also decide on FWD or their active drive 4WD system that helps the other Jeep vehicles crawl through the mud and over large rocks.    There are plenty of options to make sure you have all the features and comfort that you are looking for in your new Jeep.  One of the most exciting packages available is the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, which just like the Grand Cherokee, is designed to battle any weather conditions and off-road settings.   If you are looking for the toughest Jeep Cherokee, you’ll want to opt for the Trailhawk and take your Cherokee where other crossovers wouldn’t dare to follow, all with great gas mileage up to 31 MPG. 

    Inside of a Jeep Cherokee, you’ll notice two things: there is plenty of room for the whole family and they will surely be comfortable no matter where you’re headed.   Features such as leather seats, Commandview dual-pane sunroof, an 8.4″ Uconnect radio, Wireless Charging Pad, 60/40 rear folding seats or Premium instrument cluster are available to make your Cherokee the talk of the neighborhood.  You can make this the smaller brother of the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit in terms of comfort and style, but all in a smaller crossover.  

    With any new car, there is a lot of skepticism and opinions but one of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for your next car is what fits you best, and with so many options available, the Jeep Cherokee is well suited to fit all of your needs and wants.  Do yourself a favor and test drive a 2014 Jeep Cherokee at Fred Martin Superstore today or check it out online at FredMartinSuperstore.com.  

Survival in a Jeep

             Hopefully everyone was able to find a way to survive this terribly scary Friday the 13^th! With so many movies being based around this day and/or concept, it’s time we talked about movies with the best survival vehicle ever, Jeeps! Here is a top 5 list for the greatest appearances of the rugged 4×4 in Hollywood films … Action!

 5. Tremors

Sure, underground killer worms have never been this scary before, but one thing you can rely on is for a Jeep to be tough.  What better model to put in the movie than a Gladiator!

 4. Tomb Raider

When you have a tough explorer that has to fight against the elements and armies, you might as well give her a tough vehicle.  That happened in Tomb Raider as Laura Croft is seen driving her Jeep Wrangler like she stole it.  Bonus points for whoever decided to make the Wrangler a Rubicon!

3. Twister

 

Twister is a great movie, no doubt about it, so the only way they could make it better is by adding a Jeep J-10, and that’s exactly what they did! If you’re going to be chasing around killer tornadoes and competing with your long rivals, you really can’t go wrong with a J-10.  This truck can do anything, just watch the film and you’ll know.  It even has the ability to rekindle a relationship … aaaawwweee!

 2. Battle of the Bulge

 

You had to know that we would include a movie about WWII on this list!  The Jeep was designed just for this so it had to make it.  Why Battle of the Bulge? There are lots of Jeeps in this movie and as we all know, you can never have too many Jeeps!

 1. Jurassic Park

             Before you call me biased to dinosaur movies or state that it’s only to draw off of the popularity of director Steven Spielberg, you have to remember one key scene.  The electric is off, T-Rex has gotten loose, and you’re in the jungle.  Next thing you know, the king of the dinosaurs is chasing you.  What do you do? Hop into your Jeep Wrangler and speed away! Crashing through a low-hanging tree and a few sideswipes.  This is the kind of scene that makes you want to go off-roading again!

Jeeps are no stranger to the big screen and there are several appearances to choose from.  Now you know what movies to watch this weekend! J

NHTSA Investigating 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokees

           

The headliners in a couple of 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokees had begun smoking and in a few cases started a fire.   The NHTSA has begun a preliminary investigation into these incidents but it is unclear at this time what has caused these incidents.  There are over 145,000 vehicles that could be affected but it is uncertain where the issue lies.  One common trend in the reports is that it generally occurs near the passenger sun visor.  If you or anyone you know owns a Grand Cherokee and you see smoke coming from the headliner, stop the car immediately and have it towed to a reputable Jeep dealer.  We continue to work with Jeep to provide the best service on all models and if you want us to check your vehicle, bring it to Fred Martin Superstore.  There is no recall as of this time, but make sure to stay up to date on this information here or on our Twitter feed.  

The Future of Jeep Wranglers?

What Can We Expect from Future Jeep Wranglers?

 

Jeep Wranglers are rugged and tough, no doubt about that, but they have also been receiving a heavy dose of technology from other Jeep Models such as the Grand Cherokee.   Here are a few things that will likely show up soon in upcoming Jeep Wranglers. 

 High Strength Aluminum and Steel

             All vehicles are looking into ways to lower weight will keeping a strong frame.  This provides a good mix of fuel economy and safety in vehicles.   Many cars and SUV’s are constantly searching for improvements and Jeep is certainly doing the same. 

 Air Suspension

             The Grand Cherokee is already equipped with an air suspension that allows you to pick your driving mode.   This allows you to lower the vehicle for better fuel economy on the highway and raise the vehicle for off-roading, without ever exiting the vehicle. 

 8-Speed Transmission

             A feature in many Jeeps already, this will allow the Jeep Wrangler to improve its fuel economy while not sacrificing on what it does best.   

 Diesel Engine

             Who wouldn’t want some more torque in their Jeep? With clean diesel on the rise, many manufacturers are providing trucks with diesel engines and the Jeep Wrangler would love to get a diesel back under the hood.

 

            It’s unsure as of right now how long it will be before Jeep puts this technology in their beloved Wrangler, but it’s safe to assume that it won’t take too long before it shows up. We can only hope that by 2016 we can be driving a Wrangler with all of these improvements.  

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler Earns Top 3 in Resale Value by KBB

      The 2013 Jeep Wrangler, like many of its predecessors enjoys a spot on top of the off-road segment but it also shares its high resale value that the Wranglers have enjoyed over the last several years.  The 2013 Jeep Wrangler was awarded by KBB to have a 55% resale value after 5 years which puts it in the top 3 for all vehicles sold in 2013.   It also enjoys the top rank for Best Compact SUV/Crossover in terms of resale value.   Many people associate this off-road king with being rugged, but it also holds its price making this one of the best vehicles of 2013 to purchase!  Don’t purchase just on resale though, as the 2013 Jeep Wrangler has style, comfort and features that you wouldn’t expect from the mudslinger.  With available features like Bluetooth, Touch Screen Radio and Navigation, and push button start, you’ll feel like you’re in a luxury vehicle, even if you’re miles from the nearest road.   Buy your next vehicle with confidence that it won’t lose all of its value once you’ve paid it off and get yourself into a Jeep Wrangler!   Stop in to Fred Martin Superstore today and test drive a 2013 Wrangler and see why so many people are passionate about their Wrangler!