I've just got to have one of those new Jeep Wrangler Diesels they're coming out with.

The engine is a "3rd generation" 3.0 liter diesel in the Unlimited JL Wranglers. Unfortunately, it only comes with an 8-speed auto, out of the 1500 Ram truck - but at least we know it's strong. Jeep is also using only the 44 axles front and rear so the extra torque of the Diesel causes no harm. The result is 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The best part is, max torque is at a low 1400 RPM, excellent for running trails. The way I see it, the new Jeep will have the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder with the torque of a V-8. And, now you can spec out 33" tires in the build - way cool. The fuel tank on the Jeep Unlimited is 21.5 gallons and the DEF tank is 5 gallons (good for approx. 10,000 miles). I'm expecting 25 average MPG on the road. By comparison, my Colorado 2.8 Duramax Diesel gets 30 MPG.

I ordered a Sahara model today with full body/trim mono paint (billet silver), leather seating, heated seats and steering wheel, hard-top, the multi-speaker stereo with base kicker, inner top lining, remote start, etc. Total price $56,000 - the most I've ever paid for a Jeep. And, I think this may be the last Jeep I'll own - yes, I'm old. It should arrive here in 4 to 6 weeks after being built in Toledo, Ohio. With the extended range of the diesel, it'll be the first Jeep I've owned that can do the Pony Express Trail from Fairfield to Wendover on one tank of fuel. In the past, I've had to lug Jerry cans of fuel with me - which was a PITA.

Wish me luck, my friends. I'll keep you posted.

Hunter