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Jeep Grand Cherokee arrives

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Home > News > Chrysler Group > Jeep

1st February, 2011

Nearly two decades ago, Jeep introduced the Grand Cherokee. More than 4 million sales later, Jeep improves the formula and provides the ideal balance between iconic 4x4 capability and on-road refinement with the all-new Grand Cherokee, which is now on sale in Australia from a remarkable $45,000*.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand’s legendary four-wheel-drive capability, delivered through a torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case. It also features a a world-class interior cabin and offers new powertrains delivering improved fuel consumption and outstanding tow capability.

The all-new Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system is a first for Jeep, delivering legendary Jeep off-road capability and delightful on-road ride. In addition, the new Selec-Terrain™ traction control system allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road driving conditions. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver premium on-road handling and comfort.

“With the all-new Grand Cherokee, Jeep has created the benchmark, premium SUV,” said Dean Bonthorne, Senior Manager of Marketing and Corporate Communications – Chrysler Australia. “Unique innovations such as our new Quadra-Lift suspension and Selec-Terrain traction control systems separate Jeep from the crowd and take the new Grand Cherokee to the next level of 4x4 capability. The new generation of the iconic Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers the ideal blend of on-road refinement, craftsmanship, world-class design, improved fuel consumption, innovative features and real-world capability that is ideally suited to the Australian market.”

Legendary Capability and On-road Refinement

  • Most capable and refined Grand Cherokee ever
  • NEW Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension system
  • Choice of two 4x4 systems: Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive® II with rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD)
  • NEW Jeep Selec-Terrain system featuring five terrain settings to match conditions
  • NEW independent front and rear suspension systems
  • NEW body structure provides 146 per cent increase in torsional stiffness for improved NVH

Quadra-Lift: The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the new Quadra-Lift air suspension system that provides a total of 104 mm of lift adjustment. Quadra-Lift operates automatically or may be controlled manually via console controls.

Quadra-Lift is supported by four-corner air springs featuring five height settings for optimum ride performance:

  • Normal Ride Height (NRH): 205 mm of clearance offers improved fuel consumption and improved aerodynamics during on-road driving
  • Off Road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional 33 mm to 238 mm for added height in clearing obstacles
  • Off Road 2: Delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability and provides an additional 66 mm over NRH for 271 mm of ground clearance
  • Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 38 mm from NRH for easy ingress/egress and roof rack loading. NRH and Park mode are driver-selectable, giving the driver control over vehicle ride height
  • Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle 13 mm from NRH. Aero Mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel consumption

With the front air dam removed and the available Quadra-Lift air suspension set to Off Road 2 mode, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 34.3 degree approach angle, a 27.3 degree (to rear recovery tow hook) departure angle and a 23.1 degree break-over angle.

Two 4x4 Systems: The Jeep Grand Cherokee will offer two 4x4 systems in Australia: Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II.

Quadra-Trac II’s two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tyre slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximises traction before slippage occurs. When tyre slippage is detected, as much as 100 per cent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

Quadra-Drive II, with a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD), delivers industry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tyre slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tyres with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

Selec-Terrain: In addition to the Quadra-Lift air suspension, the all-new Selec-Terrain traction control system lets customers choose the setting for the optimum experience on all types of terrain. This feature electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

The Selec-Terrain control dial allows the driver to choose from five driving conditions in order to achieve the best driving experience:

  • Snow: Vehicle traction adjusts for ultimate performance over snow-covered roads
  • Sport: Provides enhanced on-road “fun-to-drive” capability
  • Auto: Automatically adapts to any on- or off-road situation
  • Sand/Mud: Traction Control and Quadra-Lift operate with sensitive response to wheel spin and torque is tuned for optimal performance
  • Rock: Quadra-Lift suspension raises to a maximum height of 271 mm and the transfer case, differentials and throttle coordinate to provide low-speed control

Selec-Terrain, coupled with the all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension, offers drivers an adjustable suspension span that delivers world-class capability. Selec-Terrain is standard with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II.

