American Explorer Television Series
Featuring Earthroamer XV-JP To Air This Fall

An all-new, high definition travel program featuring the new Earthroamer XV-JP expedition vehicle will begin airing this fall on the HDNet. 

Filmed, edited and broadcast entirely in 1080i high-definition, American Explorer is a spontaneous expedition travel program that is immersed in the authentic stops around the world, featuring the same XV-JP vehicle that travelled to Costa Rica in early 2007 and conquered the Rubicon Trail last September. Thirteen ½ hour episodes are scheduled to air during the fall 2008 prime time season on HDNET without commercial interruption.

"Together with HDNet, American Explorer has created a truly unique television series that will stoke the audience’s imagination, create a meaningful bond with the adventure traveler, and actually have viewers looking forward with anticipation to every episode" said Dino Ianni, Executive Producer American Explorer / Major League Marketing. “With no commercial interruptions during the program, we are able to create compelling adventures that will truly make use of all that the HD format has to offer."

JPFreek Adventure Magazine is a proud sponsor of this television series and will be providing promotional consideration. Be on the lookout for American Explorer this fall. 

To learn more about Earthroamer and the new XV-JP, visit www.earthroamer.com 

---

Jeep® Compass & Patriot Trek Across Europe in Fuel Economy Challenge
Courtesy of Chrysler Media Services

John and Helen Taylor, fuel economy enthusiasts, drove a Jeep_® Compass and a Jeep Patriot, both standard production vehicles equipped with 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines and carrying two people and their luggage, from London to Berlin on less than a single tank of fuel each – an unmatched achievement among SUVs.

"This new achievement helps to establish Jeep Compass and Patriot as industry leaders and proves that it is possible to offer global customers fuel efficiency and capability in the same package," Jim Press, Vice Chairman and President, Chrysler LLC said. "Jeep offers a full line of vehicles powered by efficient diesel engines and we are committed to furthering our efforts to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. In fact, at the new Chrysler, we are redesigning our business model with a greater emphasis on fuel-efficient products with features that the customers want and need."

The husband and wife team of John and Helen Taylor first drove the Jeep Compass and Patriot 1059 km (658 miles) between the two European capitals. Upon arrival in Berlin, there was sufficient fuel remaining in both vehicles for them to continue the journey, crossing the border into Poland. In total, they travelled a total distance of 1124.1 kilometers (698.4 miles) on their way to achieving their record.

During the 21-hour drive, passing through six countries, Helen Taylor with Miss Nina Domberger, of Munich, Germany, as passenger, achieved a fuel consumption figure of 4.25 L/100 km (66.76 mpg) driving the Jeep Compass. John Taylor, performed even better, achieving a fuel consumption figure of 4.18 L/100 km (67.46 mpg) in a Jeep Patriot.

The Taylors were observed during their marathon drive by an independent scrutineer, Police Constable Stephen Driver, of the UK’s West Midlands Police Force. PC Driver, who travelled as the passenger in the Patriot, ensured that the fuel tanks of both vehicles were sealed at the start of the journey and verified the odometer readings and all fuelling procedures at the start and conclusion of the challenge.

“We already knew that the Compass and Patriot were among the most economical of all SUVs, but we were amazed by the fuel efficiency that these two vehicles were capable of during this drive," commented John Taylor.

“We drove on normal roads at realistic speeds with two people and their luggage on board and the traffic and weather conditions weren’t favorable at all – cold with many traffic jams," he said. “We used simple fuel economy driving techniques that any driver could replicate."

His wife Helen added, “This record achievement challenges the myth that all SUVs are gas guzzlers. We’ve proven, in everyday driving conditions just how fuel efficient these two Jeep SUVs can be."

Biodiesel Jeep Places 2nd in Georgia Tech Alternative Fuels Car Show
Text courtesy of Sean Sinkule

Georgia Institute of Technology hosted its 5th Annual Auto show (www.gatechautoshow.com) during the last weekend in March 2008, and Paladin Trucks of Atlanta earned a second place finish by entering one of their biodiesel fueled Mitsubishi Jeep J54's in the alternative fuels category. The keynote speaker was Paul Lomangoino, the CAD engineering Manager at Tesla Motors. T 

Most of the attendees were surprised to learn that these factory diesel-fitted Jeeps were even in existence. In addition, most attendees were amazed to find out they get 35 mpg and can be bought for between $9,500 and $10,000. 

Sean Sinkule, President of Paladin Trucks, was on-hand to promote biodiesel awareness in general and to promote the sale of the Jeep J54. Sean also said he is a bit spoiled since their company is located only ½ mile from Refuel Biodiesel’s state-of-the-art refueling station. 

To find out more about Paladin Trucks or Refuel Biodiesel, please visit:
http://www.paladintrucks.com
http://www.refuelbiodiesel.org

First Ever Jeep Jamboree Challenge to Be Held This November
Photos courtesy of Jeep Jamboree USA

PEARSALL, TX – So you've graduated from pavement pounder to rock crawler. You've got the right Jeep and you've handled the toughest Jamboree trails. You may not be quite ready for the Baja 1000, but still…if only there was a place to compete and show off your hand-learned Jeeping skills. Well, dream no more, your chance is here!

Welcome to the Jeep Jamboree Challenge. Its fun, family friendly, full of camaraderie and all the other things you love about Jeep Jamborees but with the added thrill of competition. Whether your specialty is mud pit racing, rock crawling, or all-around off-highway travelling, you'll find a competition that suits your style. You'll also get a chance to preview upcoming Jeep models and test drive current Jeep products in an off-highway environment.  

The environment is the rugged Cooper Tire Vehicle and Tire Test Center near San Antonio, Texas. The Tire Vehicle Test Center is the place manufacturers take their products to see if they've got what it takes to handle the demands of serious off-highway travel. The facility is not open to the public, so the Jeep Jamboree Challenge is a rare chance to get behind the scenes at a real factory test site. In addition to awards and bragging rights, all class winners will be invited back in 2009 to defend their titles.

Two dinners and a special event t-shirt are included in this trip, and all drivers are required to have previous off-highway experience to be eligible for the Jeep Jamboree Challenge. Vehicles must be “street legal” with a valid DMV registration. 

Date:  November 1 - 2

Trail Rating:  3 - 9

Pricing:  $225.00 (Adult)  /  $95.00 (Child 6 – 12) 

• For more information about the first ever Jeep Jamboree Challenge or other Jeep Jamboree events, please visit www.jeepjamboreeusa.com.

Mike's Jeep News

Jamboree Schedule

Countdown

About JPFreek