Motor Authority - blog Category: Cherokee

With Chrysler confirming last month that its Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division is safe from the company’s current budgetary cutbacks, we can expect to see new models sprout from the performance arm over the coming years. The first of these could be a replacement for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, which has been previewed today in this official teaser sketch showing a new version based on the recently revealed 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Labeled as a 2012 model, the new model will likely arrive sometime in 2011. Power is expected to come from a brand new 6.4L HEMI V8 engine rated at around the 500hp (373kW) and 500ft-lb (678Nm)... With Chrysler confirming last month that its Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division is safe from the company’s current budgetary cutbacks, we can expect to see new models sprout from the performance arm over the coming years. The first of these could be a replacement for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, which has been previewed today in this official teaser sketch showing a new version based on the recently revealed 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Labeled as a 2012 model, the new model will likely arrive sometime in 2011. Power is expected to come from a brand new 6.4L HEMI V8 engine rated at around the 500hp (373kW) and 500ft-lb (678Nm) of torque. Hopefully, this will be enough to allow the SRT8-prepped Jeep to cement its title as the world’s fastest SUV now that the pair of M SUVs from BMW have landed. The new engine will be called the 392 HEMI (in reference to its capacity in cubic inches) and is expected to first appear in updated versions of the Dodge Challenger and Charger in 2011. In addition to the power transplant, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will also sport a subtle bodykit, a lowered ride height, stiffed suspension, and chunky SRT 5-spoke wheels housing uprated brakes.2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 preview sketch Read More

Chrysler has given us an early look at its redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee at this week's New York Auto Show, despite the new SUV not going on sale until sometime next year. Coming in as a 2011 model, the redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee will ride on an advanced car-like unibody platform and feature the company’s upcoming Phoenix V6, renamed Pentastar, or a HEMI V8 as engine options.

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 offers flex-fuel capability and variable valve timing, and in the new Grand Cherokee outputs 280hp (209kW) and 260lb-ft (353Nm) of torque. The engine is also claimed to offer 11% better fuel-economy than the current V6 Cherokee, but it... Chrysler has given us an early look at its redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee at this week's New York Auto Show, despite the new SUV not going on sale until sometime next year. Coming in as a 2011 model, the redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee will ride on an advanced car-like unibody platform and feature the company’s upcoming Phoenix V6, renamed Pentastar, or a HEMI V8 as engine options. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 offers flex-fuel capability and variable valve timing, and in the new Grand Cherokee outputs 280hp (209kW) and 260lb-ft (353Nm) of torque. The engine is also claimed to offer 11% better fuel-economy than the current V6 Cherokee, but it won’t be as efficient as an upcoming diesel that’s planned for overseas markets. Joining the V6 is a range-topping 5.7L HEMI V8, which is good for 360hp (268kW) and 390lb-ft (520Nm) of torque. Also new is Chrysler’s Quadra Lift air-suspension system, which provides height control and lifts the vehicle up to 4.5in from park mode to a maximum ride height of 11.1in when off-roading. Chrysler also offers up to three different AWD modes, including Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with an electronic limited slip differential. The different modes offer varying levels of slip protection, smoothly distributing engine torque to individual tires depending of the level of traction. The vehicle also features new independent suspension systems with isolated front and rear suspension cradles and variable-rate rear springs that combine to enhance on-road character and ride comfort. Furthermore, the body structure’s torsional stiffness is 146% stiffer than current model and stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander as well. This was achieved with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. Inside, Chrysler has fitted its uconnect connectivity and entertainment system and a 506-watt premium Alpine stereo system. In preparation for the new SUV, Chrysler will refit its Jefferson assembly plant in North Detroit, which will also be responsible for several yet-to-be revealed models based on the same platform. This platform, incidentally, was developed jointly with Mercedes Benz for its next-generation ML-Class SUV prior to the split of DaimlerChrysler. This means there is a strong chance that the Grand Cherokee may eventually feature a two-mode hybrid powertrain, which was developed together with Daimler, General Motors and BMW.2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Read More

Adding value to a vehicle intended for dual-duty city and offroad use isn't a hard thing to do. Doing it in this economy, and actually selling vehicles, is another. Chrysler is hoping it's hit the right balance with the new Rocky Mountain Edition Jeeps, released today.

The packages combine a set of desirable features valued at about $2,300 for a retail price of just $1,595 - making the idea attractive to those in the market for a capable off-roader, but potentially adding unwanted expense for those on a budget. Included features are a power sun roof, special 17in alloy wheels, unique exterior paint options, Boston Acoustics audio (not on... Adding value to a vehicle intended for dual-duty city and offroad use isn't a hard thing to do. Doing it in this economy, and actually selling vehicles, is another. Chrysler is hoping it's hit the right balance with the new Rocky Mountain Edition Jeeps, released today. The packages combine a set of desirable features valued at about $2,300 for a retail price of just $1,595 - making the idea attractive to those in the market for a capable off-roader, but potentially adding unwanted expense for those on a budget. Included features are a power sun roof, special 17in alloy wheels, unique exterior paint options, Boston Acoustics audio (not on the Liberty), and on the Grand Cherokee and Libery, a uconnect tunes 30gb electronic library. Each model also gets a few unique features, like leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel for the Patriot, deep-tinted glass for the Liberty and heated front seats for the Grand Cherokee. Standard drivetrain for the Patriot is a 2.4L four-cylinder with a five-speed manual rated at 172hp (128kW) and 165lb-ft (222Nm) of torque. That's good enough to get you 23mpg city and 28mpg highway - not bad for a compact SUV with 4WD. The Liberty steps up to a 3.7L V6 with 210hp (157kW) and 235lb-ft (319Nm) of torque, good for 15mpg city and 21mpg highway. The Grand Cherokee features the same engine as the base option, but also has an available 305hp (227kW) 334lb-ft (453Nm) 4.7L V8 as a choice. The V8 is a flex-fuel capable unit, opening up use of a wide range of ethanol-blended fuels.2009 Jeep Rocky Mountain Editions Read More