On-road Refinement: The all-new independent front and rear suspension deliver premium on-road manners with isolated front and rear suspension cradles and variable-rate rear springs that combine to enhance on-road character and ride comfort.

The new rear suspension allows the spare tyre to be stored inside the vehicle as opposed to underneath.

The all-new body structure’s torsional stiffness is 146 per cent greater than the previous model for improved durability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Stiffness is achieved with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. This marks a 53 per cent increase in spot welds, a 42 per cent increase in arc welds and a 38 per cent increase in structural adhesive.

Stunning Exterior Design and Refined Interiors

  • Most luxurious Jeep ever with stunning exterior design and world-class, refined interiors
  • NEW sculpted body and athletic profile define sleek interior/aerodynamic finesse
  • NEW CommandView® dual-pane panoramic sun roof
  • Premium soft-touch interior materials
  • Larger front and rear door openings (78 degrees)
  • Increased rear-seat knee clearance and leg room of 98 1mm
  • Larger cargo volume behind rear seat provides 11 per cent more room for gear

Classic Exterior Design: Every surface of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and treated for aerodynamics. This improves fuel efficiency and puts more fluidity into the design while delivering an 8.5 per cent improvement in drag compared with the previous model. The Grand Cherokee Coefficient of drag (Cd) is approximately 0.37 compared with the previous model’s Cd of 0.404.

The front includes Jeep’s classic seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel arches. The removable lower front fascia delivers improved fuel consumption, on-road performance and off-road capability. The lower front fascia features a large chromed appliqué on Limited and Overland models. Tow eyes are standard on all models.

From the side, Jeep Grand Cherokee features an athletic, muscular like profile. Black appliqués on B-pillars give the bright day-light opening (DLO) an aerodynamic, modern appearance and a sleek profile. Available chromed door handles add to the profile and complement the full-chromed DLO surround on all models.

Laredo features standard 18-inch wheels. Limited and Overland models feature standard 20-inch wheels.

Taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle and provide a solid form, which achieves more of an upscale appearance. The treatment complements the front-end design and resonates with the rest of the exterior.

Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with the 5.7 litre HEMI® V8 engine have 89 mm dual chromed exhaust tips, and those with the V6 engine have a 76 mm single exhaust (Laredo) or 89 mm chromed tip (Limited).

World-class Interior Refinement: The all-new interior features rich materials and elegant appointments as well as more room for both passengers and cargo.

The instrument panel is completely redesigned and features soft-touch material with available contrast stitching that is carried throughout the interior, including seats. Soft-touch material is integrated not only on the instrument panel but on customer touch points including doors, consoles and armrests. By using softer materials, the Jeep design team was able to achieve fit and finish complimented by lower interior noise levels.

The all-new CommandView® dual-pane sun roof is standard on Overland models and available on Limited. It provides twice as much glass surface than a standard sun roof and extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. The front panel may be opened rearward, providing additional light and fresh air to first-row passengers. The rear panel, which is fixed, allows light and open viewing for second-row passengers and comes standard with a power sun shade.

Interior Comfort: Inside, premium seating includes room for five passengers.

Front seat occupants will always find the perfect seat position thanks to standard 8-way power seats with 4-way power lumber adjustment and 4-way head restraints.

For added passenger comfort, rear seats recline a total of 12 degrees, with three lockable detents to make selection quick and easy. The 60/40 split fold seat back also features 12 degrees of forward adjustment to provide increased cargo carrying capacity without stowing the rear seat back. The maximum rear cargo volume is 11 per cent larger than the outgoing model and 782 litres in total.

Compared to previous models, a larger front door opening is 48 mm wider and 51 mm higher, and the rear door opening is now 78 degrees (from 67 degrees) for better access to the interior.

The well-appointed rear cargo area includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and new and improved baggage hooks on both sides. The spare tyre compartment includes removable dual storage bins for secure storage of muddy gear or other items.

