New engines, including the Hemi 5.7-litre V8 from the Chrysler 300C/Dodge Magnum and new four-wheel drive systems are the highlights of Chrysler’s fully redesigned 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee launched on Wednesday in New York.
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“With best-in-class tractive capability and best-in-class power, the newest generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed, engineered and built to master every imaginable day-to-day driving condition, whether on paved or unpaved surfaces,” the press kit gushes.
The first of the three new 4WD systems is Quadra-Trac I which uses the NV140 single-speed transfer case to provide full-time four-wheel drive with no transfer case lever to shift or driver involvement required.
Jeeps says that the single-speed transfer case should lure a new group of buyers as a first step up from the entry-level, two-wheel drive versions, which currently account for approximately 25% of the division’s sales.
Quadra-Trac II incorporates the new NV245 transfer case that provides full-time active four-wheel drive, which anticipates and prevents wheel slip for optimum traction during a wide range of conditions. The NV245 also includes electronic shift with a low-range gear and neutral for towing the Grand Cherokee behind another vehicle.
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By GlobalDataFinally, Quadra-Drive II uses electronic limited slip differentials (ELSD) in place of the so-called Vari-Lock progressive axles used on the Quadra-Drive system in previous generation models for even quicker response to changing conditions and greater torque capacity.
The new, optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine is claimed to deliver best-in-class power while the 3.7-litre V6, nicked from the smaller Liberty/Cherokee line, will replace the long-serving four-litre inline six. The 4.7-litre V8 engine from the previous range will also be available.
There’s no mention yet of diesels but they are sure to be in the production plan for the European Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria, which handles European and right hand drive market production and starts build in first quarter 2005, about six months after the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.
The Austrians currently bolt a five-cylinder Mercedes turbodiesel attached to a five-speed automatic into some versions of the current Grand Cherokee they assemble.
Meanwhile, back in the USA, the 2005 model will be the first sport-utility vehicle to offer Chrysler’s multi-displacement system which kills half the cylinders of the Hemi petrol V8 during cruising and light acceleration to increase fuel economy by up to 20%, depending on driving conditions.
A new electronic throttle control system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions, and is said to maintain more consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active than the former mechanical throttle control system.
With approximately 7% less displacement, the 3.7-litre V6 produces more peak power than the four-litre straight six it replaces, while producing comparable torque and is also said to be smoother and quieter, more durable and better packaged in the vehicle.
An all-new independent front suspension with wheel travel increased 13% and tighter turning circle makes its debut along with new five-link rear suspension geometry, including a track bar, that improves lateral stiffness to match that of the front suspension for improved handling.
Jeep is also introducing a Land Rover Discovery-like hydraulic-controlled active stabiliser system dubbed Dynamic Handling System as standard with the Hemi V8. It’s said to “significantly” reduce body roll and provide a smoother ride.
Also offered for the first time is an electronic stability programme that uses sensors to determine appropriate brake and throttle adjustments for directional stability.
New rack-and-pinion steering replaces a recirculating ball system and system and versions with the 3.7-litre V6 get a new five-speed automatic gearbox – the V8 ‘box is a carry-over with modifications.
Both transmissions have another feature new to the Grand Cherokee: so called “Electronic Range Select driver interactive shift control” which is simply a manual override of gear ratio (to a point) achieved by moving the lever to a different slot and pushing it left or right – this is called AutoStick in Chrysler cars and Tiptronic in a Porsche.
The styling is a thorough and, we think, attractive rework with plenty of visual links to the old model.
New interior options include sat-nav radio, rear seat DVD, Boston Acoustics audio, UConnect hands-free communications, Smart Beam headlights and Rear-Park Assist.
