All-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Inventor of the SUV Hits the Sweet Spot of Real-world Capability and On-road Refinement

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Chrysler Group LLC

Jun 21, 2010, 08:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 21 /PRNewswire/ --

Legendary Jeep® Capability

New Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system provides height control and lifts vehicle up to 4.1 inches from Park mode to a maximum ride height of 10.7 inches to deliver legendary Jeep® off-road capability
Choice of three 4x4 systems – Quadra-Trac I®, Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive® II with rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD)
New Selec-Terrain™ system with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II offers five terrain settings: Auto, Sand/Mud, Sport, Snow and Rock to match driving conditions
First application of company's all-new, flexible-fuel, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine features an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy, delivering up to 23 mpg (500 miles on one tank of gas), Variable-valve Timing (VVT), 290 hp (216 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 N*m) at 4,800 rpm
For international markets, left- and right-hand drive and a choice of diesel and petrol powertrains will be available
Trailer-tow capability of up to 7,400 pounds
Improved ride and handling with all-new platform, including new front and rear independent suspension

Stunning Exterior

All-new sculpted body and athletic profile define a sleek exterior with aerodynamic finesse
All-new dual-pane panoramic sun roof (CommandView®) extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. Comprised of two glass panels with power open/close sun shade
New power rear liftgate for effortless remote up/down convenience (Grand Cherokee first)
New 20-inch wheels available on Limited and standard on Overland models
Bi-Xenon High-intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps standard on Limited and Overland models
Segment-exclusive SmartBeam® headlamps adjust to ambient light and oncoming traffic to deliver maximum lighting; standard on Limited and Overland models

World-class Interior

Premium soft-touch interior materials for all models, including leather instrument panel and door trim on Overland model
World-class interior features include real wood and leather, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, four-way power lumbar controls, rain-sensitive wipers, Keyless Enter-N-Go, ParkView™ rear back-up camera and power tilt/telescoping steering column with memory
Increased storage areas in instrument panel with larger locking glove box and covered center-stack storage bin
Premium packaging for up to five passengers and cargo
Larger front- and rear-door openings (78 degrees) for improved ingress/egress compared to previous model (67 degrees)
More than 4 inches of increased rear-seat knee and leg room (38.6 inches) compared to previous model with reclining second-row seats
Larger cargo volume (35.1 cubic feet) provides nearly 19 percent more room for gear compared to previous model (29.5 cubic feet)
Well-appointed cargo compartment with removable dual storage bins inside the spare tire compartment

Ride and Handling

All-new front and rear suspension independent delivers 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
All-new body structure's torsional stiffness is 146 percent stiffer than previous model and stiffer than the BMW X5, Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes ML for improved durability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)
Stiffness achieved with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. This marks a 53-percent increase in spot welds, a 42-percent increase in arc welds and a 38-percent increase in structural adhesive

More than 45 Safety and Security Features

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) includes Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill-start Assist, Trailer-sway Control and Hill-descent Control
Standard full-length side-curtain air bags extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers
Standard seat-mounted side thorax air bags enhance protection of the driver and front passenger
Standard Active Head Restraints deploy in the event of a rear collision in order to minimize the gap between the head restraint and occupant's head
Blind-spot/Rear cross-path detection system notifies driver of vehicle(s) in blind spots with illuminated icons on side-view mirrors and/or an audible chime
Adaptive Cruise Control decreases vehicle's pre-set cruise-control speed when closing in on another vehicle or when another vehicle pulls into same lane (late availability)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system detects when the vehicle may be approaching another vehicle too rapidly and alerts driver (late availability)
Remote start feature starts engine and activates comfort settings based on ambient conditions by using the key fob while maintaining vehicle security (standard on Overland; available on Limited)

Connectivity and Infotainment

FLO TV™ offers live mobile TV to consumers with the capacity for as many as 20 channels including CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, Fox News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, Nickelodeon and more
SIRIUS Backseat TV™ offers customers programming from Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. The system operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and an additional antenna mounted on the vehicle's roof
Uconnect™ Web provides high-speed data transfer and flexibility, combining Wi-Fi and 3G cellular connectivity for a new level of wireless technology. The system transforms the vehicle into a "hot spot" to deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle for instant access to Web sites, e-mail, personalized music, online gaming, photo albums and more
Uconnect Navigation combines the features of a Global Positioning System (GPS), points of interest, SIRIUS Traffic and Voice Command
Uconnect Phone is an in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows drivers to talk on a Bluetooth-compatible phone with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The built-in phone book's sync feature automatically downloads as many as 1,000 phone book entries from supported phones, which can then be selected by simply saying contact name. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility
Premium audio system with nine speakers, surround sound and a 506-watt subwoofer

Nearly two decades ago, Jeep invented the premium sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. More than 4 million sales later, Jeep improves the formula and hits the sweet spot of Jeep 4x4 capability and on-road refinement with the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand's legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. It also offers improved fuel economy (up to 23 mpg) and a world-class interior cabin.

