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Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model

Posted by mike on 2007/11/12 6:43:58 (2733) reads

From a Chrysler LLC press release

In the continuing effort to increase consumer awareness on the benefits of diesel technology, Chrysler LLC has expanded the Jeep® Grand Cherokee diesel lineup to include the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (X Package). Pricing for the diesel engine option also has been reduced by $1,000 on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland models equipped with the class-leading diesel engine.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is $2,585 for 4x2 models and $3,235 for 4x4 models.

The reduced MSRP for the diesel engine on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is $1,655 for 4x2 and 4x4 models and the MSRP for the diesel engine on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x2 and 4x4 models is $1,010. Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo models equipped with the 3.0-liter diesel engine will begin to arrive at dealerships in late November.

"The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel offers class-leading torque and driving range as well as outstanding towing capacity," said John Plecha, Director—Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications. "By expanding engine availability and reducing existing prices, we hope that more consumers will be encouraged to take advantage of this clean, renewable fuel. Chrysler believes that clean diesel technology can and should be a part of the national energy solution, and we will continue to build upon our diesel leadership."

The 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine, built by Mercedes-Benz, produces 215 hp (160 kW) at 3,800 rpm, has a class-leading 376 lb.-ft. torque (510 N•m) at 1,600-2,800 rpm and can tow up to 7,400 pounds. The 3.0-liter engine gives the Jeep Grand Cherokee a class-leading driving range of approximately 450 miles and gets an estimated fuel economy of 18 miles/city and 23 miles/highway for 4x2 models and 17 miles/city and 22 miles/highway for 4x4 models. Earlier in the year, the engine earned a spot on Ward’s "10 Best Engines" list.

Clean diesel technology improves fuel economy by up to 30 percent and has up to 20 percent lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel is available in 42 states, excluding California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Diesel

With an MSRP of $35,685 for 4x2 models and $38,305 for 4x4 models (including $695 destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Diesel (X Package) includes a five-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch aluminum wheels, Quadra-Trac II®*, Sirius Satellite Radio, engine block heater, automatic headlamps, power eight-way driver and four-way passenger seats, automatic dimming rearview mirror, leather-trimmed heated front seats, power adjustable pedals, remote start, power sun roof, adjustable roof rails, side rails, cargo cover and fog lamps. (*4x4 models only)

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Diesel

With an MSRP of $38,315 for 4x2 models and $40,905 for 4x4 models (including destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD includes Sirius Satellite Radio, Quadra-Trac II®*, five-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch aluminum wheels, memory system (seats, mirrors, pedals, etc.), air conditioning with dual-zone automatic temperature control, rain sensitive windshield wipers, premium leather seats, SmartBeam headlamps, tire pressure monitor, engine block heater and MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System. (*4x4 models only)

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Diesel

With an MSRP of $41,710 for 4x2 models and $45,145 for 4x4 models (including destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland CRD includes a five-speed automatic transmission, Quadra-Drive II*, 18-inch chrome clad wheels, ParkView® rear back-up camera, ParkSense® rear back-up system, skid plates*, trailer tow package, tow hooks*, engine block heater, Sirius Satellite Radio, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with navigation and UConnect® hands-free communication system. (*4x4 models only)

The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel is manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel is fueled with B5 (5 percent) biodiesel at the assembly plant to help increase the awareness of biodiesel. The Jeep brand also produces a flex-fuel capable 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine, which gives customers the ability to use a fuel with an up to 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) in their vehicles.

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RUBICON	Posted: 2007/11/14 9:40 Updated: 2007/11/14 9:40
Home away from home Joined: 2005/7/13 From: Chandler, AZ Posts: 357	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model For some reason my post from yesterday never went through. But anyway, I think the 2010 lineup should look like: Wrangler: 3.8L V6 Gasoline, 4.2L V6 Cummins Diesel Wrangler Unlimited: 3.8L V6 Gasoline, 4.2L V6 Cummins Diesel Wrangler JT: 4.2L V6 Cummins Diesel Commander/Grand Cherokee Replacement: 4.7L V8 Gasoline, 4.2L V6 Cummins Diesel Hybrid, 5.6 V8 Cummins Diesel Hybrid Liberty: 3.8L V6 Gasoline, 4.2L V6 Cummins Diesel Hybrid Patriot: 2.0L Bluetec Diesel (sourced from VW)

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Havoline	Posted: 2007/11/14 13:31 Updated: 2007/11/14 13:31
Just popping in Joined: 2007/8/28 From: Posts: 16	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model Rubicon - Pretty much in agreement, except that I'm thinking that the Liberty (and Nitro) will be getting the new Cummins 2.8 litre I-4 engine. The 4.2 V-6 would probably be over-kill.

