The 2008 Jeep Cherokee Liberty was officially announced by Chrysler LLC - here's the official press release and photos.

The Jeep® Liberty has remained a leader in the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment since its introduction in 2002. The popular mid-size SUV gives off-road enthusiasts and owners their own sense of personal freedom and capability that defines the Jeep brand.

All-new from the ground up for 2008, the Jeep Liberty remains true to its legendary 4x4 heritage by offering two Jeep Trail Rated® four-wheel-drive systems – Command-Trac® and the all-new Selec-Trac® II. On-road ride and handling have been improved and refined with the new independent front suspension, new five-link rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

The Liberty’s exterior has been redesigned, and takes on a more rugged, classic Jeep look that is sure to captivate the attention of current Jeep Liberty owners and broaden its consumer appeal. Inside, cargo and storage space, and seat comfort improves. Making its world debut is the new Sky Slider™ full-length open canvas roof, an industry-exclusive – giving the Liberty that “Have Fun Out There” open-air Jeep brand experience. Remote start, rain-sensing wipers*, memory seats, mirrors and radio controls, and express up/down windows are added to the vehicle’s ever-growing list of available features and options. There are two models – Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited.

“The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty stands out from the competition by offering customers classic Jeep design, two four-wheel-drive systems, refined on-road ride and handling, cargo and utility, as well as standard and optional features that are not typically found on vehicles in the mid-size SUV segment,” said John Plecha, Director – Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler. “And, the Jeep Liberty Limited sets the bar high with the most combined comfort and convenience features available in its segment.”

The all-new Jeep Liberty is designed to appeal to customers who are looking for Jeep 4x4 capability as well as comfort and convenience. It is targeted to young couples and new families, as well as professional, young single men and women between 30 and 40 years of age, balanced male to female. Jeep Liberty owners will balance day-to-day responsibilities with their passion for adventure as well as the outdoors. They are athletic, and pursue activities that combine their various interests with their active lifestyle. The Jeep Liberty will be available at Jeep dealerships starting in the third quarter of 2007.

Engineering
The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty offers a balance of off-road capability and on-road refinement.

• All-new independent front suspension, all-new five-link rear suspension, and a power rack-and-pinion steering system contribute to the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty’s blend of on-road ride comfort and nimble, confidence-inspiring handling 


• Two four-wheel-drive systems – all-new Selec-Trac II full-time four-wheel drive, the most advanced four-wheel-drive system available in its segment, and Command-Trac, a part-time four-wheel-drive system – both are Jeep Trail Rated 


• The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine provides the 2008 Jeep Liberty with competitive peak power and torque while providing smooth, quiet operation and proven durability. It produces 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Fuel economy has been improved and now achieves an estimated 16 mpg* city (18 mpg using 2007 EPA standards), and 22 mpg* on the highway (23 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards) 


• Two transmissions are offered on the Jeep Liberty in the United States: a six-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission 


• The 2008 Jeep Liberty was designed and engineered under the Chrysler Development System (CDS), the comprehensive, coordinated and disciplined product creation process that improves quality and speed-to-market, while reducing costs and encouraging practical innovation in new products

Design
In its first redesign since its introduction, the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty embraces its roots by taking on a more rugged, classic Jeep design that is guaranteed to strengthen its draw to current owners and broaden its appeal to a new audience.

• Jeep classic exterior styling and functional interior space are designed to broaden its consumer appeal 


• Industry-exclusive Sky Slider™ full-length open canvas roof brings “Have Fun Out There” open-air Jeep brand experience to the mid-size SUV market 


• Cargo length increases and front and rear passengers will notice the improved seat comfort along with added space 


• Jeep Liberty Limited offers the most combined comfort and convenience features available in its segment

Safety and Security
The 2008 Jeep Liberty has a full range of active and passive safety systems. Among the vehicle’s standard equipment are Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), All-speed Traction Control, Brake Assist, advanced anti-lock brakes, rain-sensing wipers**, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) and supplemental side-curtain air bags.

Technology
The 2008 Jeep Liberty offers the MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, a completely integrated audio, navigation, entertainment and hands-free communication system. MyGIG allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands to control features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where up to 1,500 songs and photos can be stored. The system also includes a voice-memo recorder feature. MyGIG supports real-time traffic information, available through SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and can provide an alternate drive route based on traffic conditions. All of these functions can be controlled through voice commands or by utilizing a touch screen.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides U.S. customers with 130 channels, including 100 percent commercial-free music, sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather. And the UConnect® Hands-free Communication System uses Bluetooth® technology to provide wireless communication between the customer’s compatible mobile phone and the vehicle’s on-board receiver.

Manufacturing
The 2008 Jeep Liberty will be built using Chrysler’s modern production process, called the Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS). FMS allows multiple products to be produced at one plant, in a time-efficient manner, and at a higher quality for lower cost. At the core of the new manufacturing process is the heavy use of robots at the Toledo (Ohio) North Assembly Plant.

The Jeep Brand
Today, with the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty mid-size SUV, Jeep offers its customers the freshest, most capable and widest range of sport-utility vehicles in the industry – under one brand.

The Jeep vehicle family consists of seven SUVs that represent four distinct vehicle segments. In late 2006, production began on the newest member of the lineup, the all-new Jeep Patriot. Earlier that year was the debut of the redesigned Jeep Wrangler two-door, the icon of the brand; the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the first-ever four-door Wrangler; and the all-new Jeep Compass. The Jeep Commander – the first Jeep vehicle with seven-passenger seating – was introduced one year earlier. It shares its platform with the Grand Cherokee, a descendent of the Wagoneer and the legendary Grand Wagoneer.



*Based on new 2008 model year EPA methods.

**Late availability.