An all-new power rear liftgate is available for effortless remote up/down convenience.

Powertrains

  • Available with two leading engine options: NEW 3.6 litre Pentastar V6 and improved 5.7 litre HEMI® V8
  • 3.6-litre V6 fuel consumption is rated at 11.4 L/100 km (combined) and CO2 of 265 g/km
  • 3.6-litre V6 with Dual Variable-valve Timing (VVT) delivers 210 kW of power and 347 Nm of torque
  • New to the 5.7 litre V8, VVT contributes towards  259 kW of power and 520 Nm of torque
  • Trailer tow capability of up to 3,500 kg for the V8 engine and 2,268 kg with the V6 engine

All-new 3.6 litre Pentastar V6 engine: Jeep Grand Cherokee features the first application of the all-new 3.6 litre Pentastar V6 engine. This all-new 3.6-litre V6 engine is standard on the Grand Cherokee and features an all-new design with dual double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminium cylinder block in a 60 degree configuration. It features Quad Variable-valve Timing (VVT) and delivers 210 kW of power at 6,350 rpm and 347 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm, providing customers more than a 10 per cent improvement in fuel consumption.

It is coupled with the proven W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth shifts and optimum fuel consumption. The five-speed W5A580 transmission includes adaptive electronic control or Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver-interactive manual control and an electronically modulated torque converter clutch.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers trailer tow capability of up to 2,268 kg on models equipped with the Pentastar V6 engine.

Legendary 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine: The 2011 Grand Cherokee is also available with the legendary 5.7-litre HEMI® V8 engine. Featuring VVT, it delivers 259 kW of power at 5,200 rpm and 520 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm.

The 5.7 litre engine’s fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS) seamlessly alternates between smooth, efficient four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V8 mode when more power is in demand. This optimises fuel consumption when V8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.

The Grand Cherokee offers unsurpassed trailer tow capability of up to 3,500 kg when equipped with the 5.7 litre V8 engine.

More than 45 Safety and Security Features

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee includes more than 45 safety and security features.

Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection, All-speed Traction Control (ASTC), Trailer-sway Control (TSC), Keyless Enter-N-Go™ (passive entry/pushbutton start) and remote keyless entry.

Other standard safety features include next generation air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger, full-length side-curtain air bags that extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger, standard driver inflatable knee bolster and active head restraints that deploy in the event of a rear collision.

In June 2010, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee was presented with a ‘Top Safety Pick’ award by America's Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – the highest rating the organisation bestows. Vehicles that earn ‘Top Safety Pick’ meet the highest standards for crash test performance, encompassing state-of-the-art safety for the best protection in the most common types of crashes.

Manufacturing

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is manufactured at the nearly 278,709 sq.m Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit (USA), which has been the North American site of Grand Cherokee production since its introduction in 1992.

In preparation for production of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, JNAP went through a complete transformation as part of World Class Manufacturing (WCM), an extensive and thorough process to provide state-of-the-art manufacturing practices. Part of that transformation included the addition of a 26,477sq.m. expansion to replace the existing body shop, one piece of Chrysler Group’s investment of approximately $1.8 billion in new vehicle programmes.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Continues its Global Appeal

  • Jeep Grand Cherokee is sold in over 100 countries
  • Fourth-generation Grand Cherokee strengthens its position as the global flagship of the Jeep brand
  • All-new Jeep Grand Cherokee brings premium features and amenities to the SUV segment and continues to set the off-road benchmark

Since its introduction, more than 4.3 million Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles have been sold worldwide. Leading the path carved by its three predecessors, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee will continue to set a global standard with its on-road refinement, off-road mastery and overall performance.

Jeep Brand

Built on nearly 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle line-up in Australia includes Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

Pricing

Arguably one of the most impressive factors around the launch of the all-new Grand Cherokee is the value story. Starting at $45,000*, the pricing is thousands below that of the outgoing model, despite the significant lift in features, equipment and quality. This is set to make the Jeep Grand Cherokee a major contender in Australia’s SUV sector.