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jason	Posted: 2007/11/16 1:43 Updated: 2007/11/16 1:43
Just can't stay away Joined: 2005/6/30 From: glendale,az Posts: 91	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model The wrangler/liberty will get a cummins 2.8l 4 banger The 3.0v6 benz motor will be phased out for the 4.2v6 cummins What a concept, 2.0 TDI in a patriot..where do i sign up??? 43.5mpg need I say more? Jason

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carter	Posted: 2007/11/13 15:00 Updated: 2007/11/13 15:00
Not too shy to talk Joined: 2005/7/27 From: Houston Posts: 29	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model Does anyone know why they won't put the CRD into any trim level commander?

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MarkH	Posted: 2007/11/13 15:06 Updated: 2007/11/13 15:06
Home away from home Joined: 2005/7/20 From: The Great White North Posts: 406	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model ...probably because it's slated for the boneyard in a couple years...

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myhotwheels22981	Posted: 2007/11/13 13:52 Updated: 2007/11/13 13:52
Home away from home Joined: 2002/3/21 From: Posts: 183	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model Before I step up to tout the benefits of Diesel over Gasoline, I would like to say that the ONE thing that will solve America's energy crisis is the Plug-In-Hybrid Vehicle, and JEEP needs to build one(Daimler actually did in the Sprinter Van). I'm calling for the Compass to be replaced with the Willys concept, a small diesel engine, the CVT2L transfer case, and a battery pack large enough to transport the vehicle 45 Miles at 45 M.P.H. without using the engine. 45 miles is the most city driving that most Americans drive in one day...45 miles of electric power means no gas or diesel for most driving situations...Biodiesel can take care of the rest. Before anyone whines about using fuel to generate electiricty to power this car, everyone put a solar panel on your garage roof...(duh) Diesel fuel is automatically more efficient that gasoline, even if it is not bio-based. One barrel of crude oil produces 20% more Diesel fuel than Gasoline, and a Diesel engine gets better mileage than gasoline in similarly sized engines. Currently, Bio-Diesel producers are trying to perfect a process that will convert nearly 100% of our organic garbage waste into enough Biofuel to provide up to 50 % of the United States Diesel needs. PIHV electric power can do the rest.

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MarkH	Posted: 2007/11/13 14:56 Updated: 2007/11/13 15:08
Home away from home Joined: 2005/7/20 From: The Great White North Posts: 406	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model Gee, if all of that were viable (and cheaper) you'd think someone would be making a lot of money with those ideas! I guess time will tell. Most are very content with the reliability of the gas engine, and it'll probably take a crisis until we drift toward other alternatives, en masse... Unfortunately, some of us are in areas where solar panels might work ~4-5 months/year. I'd be better off with a snow panel that will transform the kinetic energy of the snowflakes strikes into piezoelectric energy. I'm all for biodiesel, except most of the current diesels are limited to B20, and then I'd still have to plug it into my snowflake panels every night to make sure the french fry grease doesn't gel during the winter months. Check your sources on the allotment of a barrel of crude. You'll find that it produces ~20 gallons of gasoline & ~10 gallons of petroleum distillates (of which only ~7 gallons can be used for diesel fuel) ...depending on the quality of the crude, of course. The DOE EIA has some good figures & charts... I guess the good news is if a lot of folks migrate to diesels and 45mph golf carts in the U.S., the price of gas will sure drop!

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Havoline	Posted: 2007/11/12 17:36 Updated: 2007/11/12 17:36
Just popping in Joined: 2007/8/28 From: Posts: 16	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model The 3.0 Mercedes engine is a stop-gap until the new Cummins 4.2 is ready (2010? 2009?). The Cummins will be a superior engine at a lower price. Bide your time!

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jason	Posted: 2007/11/12 14:09 Updated: 2007/11/12 14:09
Just can't stay away Joined: 2005/6/30 From: glendale,az Posts: 91	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model DUH....... About time...... Jason

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yankee1903	Posted: 2007/11/12 8:40 Updated: 2007/11/12 8:40
Just popping in Joined: 2007/7/20 From: Upstate NY Posts: 20	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model Diesel, Smiesel...there are 4 fueling points in my county that carry diesel fuel in any form, bio or otherwise...the cost is well above the cost of regular mogas, and you have to contend with the problems of operating this type of fuel in cold climates, with engine preheaters, fuel warmers, engine blankets, ect...with most plug into the household electrical current using even more energy...The only folks who operate diesel in this area are those looking for the power to pull very large trailers or fleet operators who have their own fuel points. I am not looking to pull a horse trailer or a 5th wheel camper with my Wrangler, but I sure do expect to be able to go out in January when there is 3 feet of snow on the ground, 6 more forecast, and it's -20 windchill and start my Jeep...I will leave the "green fuel' to the poor saps who have to contend with 70 degree weather year round...give me a Hemi so when I need the grunt to clear that fallen log or make it out of the 4 foot high packed snow bank at the end of my drive way to get to work and I will be a happy camper. And frankly I do not see many soccer mom types who have Grand Cherokees having to deal with the smell and hastle of diesel fuel...although the guys at the truck stop would love to help out I'm sure...

