Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2)

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Main article: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2)
Overview
ManufacturerJeep (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Production2010–present
Model years2011–present
AssemblyDetroit, Michigan, United States
Valencia, Venezuela (Carabobo Assembly)
Cairo, Egypt (AAV)
DesignerMark Allen[1]
Body and chassis
RelatedDodge Durango
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Powertrain
Engine3.6 L Pentastar V6
5.7 L Hemi V8
6.4 L Hemi V8 (SRT-8)
3.0 L VM Motori A 630 DOHC V6 diesel
Transmission5-speed automatic W5A580
5-speed automatic 545RFE
6-speed automatic 65RFE
8-speed automatic 845RE
8-speed automatic 8HP70
Dimensions
Wheelbase114.8 in (2,915 mm)
Length189.8 in (4,821 mm)
Width76.3 in (1,938 mm)
Height69.3 in (1,760 mm)
Curb weight4,261 lb (1,933 kg) (approx.)
Chronology
PredecessorGrand Cherokee WK

The fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) is an automobile which was introduced in summer 2010 as a 2011 model by Jeep.[2] It was unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show.[3] The fourth-generation Grand Cherokee retains its classic Jeep styling combined with a modern and sleek body style. The interior is luxurious, featuring leather trim and real wood accents, plus state-of-the-art[clarification needed] electronics options. The 2011 Grand Cherokee has won 30 awards for off-road capability, luxury, value, best-in-class, and safety, making it the most awarded SUV ever. Among the awards are: Top Safety Pick for 2011 from the IIHS, listed as a Consumers Digest Best Buy for 2011, Safest SUV in America by MSN Autos, and Truck of the Year for 2011 by The Detroit News.[citation needed]

Design

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
File:2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK) Limited wagon (2011-03-31).jpg
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (Australia)

The body design is all new and has undergone testing for aerodynamic efficiency while improving ruggedness with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. This results in a 146% increase in torsional rigidity compared to the previous design. This improves durability and reduces noise, vibration, and harshness.[4]

Like the previous generations, the chassis is a steel unibody. Unlike previous models, the new WK2 features four-wheel independent suspension for better on-road handling. The Grand Cherokee (with the 2011 Durango) WK2 platform uses a derivative based on Mercedes-Benz's W166 series.

Four wheel drive systems include Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. Using Selec-Terrain, the driver can select modes for Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock.

Optional Quadra-Lift height adjustable air suspension can raise the vehicle's ground clearance up to 11.1 in (282 mm).[5] Lift modes include Park, Aero, Normal Ride Height, Off-Road 1, and Off-Road 2.

Engines

Engine choices include the all new 3.6 L Pentastar V6 and 5.7 L Hemi V8. The Hemi V8 retains the Multiple Displacement System (MDS) that shuts down four cylinders in low-power driving situations. And the V8 remains coupled with the multi-speed automatic transmission which includes Electronic Range Selection (ERS) to manually limit the high gear operating range. Trailer tow is rated 7,400 lb (3,400 kg) for Hemi models and 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) for Pentastar models.[6]

The 3.6 L Pentastar V6 replaces the 3.7 L and 4.7 L PowerTech engines. The 5.7 L Hemi engine was retained as the V8 option, although no Hemi badging is used on the exterior of the vehicle. Also, the WK program code remains.

A 3.0 L turbocharged diesel V6 developed and built by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and VM Motori (with Multijet II injection[7]) rated at 177 kW (241 PS; 237 hp) and 550 N⋅m (410 lb⋅ft) of torque will be offered in export markets by mid-2011.[needs update][8] The new 3.0 L CRD turbodiesel engine will also be offered in European markets as 140 kW (190 PS; 188 hp) low-power version.[9]

In mid-2012, electric vehicle manufacturer Amp Electric Vehicles, announced that it would be producing an electric vehicle version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, offering a great electric range and the same features of the Grand Cherokee. Slated to be available in early 2013, the AMP Grand Cherokee will have a starting price of around $50,000.00. AMP also produces electric vehicle versions of a step van and the Mercedes-Benz ML.