Manufacturer's List Price* (MLP*) excludes state/territory government statutory charges and dealer delivery fees):

Grand Cherokee Laredo

  • $45,000* 3.6L V6 5-speed automatic
  • Premium Paint                              $450
  • Quadra-Lift air suspension            $2,500

Grand Cherokee Limited

  • $55,000* 3.6L V6 5-speed automatic
  • $60,000* 5.7L V8 5-speed automatic
  • Premium Paint                              $495
  • Quadra-Lift air suspension            $3,250
  • Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof     $3,250
  • Luxury Group                                $3,250
    • Power liftgate and heated steering wheel
  • Off-Road Adventure Group          $1,950
    • (18” alloys, Quadra-Drive II, Skid Plate group)

Grand Cherokee Overland

  • $69,500* 5.7L V8 5-speed automatic
  • Premium Paint                              $495
  • Rear DVD Entertainment centre  $3,250
    • Deletes dual pane sunroof
  • Off-Road Adventure Group          $650
    • 18” alloys, Quadra-Drive II, Skid Plate group

Note, any combination of options that may cause the price of the vehicle to exceed the LCT threshold ($57,466 @ 33%) will attract additional costs in the way of extra tax.

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Standard Equipment

  • Advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger, front seat mounted side, side-curtain air bags and drivers knee-bolster air bag
  • 4-wheel disc with anti-lock brake system (ABS)
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Brake Assist, All-speed Traction Control (ASTC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Rain brake support, Ready alert braking and Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
  • Sentry Key® anti-theft engine immobiliser
  • Dual-zone automatic temperature control (ATC) with air filtration system
  • Media Centre 431 CD/DVD/HDD radio with 16.5 cm touch screen, 30GB hard drive (6,700 song capacity), Voice Command and Audio Jack
  • 6-speaker audio system (Laredo) or Alpine® premium audio system with 9-speakers plus subwoofer and 506- watt amplifier (Limited)
  • 18-inch polished aluminium wheels (std Laredo)
  • 20-inch painted aluminium wheels (std Limited and Overland)
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) systems
  • Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC)
  • Bright side roof rails
  • Quadra-Trac® II or Quadra-Drive® II four-wheel drive system (std on Overland)
  • Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA)
  • Selec-Terrain™ system

Basic Specifications: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Grand Cherokees Laredo Limited Overland
Pentastar 3.6L V6 Engine
— Standard on Laredo & Limited

— Power kW @ rpm 

210 @ 6,350

— Torque Nm @ rpm

347 @ 4,300

— Transmission

5-speed auto (W5A580)

HEMI® 5.7L V8 Engine
— Optional on Limited, Standard on Overland

— Power kW @ rpm 

259 @ 5,200

— Torque Nm @ rpm

520 @ 4,200

— Transmission

5-speed auto (545RFE)

Drivetrain

 

4WD

Wheelbase

 

2,915

Overall length

 

4,822

Overall height 

— steel/air suspension

1,781/1,764 

 

— aerial installed on roof adds

+220

Overall width

 

1,943

Seating capacity

 

5

Head room

— front/rear

960/990

Leg room

— front/rear

1,025/981

Shoulder room

— front/rear

1,491/1,474

Hip room

— front/rear

1,449/1,428

Cargo volume (L)

— seats up/seats folded

782/1,554

Track

 — front/rear

1,628/1,634

Ground clearance

— steel/Quadra-Lift™ (NRH)(1)

 218/205

Approach angle 

— steel/Quadra-Lift™ (NRH)(1) 

26°/25°

Break-over angle

— steel/Quadra-Lift™ (NRH)(1)

19°/18°

Departure angle

— steel/Quadra-Lift™ (NRH)(1)

 24°/23°

Water fording depth

 

508

Overhang

 — front/rear

887/1,020

All measurements are in millimetres unless otherwise noted.

(1) NRH = normal ride height


NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice.


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