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my97tj	Posted: 2007/11/12 10:17 Updated: 2007/11/12 11:44
Not too shy to talk Joined: 2006/9/18 From: North Central Mass Posts: 22	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model if u need more then the V6 in the JK will give u in 4low to get through a plowed up snow bank or a downed tree, i'm not sure a hemi would help you. i have a 2.5 and it's plenty in 4low for any downed tree, 4ft packed snow bank, or F350 i have towed out of ditches durring the winter. i do agree with the diesel being alot more trouble then it's worth. like u said, if your pulling a horse trailer, u aren't buying a GC or a wrangler.

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bkcurtis	Posted: 2007/11/13 16:50 Updated: 2007/11/13 16:50
Just can't stay away Joined: 2005/10/8 From: NW Indiana, USA Posts: 130	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model Very well stated on the problems with operating a diesel engine. I deal with diesel engines every day at work. I would not want to deal with them in my daily driver--especially in cold weather. I, too, have very few diesel spots to fill up close to my home. While we are trying to develop alternative fuels, give me my gas guzzling 4.0L inline 6. Thank you. Are we having fun out there, yet?

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MarkH	Posted: 2007/11/14 6:01 Updated: 2007/11/14 7:41
Home away from home Joined: 2005/7/20 From: The Great White North Posts: 406	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model Ahhh, the voice of reason. I'm with ya on the 4.0L-I6 ! Once my Cherokee (4.0 w/ a stick) starts to get reclaimed by the salt bath up here in the Great White North (upstate NY) I'm torn between waiting for the new JK powerplant (if there will ever be one!? ... hopefully the 4.0L-V6?) and getting a TJ Unlimited & converting it with a Scrambler conversion top from www.GR8TOPS.com.[/url] Looks like a very easy & cheap conversion. A whole lot cheaper than the Brute conversion. That way I get to stick with the 4.0L-I6 AND get the JT/Scrambler utility... and maybe save $10K. That 3.8L is so damn uninspiring. I wonder if it comes alive if you dump ~$2K into it, with headers ($600), air tube intake ($250), catback ($500), & an engine chip ($300)?

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MarkH	Posted: 2007/11/12 8:00 Updated: 2007/11/12 8:14
Home away from home Joined: 2005/7/20 From: The Great White North Posts: 406	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model It would be sweet to see that engine in a JK! The "renewable" diesel ploy is so much B.S., though. Save that rhetoric for the Californians, please. Just because Jeep fills the tank with an initial load of B5 doesn't mean we don't have to pump petroleum out of the ground for the other 95% (nonrenewable). GMAB. Even with B20, if you can even find it at your local gas station, 80% is nonrenewable (as opposed to only 15% for E85 fuel... but that's another debacle...) OK, for the granola bars that are sure to jump on this issue, I DO concede that the manufacture & use of biodiesel has increased dramatically in recent years... but that's still a far cry from diesel being truly "renewable". I'm just praying the new "clean diesel" technology they keep touting doesn't wind up costing a fortune (to us OR the OEMs) when all the added pollution controls need fixing... otherwise we'll never see the widespread use of diesels... Hmmm, if it's so "clean", why can't you buy one in CA, CT, MA, ME, NY, PA, RI, or VT ?

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Josephus	Posted: 2007/11/12 9:45 Updated: 2007/11/12 9:45
Home away from home Joined: 2005/7/18 From: Pennsylvania Posts: 243	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model Mark, You can get the 3.0L CRD at Couresty Chrysler Jeep in Thorndale PA. You're right about the CRD in the JK. Too bad Jeep and Cerebus can't seem to put the best engine in the #1 selling model = JK Wrangler! Maybe they just can't handle the additional profits, and would have to hire back the 12,000 hard working folks in Toledo... It's so frustrating it's downright stupid. To hold back on such a fantastic combo because of marketing ploys is just ridiculous!

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MarkH	Posted: 2007/11/12 10:20 Updated: 2007/11/12 12:10
Home away from home Joined: 2005/7/20 From: The Great White North Posts: 406	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model Available in PA, huh? Hmmm, I'm just going by JEEP's website... and the article above... maybe one got out of the Toledo barn and headed to PA without anyone noticing! You'd better scoop it up, while U can!

