Chrysler Group is to follow the successful trial marketing programme of Jeep Liberty (Cherokee for export) turbodiesel models with what it claims will be the first diesel-powered, full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) to be offered in the United States. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Mercedes-Benz-made three-litre common rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine will arrive at dealers in the first quarter of 2007.
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Although new to American consumers, this is the second generation Grand Cherokee diesel long familiar to European buyers. The Graz, Austria-assembled first-generation, with five-cylinder inline Mercedes engine, was introduced in Europe and other export markets – with both left-and right-hand drive – in the late ‘90s and its successor arrived over a year ago with the new Mercedes V6 turbodiesel that is also used in the Austrian-built Chrysler 300C sedan and wagon (Touring) line.
“DaimlerChrysler is a leader in automotive diesel applications in Europe, and it makes sense to continue to build on that experience by offering a modern, clean diesel for the US market,” said Chrysler Vice President — Rear-Wheel-Drive Product Team, Craig Love. “The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel will offer consumers increased fuel economy, class-leading torque, towing and driving range.”
The US specification three-litre CRD engine produces 215hp (160kW)@3800 rpm and 376 lb-ft torque (510Nm)@1600-2800 rpm and gets an estimated fuel economy of 19 miles city and 23 miles highway per US gallon.
Chrysler is claiming class-leading torque, outstanding towing capacity (7,400 lbs.), and a class-leading driving range of approximately 425 miles for the US model. It said that clean diesel technology improves fuel economy by up to 30% and has up to 20% fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
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By GlobalDataThe turbodiesel engine will be available in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, Limited and Overland models.
Chrysler was the first US automaker to offer a mid-size, diesel-powered SUV in the US – the 2005 Jeep Liberty with a 2.8-litre CRD engine supplied by Italy’s VM Motori, whose motors also powered the previous generation (US-built) Cherokee in Europe as well as Graz-built Chrysler Voyager minivans.
Chrysler also sells a US-built PT Cruiser diesel line in Europe – these have a 2.2-litre I4 Mercedes engine. The upcoming US-made Dodge Caliber will also have a diesel engine option with these motors supplied by Volkswagen.
Based on consumer response, the diesel-powered Jeep Liberty exceeded the company’s expectations in the US where more than 11,000 diesel Liberty models have been sold since production began. Chrysler said the Liberty diesel remains a strong seller, “as consumers realize the benefits of diesel technology”.
More than 60% of Chrysler Group vehicles sold in Western Europe are diesel-powered and, between 2003 and 2007, the automaker will triple the number of diesels offered outside North America. Of the estimated 20 vehicles available, at least 12 will have the option of a diesel powertrain, up from four in 2003).
The Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD will be manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. Its engine is built at the Mercedes-Benz Berlin Marienfelde plant.
US pricing has not yet been announced.
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