Trim

Some features changed with this generation are the handbrake being replaced by a footbrake, and the wiper stalk on the right side of the steering column being moved to the turn signal stalk, which also means the lights move to the dash. Also new is a heated steering wheel, standard on Overland and SRT8 models and available on Limited models.[10]

For the 2011 model year, the Grand Cherokee was offered in five trim levels: Laredo, Laredo X, Limited, Overland, and Overland Summit. The performance SRT-8 version returned for the 2012 model year.[11] Also for 2012 a S-Limited model was offered in Germany.[12]

Laredo was the basic model, and could be upgraded to the "X" trim package for upgraded luxury features (the "X" trim package was discontinued in 2014). Limited was the luxurious model. Overland was the top-of-the-line trim package, and Overland Summit was the most expensive trim package, prior to 2012. The SRT8 392 version was the most expensive trim package for 2012, and added the 6.4-liter, 392-cubic-inch, 470-horsepower V8 HEMI engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. It also offered a tweaked version of the SelecTerrain System that added performance-enhanced modes to its basis.


In mid-2012, Jeep started a sweepstakes in order to help name a production-intent concept car based on the Laredo X model. The vehicle featured a black leather interior, twenty-inch wheels with black-finished tires, black-colored body components, and more. The winner of the sweepstakes would get their winning name put onto the vehicle, and would win one of the first of these vehicles when they would be put into production in May 2012. In March 2012, the winning name of "Altitude" was picked, and Jeep also put the Altitude name on both the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot, based on the Sport models of both of the aforementioned vehicles. They will be sold alongside the Grand Cherokee Altitude Special Edition. It has been sold since 2012, and, in 2015, a High Altitude Edition model was introduced based on the uplevel Overland model, and offering more features than the standard Altitude Edition model, which was based on the standard Laredo model.

On June 25, 2012, Jeep announced that the 2013 model year, slated to go on sale in August 2012, will be shortened due to plans to unveil an upgraded version for the 2014 model year, which could go on sale after its introduction at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.[13][needs update]

In September 2012, Jeep announced three new limited production models of the Grand Cherokee. The first Grand Cherokee would be the Trailhawk Edition, which took the name from the 2007 Jeep Trailhawk concept, upon which the 2011 Grand Cherokee was based. The Trailhawk Edition has Kevlar-reinforced off-road tires, alloy wheels, a two-tone hood stripe, and black leather interior. The model is based on the Laredo X, and includes its features. The next two models were the SRT8 Alpine and Vapor Editions, the Alpine Edition featuring Bright White Clear Coat exterior paint, and the Vapor Edition featuring Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat exterior paint. Features such as a black-faced front grille, smoked alloy wheels and a black leather and suede interior are standard. This model builds on the features of the standard Grand Cherokee SRT8. Due to the popularity of the originally limited edition Altitude Edition model, Jeep announced that the Altitude Edition Grand Cherokee would be produced once again for 2013. It is unchanged from 2012. The Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot Altitude Editions would be discontinued, though. These were available only for 2012.

In early 2014, Jeep announced the all-new Altitude Edition lineup: the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited[disambiguation needed], Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Cherokee, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Grand Cherokee Altitude Edition model is based on the Laredo E, and adds an 8.4-inch UConnect touch screen stereo, Capri leather seating surfaces, dual power front seats, heated front seats, remote start, HomeLink, black-finished twenty-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out details, black-finished front grille with bright mesh inserts, and more. Unlike in 2012, the 2014 Altitude Edition is only available with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, since it is based on the Laredo E, which also only offers that engine. MSRP starts at around $35,000.

Issues

Maneuverability and handling, 2012

In 2012, Swedish automotive magazine Teknikens Värld revealed that the Jeep Grand Cherokee failed one of their avoidance maneuver tests known as the "moose test". Other SUV models in its class had no issues passing the test.[14] German magazine Auto, Motor und Sport (AMS) later tested the same press vehicle in a slightly different avoidance maneuver test that meets ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. Unlike the results of the Swedish test, the Jeep remained on all four wheels and did not lose any tires to a blowout.[15] Teknikens Värld tested the updated 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and found that it passed the test; even up to a speed of 44.1 mph (71 km/h).[16]