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Jeepin	Posted: 2007/11/12 9:59 Updated: 2007/11/12 9:59
Home away from home Joined: 2005/11/28 From: TX Posts: 187	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model LOL @ E85. That's such a boondoggle right now it's not even funny... worse fuel economy and I think even worse emissions... I guess it is a good stepping stone though (kinda like current hybrids)... now, if they could only figure out how to efficiently use switchgrass instead of a FOOD crop! (ie: corn). I do think this announcement of the CRD being available on the Laredo models is excellent though! What is odd is that it costs different if you get a 4x2 or a 4x4, and it costs different depending on which model you get (Laredo, Limited, Overland) which IMHO only illustrates the increased margin they get from the fancier trim models.

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MarkH	Posted: 2007/11/12 10:26 Updated: 2007/11/12 10:26
Home away from home Joined: 2005/7/20 From: The Great White North Posts: 406	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model E85 is a real nightmare. First, it usually costs more, when you can get it... Then you suffer ~25% poorer fuel economy, and for what? Give me the dinosaur juice any day. All that E85 is accomplishing is driving my Taco Bell tab higher...

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marcram	Posted: 2007/11/12 21:39 Updated: 2007/11/12 21:39
Just popping in Joined: 2005/12/16 From: Posts: 7	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model I can't say enough about this engine. Pictures of it towing a 23' bay boat. http://forum.aev-conversions.com/showthread.php?t=28 I'm glad the Laredo is getting this. Practically every gas station in Houston has ULSD. Plus, I ordered my Limited and still got the $3000 cash back deal. Their mistake. I'll take it!

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bkcurtis	Posted: 2007/11/13 16:54 Updated: 2007/11/13 16:54
Just can't stay away Joined: 2005/10/8 From: NW Indiana, USA Posts: 130	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model Because of the anti-recreationists in those states are idiots .

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MarkH	Posted: 2007/11/14 7:48 Updated: 2007/11/14 7:48
Home away from home Joined: 2005/7/20 From: The Great White North Posts: 406	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model I never thought of that. U may be on to something! I thought it was just the state legislatures wanting their own set of emissions regs and simply decrying diesels as "dirty"... What a nightmare emissions regs are for OEMs! In addition to CA, I hear there may be up to 18 states that plan on jumping on the bandwagon to require stiffer (more complicated) emissions regs in the future. Too bad the Feds can't get a better grip on this & standardize nationwide... but the law's the law...

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loner	Posted: 2007/11/14 11:48 Updated: 2007/11/14 11:48
Just can't stay away Joined: 2006/2/23 From: Posts: 71	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model I would think you would be happy for the bio fuel plants in MI to keep some jobs here?

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MarkH	Posted: 2007/11/14 13:50 Updated: 2007/11/14 13:59
Home away from home Joined: 2005/7/20 From: The Great White North Posts: 406	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model Again, nothing against "biodiesel". I was poking fun at the article calling diesel fuel "renewable" when only 5-20% (B5-B20) is "bio" and 80-95% is dinosaur remnants. Calling diesel "renewable" is like calling toilet paper reusable. It's all politics... Speaking of which... what has the Big 3 or the Governor done for Michigan lately? I hope Michigan does get a new foothold in some major industry. From what I've read the relatively low volume of jobs created by new biofuel plants does not begin to compensate for the 10's of 1000's of jobs being lost in manufacturing.

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myhotwheels22981	Posted: 2007/11/14 14:10 Updated: 2007/11/14 14:10
Home away from home Joined: 2002/3/21 From: Posts: 183	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model I looked up my sources,and the process that you are quoting is the standard process that is most economically viable for the current market However, if one wanted to maximize the refining process towards diesel, some of the heavier oils used for lubricants, and some of the heavier components of gasoline could be further refined into diesel, yeilding more diesel fuel per barrel that gasoline, and that process is what America will need to look at if it plans to use more diesel fuel, like Europe. As far as Plug-In-Hybrid Vehicles, they are HARDLY golf carts...GM will have the PIHV Saturn Vue and Chevy Volt PIHV out by 2009 and 2010 respectively, and Chrysler will be left in the electric dust if they don't look ahead. With the Hybridized Durang-okee-Command-spen coming out in 2008 or 2009, they are already halfway there for having some plug-in capability, seems they just need a larger battery pack to go along with it.

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MarkH	Posted: 2007/11/14 14:46 Updated: 2007/11/14 14:46
Home away from home Joined: 2005/7/20 From: The Great White North Posts: 406	Re: Grand Cherokee Gains New Diesel Model It's all going to revolve around dollars... so, time will tell. If gas drops to $2/gallon, the RoI will be a lot longer on alternative fuel vehicles. If gas hits $5/gallon, I'm sure people will be clammoring for more options that involve soybeans & saw grass & solar panels. As for the golf carts, I was being sarcastic... and also referring to the Volt Concept, which did indeed have a golf cart motor (until they figure out how to build a real one...)


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