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Thai · 04-09-2009, 12:26 PM

Linky: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/au...ml#jpgrchsidew

What is it?
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
What's special about it?

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a good reminder of what Chrysler can do when it sticks to what it knows best. There is nothing revolutionary about this redesigned SUV, because it's still a midsize utility vehicle with two rows of seats, two available engines and real off-road capability. It's a formula that has worked for almost two decades now, so when it came time to do it all over again, the Jeep engineers just added more of the same.
Built on an all-new chassis shared with the Mercedes ML, this Grand Cherokee has been stretched out to open up more passenger room, mostly in the second row. It's 3 inches wider than before and rides on a wheelbase that's 5.3 inches longer.
The result is an additional 4 inches of rear knee- and legroom, according to Jeep. The second-row seats also recline, while the front passenger seat can be folded flat on base models. Cargo room is up 6.8 cubic feet to a maximum of 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row. There is still no third-row option (for which we're grateful).

Moving to a new chassis also allowed Jeep's engineers to switch to a fully independent suspension for improved ride quality and greater adjustability. An optional Quadra-lift air suspension can vary the ride height from 4.5 inches of ground clearance at its lowest setting to just over 11 inches at its highest. There's also a new driver-adjustable Selec-Terrain system that optimizes the vehicle's settings for snow, mud, pavement, etc.

There are three four-wheel-drive systems: Quadra-Trac 1, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive. Quadra-Trac I is a basic full-time system with a single-speed transfer case. Quadra-Trac II adds a dual-range case, while Quadra-Drive goes a step further with an electronic limited-slip differential in the rear. Only Grand Cherokees with two-speed cases are "Trail Rated" by Jeep for serious off-roading. A two-wheel-drive model will also be available.

Under the hood, the Grand Cherokee gets an all-new 3.6-liter V6 as its base engine. This is the first application of this new dual-overhead-cam engine and it's fitted to a five-speed automatic transmission. Although output is up to 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, Jeep says efficiency is also up by 11 percent.

As with the current Grand Cherokee, there's an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that delivers 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a five-speed automatic as well and boosts the Grand Cherokee's maximum tow rating to 7,400 pounds for two-wheel-drive models.

This Grand Cherokee is the second vehicle to benefit from Chrysler's renewed focus on interior quality and design (the latest Ram being the first). All models get soft-touch materials and real wood detailing, while the upper trim levels add features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats and leather-upholstered door panels.

The options list includes just about every technological innovation on the market. There's hill descent control, trailer sway mitigation, blind spot detection and standard stability control. Adaptive cruise control and a Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system are available as well. Convenience features range from remote start to a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity.

Thai · 04-09-2009, 12:32 PM

More links: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/aut...hotos_and_info

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/n...st-live-shots/

Thai · 04-09-2009, 12:35 PM

Hmmm, based on the Mercedes ML, independent suspension all around, Terrain-Response-like dial (Land Rover!)...hmmm, Jeep has gone way soft! Oh well, i guess that this is a sign of the times.

borgzman · 04-09-2009, 11:38 PM

grown up CRV...

Thai · 04-10-2009, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by borgzman
grown up CRV...

Sad to see another legend go down the drain....

Pirate VI · 04-10-2009, 02:23 AM

What would that dial do to make the vehicle respond differently in sand/mud, snow or rock?
As I said in a different thread, I think that this looks sharp, but I will still be keeping my 4runner. I dont know how I feel about the fact that it is not truck based (I am pretty sure no modern Jeeps except the Wrangler are/were ever body on frame)

Thai · 04-10-2009, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pirate VI
What would that dial do to make the vehicle respond differently in sand/mud, snow or rock?
As I said in a different thread, I think that this looks sharp, but I will still be keeping my 4runner. I dont know how I feel about the fact that it is not truck based (I am pretty sure no modern Jeeps except the Wrangler are/were ever body on frame)

The dial works like Land Rover Terrain Response. Basically, depending on terrain that you select, the system (ECU) will determine how aggressive traction control works, when to lock center differential, how aggressive the brakes (ABS) are, when to tighten up the QuadraDrive system, and how sensitive the throttle is...probably something along those lines. For the most part, this system takes control out of the driver's hands and puts it in the ECU's hands with preset parameters. In the manufacturer's view, this will help prevent damage to the drivetrain while improving the car capabilities in the hands of an off-roading beginner. For example, these systems prevent you from forgetting to unlock the center diff and and driving on the highway. It makes it "idiot proof."

The problem is that these systems are NOT designed for heavy duty off-roading and will likely get in the way of someone who knows what he/she is doing.

Mark86 · 04-10-2009, 11:56 PM

The exterior design isn't too bad. I don't like the way a Grand Cherokee is becoming more car like with each generation. My favorite years of the grand cherokee are still 1999-2004.

G.I.G. · 04-14-2009, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark86
My favorite years of the grand cherokee are still 1999-2004.

+1

I've owned a '97 GC Laredo and a '00 GC Limited. The 99-04's are still the sharpest looking IMO, plus that was the last generation to have solid axles front and rear. I still thought they handled well on-road, but performed great off-road as well. The 3rd gens moving to IFS and what appears to be lower ground clearance which was a move to make them more road friendly (let's face it, most GC's will never leave the pavement), pulling them even farther away from their off-road lineage. Maybe the Wrangler Unlimited has filled that gap of 4-door, 5-passenger, true off-road SUV in the Jeep product line. Looks like the 4th gen GC is even more of a mall-crawler than the 3rd gen, but that seems be the trend with a lot of auto manufacturers currently. Rumor has it the next Ford Explorer with be unibody with a fully independent suspension, making it more of a crossover than a true SUV. I can only hope the same won't be true with the next gen 4R.....

etom · 04-15-2009, 12:49 AM

the back reminds me of an X5

RonMAIDEN · 04-15-2009, 08:06 PM

I sure hope Toyota doesn't take ther 4Runner down this (paved) road.

More sport less utility but does look better.

Falls · 04-16-2009, 12:10 AM

I think the styling looks nice . hate to see the electronic crap and IRS ....oh well .

I agree with GIG about the 99-04's being nice looking. I was going to purchase and 04 , but decided I wanted to rent one for a week of off roading first. It was a 4.0L 6 cyl , mulit mode 4wd system . I cant remember all the settings , but it was cool. It was an awesome off roader had a SFA . I took it through , up over everything possible in my area I could find.

It was a plain jane , but sure proved itself to me.

Forenaftrunner · 04-28-2009, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by etom
the back reminds me of an X5

x2

I see a bit of Volvo XC90 in there as well.

Overall, however, I think it's a very good-looking upscale design. The interior looks very luxurious, albeit a bit bland.

EH007 · 04-28-2009, 05:50 PM

I think it looks fantastic and I love the adjustible air suspension. If Chrysler survives the recession, I'm sure it will be a bigger seller than the current GC.

PaulSula · 04-28-2009, 07:30 PM

I think a lift would look great on that thing with some bigger tires. Maybe eventually they will offer a "trail rated" edition that does away with all the fancy electronics and features more useful off-road goodies.