2014 refresh and update

2014 Grand Cherokee fascia and grille
2014 update

On January 14, 2013, Jeep unveiled a revised WK2 Grand Cherokee at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center, along with a revised 2014 Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. The new Grand Cherokee will offer a 3.0 L DOHC V6 diesel engine that gets up to 30 MPG, a 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine that gets up to 24 MPG and has 290 horsepower, a 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine that gets up to 21 MPG and has 360 horsepower, and the 6.4 L HEMI engine that produces 470 horsepower (SRT only). The models are the Laredo, the Limited, the Overland, and the Overland Summit Edition model has been renamed Summit. A new front end with a revised body-colored grille, new, smaller headlamps, and new tail lamps round out the exterior changes. The silver bezel on the back was removed. The opening rear tailgate window of previous models has been replaced with fixed glass. There are also new seventeen, eighteen, and twenty-inch wheel and tire choices. The SRT8 model will continue to be offered but as an "SRT" and not an "SRT8" badged model, and for the first time will offer signature details like blacked-out head and tail lamps. Inside, the Summit model receives the SRT's nineteen-speaker Harman/Kardon surround sound system, all Grand Cherokees receive a new steering wheel with standard paddle shifters in every model, an eight-speed TorqueFlite 8 automatic transmission, and an 8.4-inch touch screen display with Garmin navigation software, an optional CD player, and the U Connect Access System first introduced in the all-new 2013 Ram 1500. A U Connect 5.0 touch-screen radio will also be available with an optional CD player. The Selecterrain System receives multiple upgrades on four-wheel-drive Grand Cherokees. New exterior colors, new interior fabrics and materials, and new interior colors become available.

2013 SRT-8 and 2014 SRT

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 at the Montreal International Auto Show

On April 20, 2011, Jeep announced that the SRT8 version would be debuted at the 2011 New York Auto Show. According to Chrysler, it is the most powerful Jeep ever built. 0–60 and quarter-mile times time in at 4.7s, 13.4 seconds respectively.[17] Auto reviews measured this at 4.5 seconds, making the 2014 SRT the fastest Jeep ever produced.[18] The 2013-14 SRT Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a 6.4l Hemi motor, producing 475 hp/465 lb-ft tq, the strongest engine ever included in a Jeep, and one of the strongest naturally aspirated versions produced by Chrysler.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 debuted alongside two other vehicles manufactured by Chrysler Corporation: the Chrysler 300 SRT8 and Dodge Charger SRT8, both of which also took a one-year hiatus while the new models debuted.

The new Grand Cherokee SRT8, which started production on July 16, 2011,[19] is equipped with a 470 hp (350 kW; 480 PS) 6.4 L Hemi V8 engine. Jeep claims the new SRT8 gets 13 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor.[citation needed] To keep the gas mileage respectable,[clarification needed] Jeep has employed a new active exhaust system that lets Chrysler's cylinder-deactivating Fuel Saver Technology operate over a wider rpm band. Chrysler claims that with the larger gas tank, the SUV can now travel up to 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank, while other sources estimate range to be 450 miles (720 km).

For 2014, "SRT8" was no longer a model of Jeep, but a separate corporate entity. The "8" was also dropped in the "SRT" line for this year, the grand Cherokee being refereed to as a "SRT Jeep Grand Cherokee." The SRT model received many new and unique features. For example, in the interior, it received a unique steering wheel with the SRT insignia, twenty-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, and additional SRT-only details including:

  • SRT-only 6.4l, 475 hp/465 lb-ft tq, the strongest engine offered in a Grand Cherokee ever, propelling it to 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, making it the fastest jeep ever produced[18]
  • four-piston brembo brakes
  • 3 season tires (optional)
  • SRT-only performance pages in the head unit, displaying engine statistics, quarter mile/0-60, and other metrics
  • Napa leather seats with SRT-only alcantara inserts and headliner
  • SRT-only facia covering hitch (if so provisioned)
  • SRT-only suspension modes, including track mode
  • SRT-only "launch" mode, designed to modeled world class professional driver techniques
  • upgraded software for transmission, with over 90 gear shift programs

The new Grand Cherokee started production in late January 2013, and as a 2014 model year.

2015

The 2015 Limited Edition model no longer has the dual exhausts. This feature only comes in the Overland and up editions. There are no other major changes for the 2015 model year. However, the Limited, Summit, and Overland trims will include HD Radio as part of the U Connect feature. The SRT receives a modest 5 hp bump, in part due to a reflash of the PCM.

