All-New 2005 Jeep® Grand Cherokee: The Next Generation
New York, Apr 07, 2004 - The all-new 2005 Jeep® Grand Cherokee raises the
performance bar to a new level by offering improved capability and superior
on-road ride and handling in a well-appointed package with a number of
premium amenities.
Inside and Outside, the Grand Cherokee Cuts a Trail No Other SUV Can Follow
Innovative 4 X 4 Systems Continue to Set the Benchmark for Off-road
Capability and On-road Refinement
Available 5.7-Liter HEMI® V-8 Engine Takes Grand Cherokee Performance to a
New Level
New York, Apr 07, 2004 -The all-new 2005 Jeep® Grand Cherokee raises the
performance bar to a new level by offering improved capability and superior
on-road ride and handling in a well-appointed package with a number of
premium amenities.
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 Jeep Brand continues to be the only American brand dedicated solely to
the sport-utility market,” said Jeff Bell, Chrysler Group Vice President –
Jeep. “Customers expect every Jeep to set the standard for off-road
capability, and the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee will not disappoint. What is
unexpected is that the Jeep Grand Cherokee will also be the leader in
on-road performance excitement.”
Class Leading 4-Wheel Drive Capabilities
Three new full-time four-wheel-drive systems are available on Grand
Cherokee.
Quadra-Trac® I utilizes the NV140 single-speed transfer case to provide
convenient full-time four-wheel drive with no transfer case lever to shift
or driver interaction required.
Offering a single-speed transfer case attracts a new group of buyers to the
Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup and builds on the capable, entry-level, two-wheel
drive versions, which currently account for approximately 25 percent of Jeep
vehicle 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 true low-range gear and neutral for towing
Grand Cherokee behind another vehicle.
Quadra-Drive® II takes unparalleled Jeep capability to an even higher
plateau using Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) to give customers
the ultimate in off-road capability. ELSD replace the Vari-Lock progressive
axles used on the Quadra-Drive system from previous generation Jeep vehicles
for even quicker response to changing conditions and greater torque capacity.
New Engines Delivering Superior Performance
For the first time ever, the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine is available on a
Jeep vehicle to provide best-in-class power. Also, the 3.7-liter SOHC V-6
will replace and deliver even more peak power than the previous 4.0-liter
I-6 engine in the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup. The 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine
will also continue to be available on Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first sport-utility vehicle to offer the
Multi-Dis-placement System (MDS). MDS deactivates half the cylinders of the
5.7-liter HEMI during cruising and light acceleration to increase fuel
economy by up to 20 percent, depending on driving conditions. Ninety percent
of peak torque is available from 2400 to 5100 rpm for excellent performance
while trailer towing, traveling off-road as well as city and highway driving.
A sophisticated Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system tailors throttle
response to pedal movement based on operating conditions, and maintains more
consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active
than the former mechanical throttle control system.
With approximately seven percent less displacement, the 3.7-liter V-6
produces more peak power than the 4.0-liter I-6 engine it replaces, while
producing comparable torque. The engine also provides smoother, quieter
operation, added durability, and contributes to better packaging. This
engine, first introduced on Jeep Liberty and Dodge Ram models, shares many
design features with the 4.7-liter Power Tech V-8 engine.
All-New Suspension and Steering System Provides Best-in-Class Ride and
Handling
An all-new independent front suspension provides the driver with a greater
sense of precision and control, more precise steering, and reduces vehicle
weight and head toss. Front suspension wheel travel is increased 13 percent
over the previous generation vehicle, and a tight turning diameter of 37.1
ft. is improved over the current Jeep Grand Cherokee to provide even more
nimble handling.
The new five-link rear suspension geometry, including a track bar, also
improves lateral stiffness to match that of the front suspension for optimum
handling.
The innovative Dynamic Handling System (DHS) is standard with the 5.7-liter
HEMI engine – a Chrysler Group first application of a hydraulic-controlled
active stabilizer system. DHS delivers a high level of driver confidence by
significantly reducing body roll, resulting in sportier handling when turning
or maneuvering, while providing a smoother ride when traveling straight
ahead.
Also offered for the first time, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) aids the
driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe driving
maneuvers on any type of surface. Using signals from sensors throughout the
vehicle, the system determines the appropriate brake and throttle
adjustments for directional stability of the vehicle.
Grand Cherokee’s new rack-and-pinion steering system imparts a more precise
steering feel translated to the driver through fewer linkages than a
recirculating ball steering system. Even with the 2.5-inch increase in track,
Grand Cherokee’s nimbleness and tight turning diameter are maintained with
the new steering system.
All-New Five-Speed Automatic Offers Premium Refinement
An all-new five-speed automatic transmission offers smooth shifts and optimum
fuel economy with the 3.7-liter V-6. The carryover 545RFE five-speed
automatic transmission used with the 4.7-liter V-8 and 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI
has been refined for higher-quality shifts while increasing the Grand
Cherokee’s maximum towing capacity.
Both transmissions feature Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver interactive
shift control for the first time on Grand Cherokee. The shifter provides
fully-automated shifting when in the “drive” position, or the driver can
manually select each gear by simply moving the shifter left and right from
the “drive” position. This gives the driver control to precisely match any
on-road or off-road driving requirement.
A new stamped steel transfer case skid plate mounts to the transmission
cross member and fuel tank skidplate to provide off-road protection to the
transfer case.
Legendary Grand Cherokee Size, Styling and Comfort
Grand Cherokee’s new design provides a contemporary return of an athletic
appearance. Up front, the signature seven-slot grille flanked by the
functional round appearance high-performance halogen headlamps boldly
dominates the design statement. These round headlamps unify the unmistakable
front-end appearance of the entire Jeep lineup. A proportionally longer hood
and greater distance between the center of the front axle and base of the
windshield visually communicates a more powerful image. A flatter windshield
and faster A-pillar achieves a more athletic appearance. The overall design
also helps to improve vehicle aerodynamics and vehicle fuel economy. The
body is shrink-wrapped to the package, enabling designers to emphasize the
powerful wheel flares. Larger taillamps in the rear feature red and clear
lenses for an upscale appearance. Overall, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
preserves the right-size package that is critical for off-road use and
provides nimble on-road handling.
All-New Interior Provides Next Generation Sophistication
Grand Cherokee’s new interior is rich and inviting with a two-tone
instrument panel, door trim and new finishes. Seat contours are precise and
ergonomic with increased seat track travel. Increased headroom adds a
feeling of even more spaciousness to the interior. The dramatic and elegant
instrument panel design offers a high degree of precision and control. In
the cargo area, features such as a reversible load floor panel enhance
versatility and storage. New premium amenities – including GPS Navigation
radio, rear seat DVD, Boston Acoustics audio, UConnect™ hands-free
communication system, Smart Beam® and Rear-Park Assist – will be available
on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee as well.
The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be produced at the Jefferson North
Assembly Plant in Detroit, starting in the third quarter of 2004. Assembly
for markets outside North America will begin in the first quarter of 2005 at
the Magna Steyr assembly plant in Graz, Austria.
Text und Photos: DaimerChrysler