2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition debuts

Freedom isn't free; it costs exactly $29,065 for two doors and $31,570 for four doors. That's the cost for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition, which is available in red, white and—you guessed it—blue. It also has military-inspired decals on the hood and rear fenders.

Peugeot Exalt Concept Sports Saloon revealed early

The Peugeot Exalt Concept (pictured) arrives ahead of Beijing Peugeot were busy teasing the arrival of a new sports saloon concept for the 2014 Beijing Motor Show back in January, said to evoke the styling and materials of the impressive Peugeot Onyx Concept. Now, a couple of weeks ahead of the Beijing Show, we get the first photo of that concept – the Peugeot Exalt Concept – which seems to have been sent out a few days earlier than Peugeot intended in an overnight press release dated 10th April. Oh, well.

Catalytic converter thefts double in three years

Associated Press Thefts of catalytic converters from cars have more than doubled in less than three years, according to an investigation by the BBC. Data compiled from 40 police regions across the UK reveal that in 2012 a total of 8,947 catalytic converters thefts were reported, compared to 3,957 similar cases recorded in 2010. On Bing: see pictures of catalytic convertersStreet sweepers to mine UK roads for precious metals A car’s catalytic converter reduces its harmful exhaust gas emissions by initiating a chemical process to neutralise many toxic substances emitted from the engine.