Engines

Years Engine Displacement Power Torque Notes
2011– 3.6 L Pentastar V6 220 CID (3,604 cc) 290 hp (216 kW) 260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m) Laredo, Laredo X, Limited, Overland, Summit [20]
2011– 5.7 L Hemi V8 345 CID (5,654 cc) 360 hp (268 kW) 390 lb⋅ft (529 N⋅m) Laredo X (up to 2013), Limited, Overland, Summit[20]
2012- 6.4 L Hemi V8 392 CID (6,417 cc) 470 hp (350 kW) 465 lb⋅ft (630 N⋅m) SRT8[21]
2011- 3.0 L CRD V6 182 CID (2,988 cc) 140 kW (190 PS; 188 hp) 440 N⋅m (320 lb⋅ft)* US SPEC Lower output to meet emission standards
2014- 3.0 L CRD V6 182 CID (2,988 cc) 179 kW (243 PS; 240 hp) 569 N⋅m (420 lb⋅ft)* Available outside North America from launch. US SPEC Limited, Overland, Summit[20]

Production

In 2009, the company announced a US$1.8 billion, 285,000 square feet (26,477 m2)* expansion of its Jefferson North Assembly plant to allow flexible manufacture of the next-generation model, as well as the 2011+ Dodge Durango off the same platform that was developed jointly with Mercedes (ML Chassis).[22]

Safety

Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP test results
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011)[23]
Test Points %
Overall:
Adult occupant: 29 81%
Child occupant: 34 69%
Pedestrian: 16 45%
Safety assist: 5 71%

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

2011-2013 Grand Cherokee IIHS scores[24]
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset Marginal*(2012–present models)
Side impact Good
Roof strength Good

*vehicle structure rated "Marginal"

NHTSA

2011-2013 Grand Cherokee 4WD NHTSA scores[25][26][27]
Overall:
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Pole Driver:
Rollover:

References

  1. ^ Naughton, Keith. "The SUV's Ride From Peak to Valley". Bloomberg. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
  2. ^ Ulrich, Lawrence (2009-04-08). "2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-06-30.
  3. ^ Paukert, Chris (2009-04-08). "New York: Muscled-up 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will take the stairs, thank you". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-06-30.
  4. ^ White, Jeremy. "The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee". Allpar.com. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  5. ^ "The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee". Allpar.com. 2010-05-25. Retrieved 2010-06-30.
  6. ^ Paukert, Chris (2009-04-08). "New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee must serve two masters". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-06-30.
  7. ^ "New Jeep Grand Cherokee Now Powered by New 3.0-liter Turbo Diesel Engine". Jeeppress-europe.com. Retrieved 2011-05-11.
  8. ^ "All-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Now Powered by New 3.0-liter Turbo Diesel Engine". chrysler.com. 2011-02-21.
  9. ^ "Jeep Grand Cherokee". jeep.de. Retrieved 2011-06-02.[dead link]
  10. ^ "2013 Grand Cherokee, Cabin Comfort Features, Jeep". Jeep.com. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
  11. ^ "2012 Model-Year Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep Cars, Trucks, and Minivans", retrieved on 2011–02–01.
  12. ^ "Jeep Grand Cherokee S Limited". jeep.de. Retrieved 21 October 2012.[dead link]
  13. ^ "Jeep Grand Cherokee to have short 2013 model year ahead of major updates" from Autoblog (June 25, 2012)
  14. ^ "Watch a Jeep Grand Cherokee fail Sweden's Moose Test *UPDATE". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2015-06-02.
  15. ^ Mutchler, Tom (August 1, 2012). "Jeep Grand Cherokee survives different European "moose test"". Consumer Reports. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
  16. ^ Rabe, Mattias; linus projtz. "This is how the new Jeep Grand Cherokee 2014 handles the moose test". Teknikens Värld. Retrieved 3 January 2014.[dead link]
  17. ^ "2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8". caranddriver.com. July 2011. Retrieved 2013-05-30.
  18. ^ a b car and driver. "2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT". caranddriver.com. car and driver. Retrieved 2015-01-21.
  19. ^ "Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 - 6.4L SRT8". Wk2jeeps.com. Retrieved 2011-06-02.
  20. ^ a b c [1] [dead link]
  21. ^ "2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT - Specifications" (PDF). Chrysler Media. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  22. ^ "Jeep Introduces All-new 2011 Grand Cherokee: Inventor of the SUV Hits the Sweet Spot of Real-world Capability and On-road Refinement". Autonewscast.com. 2009-04-08. Retrieved 2010-06-30.[dead link]
  23. ^ "Euro NCAP results for Jeep Grand Cherokee" (PDF). euroncap.com. 2011.
  24. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Jeep Grand Cherokee". Iihs.org. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  25. ^ "2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  26. ^ "2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  27. ^ "2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-03-20.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2).
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