New 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Mercedes M-class platform)

[AG4]

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Official Photos and Info
Jeep’s luxury-SUV pioneer is reborn on the bones of the Mercedes-Benz M-class.

BY JARED GALL
April 2009

As the original mainstream luxury SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee deserves much of the credit for the SUV’s position as a status symbol. But as the market has been swelling with competitors in recent years—most of whom better the GC’s luxury content—the Jeep has lost much of its luster. At the New York auto show, Jeep is unveiling an all-new version that aims to return the Grand Cherokee to a place among the luxo-ute elite, while retaining the rough-rider attitude of the original.

Built upon the underpinnings of the Mercedes-Benz M-class, the unibody 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee wears cleaner sheetmetal that is still instantly recognizable for what it is. The traditional seven-slot grille has wider openings and is flanked by pinched headlamps, giving the GC a face resembling that of the Trailhawk concept. The transition from fender flare to side sheetmetal has been smoothed, resulting in a less cluttered profile, while the tapered side glass recalls the greenhouse on the Dodge Journey. Seventeen-inch wheels will be standard, with 18s and 20s optional.

The M-class architecture endows the Grand Cherokee with a claimed 146-percent increase in torsional stiffness over the outgoing model. The rear beam axle of the last generation disappears in favor of four-wheel independent air suspension that endows the Jeep with a 4.5-inch range of height adjustability, from a high of 11.1 inches of ground clearance for serious off-roading to a low of 6.6 inches in a parking mode intended to ease ingress and egress.

Rear-Wheel Drive, Four-Wheel Drive, Four-Wheel Drive, or Four-Wheel Drive?

Jeep’s usual battery of four-wheel-drive systems will be available for those wanting to upgrade from the basic rear-wheel-drive formula. Quadra-Trac I is a single-speed full-time four-wheel-drive setup; Quadra-Trac II offers a two-speed transfer case and the ability to direct 100 percent of the available torque to either axle. Quadra-Drive II adds an electronic rear limited-slip differential and extra computing power to optimize available traction. Additionally, a new “Selec-Terrain” adjustable traction-control knob allows the driver to tailor the vehicle’s throttle, braking, and traction- and stability-control responses for sand and mud, snow, rocks, and sport—high-performance on-road driving—as well as offering an everyday “automatic” function.

Like today’s GC, underhood options are a gasoline V-6 or V-8. A diesel will be available in other markets, but—at least initially—we won’t see a compression-ignition motor in the States. The V-6 is an all-new 3.6-liter incorporating dual overhead cams and variable valve-timing, putting out 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The only available transmission is a five-speed automatic.

The upmarket choice is a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, which is rated as high as 390 hp and 407 lb-ft in the new 2009 Dodge Ram, but is limited to 360 hp and 390 lb-ft in the Cherokee. Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System cylinder-deactivation technology will shut down four cylinders in low-load situations to reduce fuel consumption, and a five-speed automatic will be the only transmission offered. Dual 3.5-inch tailpipes distinguish V-8 models from V-6s, which get a single three-inch outlet. Two-wheel-drive models with the V-8 are able to tow up to 7400 pounds.

Inside the Great Outdoors

Drivers sit behind a clean and uncluttered dash and center stack complimented by spears of wood trim that sweep back into the doors. A variety of materials and finishes lend an upscale look to the interior, and Jeep promises greater use of soft-touch materials throughout. Only two rows of seating are offered, leaving Jeep without a three-row vehicle in its lineup.

For comfort both on- and off-road, the Grand Cherokee can be outfitted with a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and go, a backup camera, a power tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and a power rear hatch. An available panoramic sunroof stitches two panes of glass together to let the light shine in on front and rear passengers, although only the front section opens. Rear-seat legroom stretches by four inches, to 38.6, and the cargo area expands to 36 cubic feet.

Standard safety equipment includes electronic traction control and stability control with roll mitigation, hill-start assist, and trailer-sway control; hill-descent control is an option. Inside, standard full-length curtain airbags protect heads in side impacts, while seat-mounted side bags—also standard—cushion blows to the front occupants.

A Brainy Ruffian

Other available tech bits are parking sensors, a blind-spot warning system that acts as a cross-traffic sensor in parking lots, adaptive cruise control, remote start, Bluetooth, and a USB connection that will act like Ford’s Sync technology for voice-directed searching of connected iPods. Uconnect Guardian copies GM’s OnStar service with automatic crash notification, available emergency and roadside-assistance calling, remote door unlocking, and a stolen-vehicle assistance system that helps authorities find a stolen Grand Cherokee more quickly.

For all of Jeep’s off-road heritage, Chrysler's current financial state is no doubt the greatest obstacle any Grand Cherokee has ever faced—a challenge not overcome with mere ground clearance or high-tech differentials. With richer new looks and the Mercedes connection providing what will no doubt be a healthy dose of on-road refinement, the Grand Cherokee looks to be as capable as anything of propelling Jeep through the economic mire.

-Car and Driver

[renzo_d10]

Niccee....

[d_mac]

-Car and Driver

IMPRESSIVE!!!!

Just like the Suzuki Grand Vitara and the premium-price Mercedez-Benz M-class, they all share an integrated ladder-frame tucked in to the unibody. Simply love the box-type SUV's! :

Are there any promos going for the Grand Cherokee V6 at the moment chief?

Thanks for sharing! Cheers!



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