 Diesel-Powered Liberty To Debut in 2004
Posted by mike on 2002/11/25 23:00:00 (296) reads
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DaimlerChrysler has announced that a diesel-powered Liberty will debut in the North American market.
The United States could reduce its oil use by approximately 800 million gallons and carbon dioxide emissions by 8 million tons annually, if Americans purchased diesels at the same rate as Europeans, Dieter Zetsche, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group, said today. To encourage American acceptance of diesels, Zetsche announced that Chrysler Group will test the North American market with a diesel-powered Jeep(R) Liberty vehicle beginning in 2004. "The best way to show our commitment to work together is to bring a modern, clean diesel passenger vehicle to market, which we intend to do," Zetsche said. "We would like to see the oil refiners commit to producing and distributing high quality, low-sulfur fuel as soon as possible, while the government creates incentives for fuel producers to get clean diesel fuel to the market before the deadline."
While DaimlerChrysler offers a range of diesel-powered passenger vehicles in Europe, where approximately 35 percent of vehicles are powered by diesel engines, the Jeep Liberty will be the first light-duty sport-utility vehicle with a diesel powertrain to go on sale in the United States and Canada. Zetsche said that, on average, diesel fuel offered in Europe is six times cleaner than that offered in the U.S., due to a much lower sulfur content extracted during the refining process.
The diesel Jeep Liberty will be powered by a 2.8-liter common rail turbo- diesel engine produced by DaimlerChrysler. It will be available with a manual or automatic transmission, as well as two- or four-wheel drive. It is expected that the diesel-powered Liberty will have up to a 30 percent improvement in fuel economy, versus a comparable gasoline-powered Liberty.
DaimlerChrysler currently offers diesel engines in its Dodge Ram heavy- duty trucks in North America. Approximately 75 percent of all Dodge Ram 2500/3500s sold in North America are powered by diesel engines.
But diesel acceptance as the fuel of choice in high-volume passenger vehicles in North America has been another matter, thanks in large part to some ill-fated attempts in the 1980s to introduce diesels here. "The technology of the time left a bad taste in the mouths of many," Zetsche said, "and a lot of bad memories of smokey, smelly, clattertrap cars.
"But today's clean diesels are surprisingly refined and comparable, category for category, to gasoline-powered vehicles."
Around the world, the Chrysler Group currently offers diesel powertrain options in the Jeep Cherokee (Liberty in North America), Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chrysler Voyager minivans. In Western Europe, diesel- powered vehicles comprise 56 percent of Chrysler Group's total sales volume.
Jeep Cherokee vehicles with diesel powertrains currently account for 65 percent of that model's total sales in Western Europe.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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 Originally posted by: John The statement was posed earlier that the engine was coming from Brazil and the author didn't know why...it's because DC already has a Diesel factory there. Why reinvent the wheel if you don't have to?
DC sells a Diesel Dodge Dakota in Brazil...same engine? I don't know I haven't done that much research.
All I know...if the DC team can bring the Jeep Liberty to the US with a 2.7L Diesel...puhlease put one in the Dakota here as well. I want a truck to haul my motorcycle and what-not, but I don't want to fill it every other day as I commute to work in it. Gimmee...gimmee...gimmee!
I can't wait to see it!
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: del i have a 2003 gmc 2500hd with a 6.6 litre turbodiesel. it is by far the most powerful truck i have ever driven. the engine produces more takeoff than my old 454 with twice the gas mileage(16.5 mpg) and half the noise! i will never consider another gas truck again. if they start putting them in the grand cherokees i will have to think about trading in my wife's 2001. way to go jeep.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Tony Raineri Although I could write a book I will try to just write a comment on diesel engines. Gasoline engines should be exempt from use in my opinion. Gasoline is old technology, diesel engines are more fuel efficient, cleaner burning, and a whole lot more reliable than gasoline engines. I think that someone should explain to the public what the torque and horsepower number really mean, so that when you tell them that the engine is 150 horse power and 266 ft. pounds of torque they will understand that this engine produces a whole lot more power. If the diesel engine was able to turn as many rpm's as the 3.7 litre gasoline engine currently available the diesel engine would be around 280 horse power. Try telling that to the general public, and with about 30% better economy, why would you even buy a gasoline engine.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Cory All I want to know is if they will be available aftermarket, and if they can get stuffed in a Wrangler! A Diesel Rubicon....now that makes sense.
Cory
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: doug hetrick here is my comment
After reading others web sights. They do also say that the 2.8L C R D is a turbo. My mistake.
I just thought the power rating was low for a turbo diesel. Since the 2.7L 5cyl Mercedes motor has better performance. I thought maybe the 2.8L I-4 might com a little closer in performance. But that was my mistake in thinking so.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Don Diesel's make a lot of sense. Higher torque, better fuel economy, less pullutants. What's not to like?