Just because you can buy a Charger SRT8 for under $35,000 after incentives and rebates doesn't mean Chrysler is liquidating its SRT cars to get rid of the brand. In fact, Chrysler has said specifically that its high-performance division is safe from the current budgetary cutbacks.

Unlike General Motors' now-canceled High Performance Vehicle Operations, Chrysler's SRT is "sticking around", said VP of global planning Steve Bartoli in a chat posted to the Red Letter Dodge blog.

The Charger, Challenger and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 versions are all still alive despite the company going so far to save money as to get rid of its clocks to save... Just because you can buy a Charger SRT8 for under $35,000 after incentives and rebates doesn't mean Chrysler is liquidating its SRT cars to get rid of the brand. In fact, Chrysler has said specifically that its high-performance division is safe from the current budgetary cutbacks. Unlike General Motors' now-canceled High Performance Vehicle Operations, Chrysler's SRT is "sticking around", said VP of global planning Steve Bartoli in a chat posted to the Red Letter Dodge blog. The Charger, Challenger and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 versions are all still alive despite the company going so far to save money as to get rid of its clocks to save the money spent adjusting them twice a year. In fact, an all-new SRT model based around a sedan is in the works, though exactly which car it'll be based around isn't yet clear. One obvious candidate is the re-worked 300 sedan leaked in the company's viability presentation. Read More

Chrysler is taking heed of tougher fuel-economy standards and shifting demand for smaller and more environmentally friendly vehicles by redesigning its next-generation models to be lighter and greener. The carmaker’s vice chairman, Tom LaSorda, has revealed that the next-generation model, due in 2010, will feature car-like unibody construction as well as a new ‘Phoenix’ V6 engine.

The Phoneix V6 makes its efficiency gains by using cylinder-deactivation technology to shut down three cylinders, allowing it to function on half of its maximum displacement when under low loads. This feature is reported to be good for a 6-8%... Chrysler is taking heed of tougher fuel-economy standards and shifting demand for smaller and more environmentally friendly vehicles by redesigning its next-generation models to be lighter and greener. The carmaker’s vice chairman, Tom LaSorda, has revealed that the next-generation model, due in 2010, will feature car-like unibody construction as well as a new ‘Phoenix’ V6 engine. The Phoneix V6 makes its efficiency gains by using cylinder-deactivation technology to shut down three cylinders, allowing it to function on half of its maximum displacement when under low loads. This feature is reported to be good for a 6-8% improvement in most cases. Taken together with the improved around-town handling likely to come from unibody construction, the Cherokee could see a significant boost in sales among mainstream buyers. In preparation for the new model, Chrysler plans to spend more than $1.8 billion to refit its Jefferson assembly plant in North Detroit. The same plant will also be responsible for several yet-to-be revealed models based on the same platform, LaSorda explained to Automotive News reporters. The new platform was jointly developed with Mercedes-Benz, but there won’t be much else in common between the future Chrysler and Mercedes products. To help raise funds for the expansion and retooling of the plant, Chrysler will sell up to $1 billion in non-earning assets. Some of these assets include land around its headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and its Tritec engine plant in Brazil. LaSorda also confirmed that a future small car currently being developed with China’s Chery Auto is still on track despite a number of engineering changes being made. If the updates are completed in time, the car could go on sale in North America by as early as next year. Read More

Germany’s delta4×4, the Bavarian-based SUV specialists, has developed a modified version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 just in time for the Essen Motor Show, which develops no less than 499hp (372kW) from a its worked V8 engine. The bump in power from the standard version’s 425hp (317kW) mill sees the tuned Jeep reach 100km/h from rest in less than five seconds.

The list of modifications includes a custom sport exhaust system and performance manifold as well as a high-flow cat and modified air-intake. The exterior changes consist of a new front spoiler, suspension kit and unique alloy wheels measuring 23in in diameter and... Germany’s delta4×4, the Bavarian-based SUV specialists, has developed a modified version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 just in time for the Essen Motor Show, which develops no less than 499hp (372kW) from a its worked V8 engine. The bump in power from the standard version’s 425hp (317kW) mill sees the tuned Jeep reach 100km/h from rest in less than five seconds. The list of modifications includes a custom sport exhaust system and performance manifold as well as a high-flow cat and modified air-intake. The exterior changes consist of a new front spoiler, suspension kit and unique alloy wheels measuring 23in in diameter and mounted with 305mm Continental Cross Contact tires. Extra features include a Warn winch integrated into the front spoiler, extra lighting, a stainless steel roof-rack and a maroon matt-finish paint scheme.499HP DUNE Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 by delta4×4 Read More