The private ranch was comprised of mostly hills, canyons and valleys, and rocky gorges. We 'wheeled the Kodiak on virtually every type of off-road terrain. The boulder-strewn gorges offered off-chamber wheeling with steep incline accent and decent testing. The Kodiak displayed an amazing ability to stay upright in near-vertical maneuvers. The ranch's dirt roads offered a chance to test acceleration and cruising performance. Its independent rear suspension articulated smoothly over the roughest rock gardens. We have to say, the utility ATV handled more like a sport ATV. If you have the opportunity to test the '05 Kodiak, we highly recommend it.
For more information, contact: Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, (800) 962-7926, www.yamaha-motor.com.
HEMI Ranks in 10 Best EnginesAs with every year since its introduction, the Chrysler 5.7L Hemi engine has earned a ranking on Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2005. The Hemi engine is a popular engine option in the Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, achieving a take rate of 54, 46, and 29 percent, respectively. The Hemi received the award mostly due to Chrysler Group's Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which is standard equipment with the 5.7L engine on '05 Grand Cherokees. MDS is a fully functioning cylinder deactivation system designed to alternate between a higher fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and a V-8 mode when more power is in demand. The system is said to offer fuel economy improvements of as much as 20 percent, without sacrificing overall engine performance. This is the third consecutive year that the 5.7L Hemi engine has earned a spot on Ward's 10 Best Engines list. The 2005 compilation marks the 11th year of the 10 Best Engines program.
Moab Chamber of CommerceIf you are planning a trip to Moab for the Easter Jeep Safari this year and would like to know more about the town and what it has to offer, contact the Moab Chamber of Commerce. It can point you in the right direction for hotel, motel, and camping accommodations, restaurants, and public services. Plan your adventure early, as hotel and motel accommodations sell-out quickly. For more information, contact: Moab Chamber of Commerce, 805 N. Main Street, Moab, UT 84532, (435) 259-7814, www.moabchamber.com.
Jeep Heroes to Earn Grand CherokeesThe Jeep brand is launching an initiative to recognize everyday heroes working as military, police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. The Jeep Heroes Nomination Program is designed to reward those individuals who deliver exemplary, unique, and heroic service to improve the quality of life in cities and towns across America. Jeep began seeking nominations from the public during the end of 2004 and will continue to accept nominations until the Grand Prize winners are selected on November 10, prior to Veteran's Day 2005. Nominators should provide a 200-word-or-less essay on why a nominee deserves to be honored as a Jeep Hero. Twelve Jeep Heroes will be selected in all, three from each category of personnel. One from each category will win a new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Heroes can be nominated online, and each month, new Jeep Heroes will be recognized on the Web site and entered for a chance to win. Those who nominate one of the four Grand Prize winners will receive a $500 gift certificate toward new Jeep brand merchandise. For more information, check out: www.jeep.com/nominate.