The marketing plan for the Grand Cherokee focuses more at on-road performance
(from a DaimlerChrysler press release)
Since its introduction in 1992, the Jeep® Grand Cherokee has revolutionized the sport-utility market. With best-in-class tractive capability and best-in-class power, the all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed, engineered and built to master every imaginable day-to-day driving condition, whether on-road or off-road. The third generation Jeep Grand Cherokee offers improved capability and superior on-road ride and handling in a well-appointed package with a number of new premium amenities. The result is a Jeep that is all-new from the ground up, and all Jeep from the inside out. “Whether it’s the outback or the opera that your travels lead you to, the all-new Trail-RatedTM Jeep Grand Cherokee cuts a trail no other SUV can follow,” said Jeff Bell, Vice President – Jeep. “Just as it did when it first debuted on the market, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee sets the benchmark for off-road capability and continues to do so for on-road refinement.”
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 by almost 10 percent over the previous generation vehicle, and a tight turning diameter of 37.1 ft. is tighter than 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) will be available 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. DHS will be a late availability offering on the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Also offered for the first time on the Jeep Grand Cherokee is an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which 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.
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 ParkSense™, rear park assist, will be available on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.
| 