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: to hell with hondas hey big red i totally agree with you, and iv though of a good idea of how to get all the good stuff (dana 60, 70 axles, and a diesel engine) all for an affordable price. if you sacrafice road quality, comfort, and pretty much all the bells and whisles, you have a no bulls*** worktruck, that kicks ass off road. this might be totally crazy but does anyone think this can work?
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: BIG RED Im happy to see by the numbers on the Jeep Truck poll,that Im not the only one waiting for another Truck! Jeep Trucks rock! The consumers begging for a real truck and Jeep should definitely answer the call! I hope the diesel goes over well because that should be an option on The Truck(a larger version of course)!Its time DC dusts off the old COMANCHE, J-20 & J-10 nameplates !!!!!
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Brent First off I've never owned a Jeep product and I'm not a
grocery getter type.
I for one am really excited about the diesel Jeep,
especially since it will be available with a manual (I
hate automatics).
Milleage is as important to me as offroad capability and
its getting increasingly difficult to find a compromise.
My current standard in SUV's is my dad's manual Land
Rover Discovery which is outstanding off road but gets
horrible mileage. LIkewise one of my friend's new Jeep
Liberty has been amazing so far this year for getting to
our favorite partridge hunting spots, deer hunting and
hauling our duck hunting geer. The turning radius is as
good as the Disco and the 4wd system seems great.
What isn't great is the mileage- its worse than the Land
Rover's V8- and the LR is in AWD all the time until the
diff. is locked!
Anyway, I'm excited that Jeep is doing this and I'll be
placing an order for a green manual one as soon as its
available (the Disco is out of my price range!).
Great website-
Brent
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: frank I have done a fair bit of research on this, this engine is manufactured by vm motori in Italy which is owned by Detroit Diesel, based on my research they will be bringing this engine from the Detroit Diesel factory in Brasil, OK dont ask why, as for the reliability I dont know but I will ask my brother in Portugal he is a fanatic about diesel, in there if you own a gas car you are paying double for fuel.
Other news on Diesel, VW will be bringing their Passats with the Audi 6CYl. 2.5l 150HP to North America.
Jeep will not cap manufacturing at 5000, it will be unlimited.
Good Luck
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: John here is my comment As a Canadian, with high gas prices, I have owned 2 VW and one GM van with Diesel plus sailboats; so far, I would not have bought a gas powered Liberty, but the fuel economy and reliability of a Diesel engine is sure making this Jeep very interesting. Does someone really knows if the engine is going to come from Detroit Diesel.
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: XJ Gary Once they certify the Tubo Diesel for the Liberty, we can buy these engines and put them into real Jeeps on our own, if DC is not going to do it.
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Rich Boren This is great, I've been looking for another diesel vehicle for my wife to go with my diesel truck, now I only have to wait a year.
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: steve Way to go Jeep. It about time you went after the diesel market. I have a diesel jetta and it is incredible, only a 1.9 motor and it runs like a scalded dog. I would trade my jetta in on a diesel Jeep if you offer it.
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Eric Here's the funny thing. I have a 2002 Wrangler X, and the mileage is killing me. I drive about 80 miles a day and am filling up every 3-4 days.
I went over to a local dealership because I like the Liberties and the fact that they get better mileage. Well, the four-cylinder does, but the 3.7 litre V-6 only gets 3 miles more than my Jeep, and I decided I definitely wanted the more power.
How cool to discover that next year, I'll be able to have the best of both worlds!
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: doug hetrick here is my comment
Why did it skip a line when I wrote 2.8L C R D? It only keep the D portion of c r d.
So far Car-truck.com has better updates and allpar.com forum.
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: doug hetrick 2.8L
D liberty. I haven't read anything on it being a turbo diesel except in your news artical. Looking at the UK jeep dealership web sight on the 2.5L
D I-4 141hp 253lb-ft. It's non turbo. Same goes for the 2.7L
D 5cyl 161hp 295lb-ft for the grand cherokee. It wouldn't make sence that the 2.8L
D I-4 147hp 265lb-ft would be a turbo model. I'd expect more from it. If it were a 2.8L TDI. Why would they use it over a 2.7L
D that wasn't turboed and had more torque and hp? If the 2.8L was a TDI. I'd hope for 300+lb-ft out of it.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Gary Right engine, but wrong vehicle! Soccer Moms/grocery runners that buy Liberty's won't understand. This engine belongs in the Wrangler where its wealth of low end torque will be appreciated. If I remember right, it has more torque than the V6 or I6, and has about 143 horsepower.
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: to hell with hondas oh cmon it cant be that much of a piece of crap, see it before you judge it. i agree with what you said about the grocery getters not caring though.
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Scott Not much here about this engine's performace. Probably because its a dud. You might be able to sell the offroad buying public on a diesel engine if it has a distinct performace benifit. Selling the grocery getting public on a passenger type vehicle with a diesel engine is a looser.
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