The all-new Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability along with the new Selec-Terrain™ system that 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 2011 Grand Cherokee, Jeep has created the benchmark, premium SUV," said Mike Manley, President and Chief Executive Officer — Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Unique innovations such as our new Quadra-Lift air suspension system 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 perfect blend of on-road refinement, superb craftsmanship, world-class design, improved fuel economy, innovative features and legendary, real-world capability."

Legendary Capability

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the new Quadra-Lift air suspension system.

The Quadra-Lift air suspension system features five height settings for optimum ride performance:

Normal Ride Height (NRH): 8.1 inches of clearance offers improved fuel economy and improved aerodynamics during on-road driving
Off-road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional 1.3 inches for added height in clearing obstacles (9.4 inches)
Off-road 2: Delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability and provides an additional 2.6 inches of height for 10.7 inches of ground clearance
Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 1.5 inches 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 .6 inches from NRH. Aero mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel economy

Quadra-Lift adds up to 4.1 inches of lift span that is supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console controls.

In addition to the Quadra-Lift air suspension system, the all-new Selec-Terrain traction control system lets customers choose the off-road setting for the optimum experience on all terrains. 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's control dial allows the driver to choose from five driving conditions in order to achieve the best driving experience on all terrains:

Sand/Mud: Traction control and Quadra-Lift operate with sensitive response to wheel spin, and torque is tuned for optimal performance
Sport: Provides enhanced on-road "fun-to-drive" capability
Auto: Automatically adapts to any on- or off-road situation
Snow: Vehicle traction adjusts for ultimate performance over snow-covered roads
Rock: Quadra-Lift air suspension system raises to maximum height (10.7 inches) and the transfer case, differentials, and throttle coordinate to provide low-speed control

Selec-Terrain, coupled with the all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension system, offers drivers an adjustable suspension span that delivers world-class capability.

With the front air dam removed, and the available Quadra-Lift air suspension system, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 34.3-degree approach angle, (compared to 32.3 on previous model), a 29.3-degree departure angle (compared to 27.5 on previous model) and 23.1-degree breakover angle (compared to 20.4 on previous model).

The all-new front and rear independent suspension features isolated front and rear suspension cradles. Variable-rate rear springs deliver improved on-road handling and comfort that complements the vehicle's off-road capability. The new rear suspension allows the spare tire to be stored inside the vehicle as opposed to underneath.

Go-Anywhere 4x4 Systems

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers three 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I®, Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive® II).

Quadra-Trac I delivers full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull.

The system provides smooth operation over a variety of road conditions. This light-weight single-speed case is both proven and highly efficient for enhanced fuel economy.

Quadra-Trac II's two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tire 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 maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent 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 tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

Selec-Terrain is standard with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II.

Jeep Trail Rated®

All 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with either the Off-road Adventure I or the Off-road Adventure II packages are Trail Rated®. The Jeep Trail Rated badge on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee indicates that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.

Jeep Trail Rated is a unique methodology used by Jeep Engineering to measure and predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, Jeep Trail Rated provides a consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.

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-percent improvement in drag compared with the previous model. The all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee Coefficient of drag (Cd) is approximately 0.37 compared with the previous model's Cd of 0.404.

"Our all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is much more refined, focused and sportier than the model it replaces," said Ralph Gilles, Senior Vice President — Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. "It has classic Jeep Grand Cherokee styling with sculpted athletic exterior refinements for 2011."

The front includes Jeep's classic seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel arches. The removable lower front fascia delivers improved fuel economy, on-road performance and off-road capability. The lower front fascia features a large chromed applique (Limited and Overland models) that showcases available tow hooks.

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

Standard 17-and 18-inch wheels deliver off-road capability, along with all-new to Jeep, optional 20-inch wheels for 2011.

Taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle and create a solid form which achieves a more 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-liter MDS V-8 engine have 3.5-inch dual chromed exhaust tips, and those with the V-6 engine have a 3-inch single exhaust with optional 3.5-inch chromed tips.

World-class Interior Refinement

The all-new interior features rich materials and elegant appointments, as well as more room for both passengers and cargo.

"Following in the footsteps of the benchmark 2009 Dodge Ram, the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is another proud graduate of our Advanced Interior Design Studio," said Gilles. "We achieved a world-class interior by using fine materials and maintaining a more focused attention to detail."

An available all-new CommandView® dual-pane sun roof 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.

Right-sized Packaging

The vehicle's 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than the model it replaces and contributes to an overall vehicle length that is 1.8 inches longer than the prior model. The longer wheelbase creates more interior room and gives passengers an additional 4 inches of rear-seat knee and leg room. The vehicle also is three inches wider for improved handling and packaging.

