SPY SHOTS: 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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SPY SHOTS: 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Moving closer to Benz territory.
by TCC Team 7/20/2003
The eagerly awaited next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee finally has broken the cover of secrecy. A prototype for the new off-roader has been spied at a Chrysler test site, and a prototype in heavy camouflage has been spied while undergoing brake testing in the extreme heat of a California desert. The rear view clearly shows the vehicle to have a solid rear axle — a design still preferred by Jeep for its ruggedness — although all other car makers have by now incorporated independent rear suspensions for their new SUVs.
This next generation Grand Cherokee has come a long way. Initially, it was planned for the 2002 model year, which means an introduction date in 2001. But those plans were cancelled in the aftermath of the DaimlerChrysler merger. A new Jeep master plan was worked out, which took into account joint corporate considerations and also affected the Grand Cherokee. One of these considerations is cost saving from a pronounced top-down parts-sharing philosophy, which means that the new Grand Cherokee will draw heavily on the current-and next-generation Mercedes ML-Class models. Since the new ML will not be introduced before 2004, this meant that the new Grand Cherokee needed to be delayed. It is now bound for a 2005 debut.
To bridge the considerably extended waiting time for the new Grand Cherokee, Chrysler already subjected the current generation model to a continued series of cosmetic and technical freshenings, which included the introduction of the powerful 5.7-liter V-8 Overland edition and the adoption of Mercedes-Benz direct injection turbodiesel engines (CRD) for the European market.
Any information about how ample the use of Mercedes-Benz parts will be currently is covered in a thick cloud of secrecy. At the recent launch of the Crossfire, DaimlerChrysler officials were extremely eager to stress that the degree of SLK parentship would remain unrepeated. But seeing is believing. We anticipate that the degree of similarity between the forthcoming Chrysler 300C and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class will become the benchmark for the Grand Cherokee and the ML-Class.
Reportedly, no gas engines will be shared between the two marques. So the 3.7-liter V-6 engine from the smaller Liberty/Cherokee will appear in the entry-level slot, complemented by a choice of two updated V-8 engines, a 4.7-liter and the 5.7-liter Hemi. For the European market, at least one turbodiesel will be offered in addition, powered by a Mercedes-Benz CDI turbodiesel (CRD in Chrysler terms).
New special equipment options are said to include, for the first time, an air suspension, an automatic accident emergency-alert system, and a third row of seats for a seven-seat version.
Besides its all-new technical design, this latest Grand Cherokee will have a distinct styling, which is expected to be a logical evolution from its predecessors while incorporating some fresh elements. Thus, it will remain immediately identifiable as a Jeep, yet be clearly recognizable as a new model. Among the changes will be more aggressive angular looks and circular headlights.
Our computer-generated image shows how the Grand Cherokee could look, with a larger and more rectangular interpretation of the traditional Jeep grille (inspired by the future corporate looks defined by the 300C) and overlaid circular headlights (in line with the looks of the new Dodge Ram and Durango).
by TCC Team 7/20/2003
The eagerly awaited next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee finally has broken the cover of secrecy. A prototype for the new off-roader has been spied at a Chrysler test site, and a prototype in heavy camouflage has been spied while undergoing brake testing in the extreme heat of a California desert. The rear view clearly shows the vehicle to have a solid rear axle — a design still preferred by Jeep for its ruggedness — although all other car makers have by now incorporated independent rear suspensions for their new SUVs.
This next generation Grand Cherokee has come a long way. Initially, it was planned for the 2002 model year, which means an introduction date in 2001. But those plans were cancelled in the aftermath of the DaimlerChrysler merger. A new Jeep master plan was worked out, which took into account joint corporate considerations and also affected the Grand Cherokee. One of these considerations is cost saving from a pronounced top-down parts-sharing philosophy, which means that the new Grand Cherokee will draw heavily on the current-and next-generation Mercedes ML-Class models. Since the new ML will not be introduced before 2004, this meant that the new Grand Cherokee needed to be delayed. It is now bound for a 2005 debut.
To bridge the considerably extended waiting time for the new Grand Cherokee, Chrysler already subjected the current generation model to a continued series of cosmetic and technical freshenings, which included the introduction of the powerful 5.7-liter V-8 Overland edition and the adoption of Mercedes-Benz direct injection turbodiesel engines (CRD) for the European market.
Any information about how ample the use of Mercedes-Benz parts will be currently is covered in a thick cloud of secrecy. At the recent launch of the Crossfire, DaimlerChrysler officials were extremely eager to stress that the degree of SLK parentship would remain unrepeated. But seeing is believing. We anticipate that the degree of similarity between the forthcoming Chrysler 300C and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class will become the benchmark for the Grand Cherokee and the ML-Class.
Reportedly, no gas engines will be shared between the two marques. So the 3.7-liter V-6 engine from the smaller Liberty/Cherokee will appear in the entry-level slot, complemented by a choice of two updated V-8 engines, a 4.7-liter and the 5.7-liter Hemi. For the European market, at least one turbodiesel will be offered in addition, powered by a Mercedes-Benz CDI turbodiesel (CRD in Chrysler terms).
New special equipment options are said to include, for the first time, an air suspension, an automatic accident emergency-alert system, and a third row of seats for a seven-seat version.
Besides its all-new technical design, this latest Grand Cherokee will have a distinct styling, which is expected to be a logical evolution from its predecessors while incorporating some fresh elements. Thus, it will remain immediately identifiable as a Jeep, yet be clearly recognizable as a new model. Among the changes will be more aggressive angular looks and circular headlights.
Our computer-generated image shows how the Grand Cherokee could look, with a larger and more rectangular interpretation of the traditional Jeep grille (inspired by the future corporate looks defined by the 300C) and overlaid circular headlights (in line with the looks of the new Dodge Ram and Durango).
