Jeep issued the following press release:
The latest Jeep Grand Cherokee will debut in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show with a new appearance that accentuates the vehicle’s distinctive design and 4×4 leadership.
Available in Europe in late spring, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee features a fresh look with a new front fascia, grille and round fog lamps for all models.
The more upright grille bars enhance the trademark seven-slotted grille design, and the sculpted front fascia holds round fog lamps that invoke Jeep’s heritage and strengthen the family resemblance with the Cherokee and Wrangler.
In keeping with the Jeep brand’s “go-anywhere, do-anything” philosophy, the new Grand Cherokee is offered with a new navigation radio for European customers, for the first time available direct from the factory. This new system, similar to the one now offered on Chrysler Voyager and PT Cruiser, combines a 4.9-inch (12.4-cm) full-colour display, AM/FM stereo, CD player and navigation system that utilizes DVD technology all in one handy unit. — Tokyo Show sustainability concepts.
New 17-inch five-spoke wheels are now standard on the Limited model. For all Grand Cherokee models, new convex outside mirrors reduce high-speed shake, and the new exterior colour Deep Lava Red is added to the palette.
Overland Diesel Model Extends Line-up
As the creator of the sport-utility vehicle segment, Jeep continues to offer unique vehicles to a wide range of customers. And the upper end of the Jeep line-up has become even stronger with the addition of the Overland diesel model.
The top-of-the-range Grand Cherokee Overland is now equipped with the 2.7 common-rail turbo diesel engine available in other trim levels. The 2.7 CRD engine provides 120 kW (163 hp) of power and 400 N’m of torque, and it is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Grand Cherokee Overland is distinguished by unique machined-rim “Rogue” 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels, body-colour exterior fascia panels and grille surround, rock rails to protect the sills and a bright finished exhaust pipe on petrol models. The Quadra-Drive’ four-wheel-drive system is standard on Overland, as is a skid plate set for optimum off-road protection. — all-new Toyota Land Cruiser V8.
Inside, extra equipment includes a power sunroof, 10-disc CD changer with remote control, unique suede and leather seat trim, 10-way powered and heated front seats, and real Redwood Burl wood trim on the instrument panel, centre console, upper door trims and upper part of the steering wheel.
Grand Cherokee Overland is also available with the 4.7 High Output V-8 petrol engine. The Laredo and Limited trim levels and two other petrol engines, the 4.0 I-6 and 4.7 V-8, round out the range.
In all Jeep Grand Cherokee interiors, a new cubby bin for holding sunglasses or a mobile phone is added to the instrument panel. An optional ashtray can be ordered in place of the bin.
Enhanced Ride and Safety Features
The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s suspension features reduced pressure shocks for improvements in overall ride comfort. Reduced brake pedal effort allowing shorter stopping distances during braking manoeuvres was accomplished by increasing the master cylinder output pressure for a “lighter” brake pedal feel. New brake calipers complement the lighter brake pedal feel, providing smoother and more linear braking. Jeep engineers also reduced steering effort both on- and off-centre through the use of a revised steering gear torsion bar. — 2008 Sequoia at Los Angeles Auto Show.
Standard multi-stage driver and passenger front air bags are designed to deploy at different levels depending on the severity of the impact. Available ceiling-mounted side curtain air bags offer additional head protection for both front and rear outboard occupants.
Utilising a rain sensor attached to the windscreen, Grand Cherokee offers rain-sensing front wipers. When the windscreen wiper control is turned to “AUTO,” the wiper system automatically activates when it rains and adjusts its speed according to the severity of the rain. This feature is optional on Limited and standard on Overland.
Jeep Grand Cherokee is built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, USA, and at the Steyr-Daimler-Puch Fahrzeugtechnik AG assembly plant in Graz, Austria.