Larger front door openings (1.9 inches wider; 2 inches higher) and rear doors that open 78 degrees (compared to previous model's 67 degrees) provide better access to the interior.

Inside, premium seating includes room for five passengers. An available fold-flat front-passenger seat provides improved cargo storage room (Laredo E models).

For maximum cargo and passenger comfort, rear seat backs move a total of 18 degrees front to back.

Cargo volume behind the second row provides an additional 5.6 cubic feet of room (35.1 cubic feet total) compared to the previous model. The well-appointed rear cargo area includes a storage unit with a removable/rechargeable flashlight and new and improved grocery hooks on both sides. The spare tire 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.

Premium Performance

Continuing to build on the Jeep brand's legendary off-road capability, the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee adds premium on-road performance to complete the package.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's premium SUV on-road manners and legendary Jeep ruggedness is achieved with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. Torsional stiffness is 146 percent stiffer than the previous Grand Cherokee and stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander for improved durability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

More than 3,700 mm of arc welding and 100 m of structural adhesive augment the welding. This marks a 53-percent increase in spot welds, a 42-percent increase in arc welds and a 38-percent increase in structural adhesive.

Powertrains

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with two leading engine options for North American markets.

All-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee features the first application of the all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. This all-new flexible-fuel 3.6-liter V-6 engine is standard on the 2011 Grand Cherokee and features an all-new design with double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration. It features Variable-valve Timing (VVT) and delivers 290 horsepower (216 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 N*m) at 4,800 rpm. The all-new V-6 engine improves fuel economy up to 11 percent compared to the previous Grand Cherokee equipped with a V-6. It is coupled with the proven W5A580, a five-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy. 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 5,000 pounds on models equipped with the Pentastar V-6 engine.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's V-6 engine offers improved fuel economy and delivers a range of approximately 500 miles on one tank of gas.

Legendary 5.7-liter V-8 engine

The available legendary 5.7-liter Multi-displacement System (MDS) V-8 engine delivers 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 390 lb.-ft. of torque (520 N*m) at 4,250 rpm. The 5.7-liter V-8 also features VVT, which delivers performance and towing capability, and fuel efficiency with fuel-saving MDS. The MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power from the 5.7-liter MDS engine is requested. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not needed, without sacrificing vehicle performance. The 5.7-liter MDS V-8 engine is mated to the 545RFE multi-speed automatic transmission.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers trailer tow capability of up to 7,400 pounds on 4x2 models when equipped with the 5.7-liter V-8 engine.

For international markets, the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in left- and right-hand drive with either diesel or petrol powertrains.

More than 45 Safety and Security Features

The all-new 2011 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, four-wheel Brake Traction Control System (BTCS), Keyless Enter-N-Go, Remote keyless entry, express up/down windows for driver and front-seat passenger, seat-belt pretensioners, Trailer-sway Control and Remote start, which is standard on Limited and Overland and available on Laredo models.

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

The body structure is all new and designed to achieve expected safety performance in global markets (new roof-crush standards, side-impact standards and Euro pedestrian impact standards).

Connectivity and Infotainment Features

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers customers an array of infotainment technologies for driver safety and passenger enjoyment. The features enable drivers to safely communicate, navigate and select entertainment options using advance voice recognition controls. Passengers can stay entertained with a multitude of features, including FLO TV™, SIRIUS Satellite Radio™, SIRIUS Backseat TV™, Uconnect™ Navigation, Uconnect Phone and Uconnect Web.

Manufacturing

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is built at the nearly 3-million-square-foot Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit, which has been the site of Grand Cherokee production since its introduction in 1992.

In preparation for production of the all-new Grand Cherokee, JNAP went through a complete transformation as part of World Class Manufacturing (WCM), an extensive and thorough process to restore all Chrysler Group facilities to their original and maximum functionality. Part of that transformation included the addition of a 285,000-square-foot expansion to replace the existing body shop, one piece of Chrysler's investment of approximately $1.8 billion in new vehicle programs.

During the fall of 2009 the JNAP workforce went to work focusing on ways to improve the look and functionality of the plant. They made significant changes in workplace organization and logistics systems, found ways to improve quality, and addressed ergonomic issues.

Taking the transformation one step further, more than 1,400 hourly and salaried employees participated in more than 44,000 hours of training in preparation for launch and submitted over 2,500 suggestions on how to further improve the processes to ensure the highest quality Grand Cherokee rolls off the line. These changes, throughout paint and assembly operations, have given the facility an all-new level of manufacturing flexibility for multiple product capability.

"Restoring Jefferson North helps to maintain and increase the longevity of the facility and secures a future for our employees, our suppliers and the local community," said Scott Garberding, Senior Vice President—Manufacturing/World Class Manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC. "The results show the commitment, dedication, passion and pride of our employees and further demonstrate our commitment to the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan."

JNAP was built in 1991 and was expanded in 1999.

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 lineup includes Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all seven Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC