toledoblade.com --

Chrysler Group LLC, the three-month old alliance between Chrysler and Italian automaker Fiat SpA, has announced limited changes to Toledo-made SUVs for the 2010 model year.

Production of the 2010 model Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty, and Jeep Wrangler began last month.

The engine and powertrain options available on the Toledo vehicles will remain largely unchanged in the upcoming model year despite Chrysler's introduction this year of its new fuel-efficient Pentastar engine. Diesel-powered vehicles being made are for export only.

One notable change: Jeep Liberty will have a new system in its automatic-transmission models that shuts off fuel flow as the vehicle decelerates.

What's new:

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2010 Jeep Liberty

Active head restraints that move forward in collisions to prevent neck injuries; Interactive Decel Fuel Shut-Off (iDFSO) in automatic transmission models, which shuts off fuel flow as vehicle is decelerating; visual alerts added to audible alerts on vehicles equipped with ParkSense; new painted Tech Silver 17-inch aluminum wheels, and painted and polished 18-inch aluminum wheels.

2010 Wrangler

Wrangler “X” renamed Wrangler Sport; new Sunrider soft top feature; new Satin Silver finish 18-inch aluminum painted wheels standard on Sahara models; new Satin Carbon 17-inch aluminum finish painted wheels standard on Rubicon models; larger, sliding sun visors with mirrors now standard.

Also, UConnect now included with the navigation radio; cloth seats replace vinyl seats on base Wrangler Sport; full-length console replaces miniconsole on base Wrangler Sport; compass and outside temperature made standard on base Wrangler Sport; fuel saver indicator made standard on all models, and fog lamps and tow hooks now standard on base Wrangler Sport.

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2010 Nitro

3.7L and 4.0L engines to include fuel saver indicator; new leather seating on SXT, and leather interior group including heated front seats; new ‘Express Up' window feature on SXT; new reversible rear cargo tray now standard equipment; 4.0L engine and 20” chrome wheels optional on SXT, and subwoofer and 368 watt amplifier.

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