Recall Alert: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee & Commander

Jeep has issued a recall for 1,338 MY 2008 Grand Cherokee and Commander vehicles because of an incorrectly manufactured front control module that could cause the engine to stall while driving or not to start and/or cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative. Now that’s something that none of you would appreciate. Jeep dealers will inspect the module and replace it if necessary at no cost.

DUNE Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 499HP Premieres In Essen

The maroon matt-finished Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 by “Delta4x4” that made its global debut at the Essen Motor Show features a series of mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. The standard 425 HP 6.1-litre V8 HEMI engine has been enhanced to 499 HP thanks to the new engine control unit, the sport exhaust system with performance manifold and the modified air-feed. Delta says that the 499 HP DUNE project accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mpg) in less than 5 seconds. -Continued

Delta4x4 has also fiddled around with the suspension (+100 mm ground clearance) and the tires as the DUNE sits on new custom light wheel elements IV with 11x23in mounted Continental Cross Contact tires in 305/40 R23. Finally, integrated into the new front spoiler is a Warn winch while the stainless steel roof-rack system and the fender extension contain filigree PIAA main-beam headlights that promise to turn night into day.

Jeep Offers Grand Cherokee Laredo With 3.0 V6 Diesel

Jeep’s expanding its diesel line-up by offering the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine on the Grand Cherokee Laredo (X Package). Prices start at $35,685 for 4x2 models and $38,305 for 4x4 models. The American jeep-maker also announced that pricing for the diesel engine option on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland models also been reduced by $1,000. -Details after the jump

PRESS RELEASE: Chrysler LLC Expands Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee Diesel Lineup With 3.0-Liter Diesel Engine on Laredo Model

-- 3.0-liter diesel engine option available on Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee Laredo X Package

-- $1,000 decrease on 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland models equipped with diesel engine

-- Class-leading torque (376 lb.-ft.) and driving range (450 miles); outstanding towing (7,400 lbs.)

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 12 /- In the continuing effort to increase consumer awareness on the benefits of diesel technology, Chrysler LLC has expanded the Jeep(R) 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) @ 3,800 rpm, has a class-leading 376 lb.-ft. torque (510 N*m) @ 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(R)*, 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(R)*, 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(TM) 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(R) rear back-up camera, ParkSense(R) 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(R) 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.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel Pricing (Includes $695 Destination)*

• Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2 $35,685 (including $2,585 diesel engine option)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 $38,305 (including $3,235 diesel engine option)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2 $38,315 (including $1,655 diesel engine option)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 $40,905 (including $1,655 diesel engine option)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x2 $41,710 (including $1,010 diesel engine option)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 $45,145 (including $1,010 diesel engine option)

*All pricing is for U. S. vehicle only

Jeep Grand Cherokee "Snow+Rock"

Another day, another special edition; Jeep UK teamed up with outdoor clothing and equipment retailer, Snow+Rock, to produce the Grand Cherokee “Snow+Rock”, available in both Limited and Overland trims. Extras include chrome tail lamp guards, black running boards, rear splash guards, a moulded cargo tray, multi-purpose roof crossbars (Limited models only) and a choice of ski carrier, roof box or bike rack. According to Jeep, there’s also a £2,000 ($4,030) deduction off the price of the standard Limited and Overland models. And if that won't convince you, we'll bet your wife will once she learns that you also receive a Snow+Rock voucher for £250 ($505) at any one of its 16 stores in the UK. -One more pic after the jump

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee coming to New York Show

In a nutshell the revised Grand Cherokee features subtle exterior and interior styling tweaks like the stretched grille and the new headlamps with circular shapes on the outside and the updated instrument cluster in the inside, a new 4.7-liter V8 delivering 291Hp (from 235Hp) and a multimedia infotainment system that includes backseat satellite TV. You can check out the full press release by clicking “Read More” below.

PRESS RELEASE: All-new Engine, Refreshed Interior and Exterior and More Premium Amenities for 2008 Jeep® Grand Cherokee

• All-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine delivers increased horsepower and torque, improved fuel economy
• Refreshed exterior and interior design stays true to its authentic Jeep® character with signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings and attention to rich details and craftsmanship
• Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with all-new SIRIUS Backseat TV™
• Even more innovative, premium amenities are available, including MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, HID auto-leveling headlamps and heated first- and second-row seats

The Jeep® brand unveiled today the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee that features an all-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine that delivers a 24 percent increase in horsepower, a 6 percent increase in torque and improved fuel economy compared with the engine it replaces. The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee also offers a refreshed interior and exterior design and a host of innovative premium amenities, including one not found on other full-size sport-utility vehicles (SUV) on the road today -- SIRIUS Backseat TV™. The vehicle will arrive at Jeep dealerships starting this fall.

"With a choice of five engines, three four-wheel-drive systems and more premium amenities than ever before, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee sets the benchmark for full-size SUVs just as it did when it debuted in 1992," said John Plecha, Director -- Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications. "Now available with SIRIUS Backseat TV, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee just made road trips or short trips with kids even more enjoyable."

Only Full-Size SUV with Five Engine Offerings

The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the only vehicle with a choice of five engine offerings:

• Award-winning 3.0-liter common rail diesel V-6 engine – Now available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland
• 3.7-liter V-6 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
• All-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
• 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI® engine – Available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, standard on Overland
• 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

All-new for 2008 is the 4.7-liter V-8 engine that offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter engine, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement.

The new 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 291 horsepower (217kW), a 24 percent increase, and 322 lb.-ft. of torque (437 Nm), a 6 percent increase over the previous 4.7-liter V-8 engine. And, like the engine it replaces, the new 4.7-liter V-8 engine is flex-fuel capable, which gives customers the ability to use up to an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) to fuel their vehicles.

Improvements in the new 4.7-liter V-8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with a new cam design, two spark plugs per cylinder and a valve-lash adjuster system. The new 4.7-liter V-8 also is equipped with electronic throttle control.

First to Offer All-new SIRIUS Backseat TV

The Chrysler Group will be the first and only auto manufacturer to offer SIRIUS Backseat TV in its 2008 model year vehicle lineup, including the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

SIRIUS Backseat TV features three channels of respected children's TV featuring many of the most well-known kids' programming, including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. Rear-seat passengers will be able to watch shows such as Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants," Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana" and Cartoon Network's "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends."

SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle's second-row (except minivan: second- and/or third-row) video screen, and channel name, program title and rating will be broadcast and displayed on the screen. For added flexibility, rear-seat passengers can enjoy SIRIUS Backseat TV while front-seat occupants listen to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The system can be operated from either the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit. In addition, when the vehicle is in park, programming can be displayed on the MyGIG screen for front-seat viewing.

Innovative Premium Amenities

Along with SIRIUS Backseat TV, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a variety of premium amenities that are new for 2008, including the new MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System that has a built-in navigation, audio, entertainment and communication system. MyGIG enables customers to use touch-screen or voice commands to control all of the features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. There's space reserved on the hard drive for approximately 1,600 songs; that's over 100 hours of music. There also is 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 current traffic.

Also new on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee are high-intensity discharge (HID) auto-leveling headlamps. HID auto-leveling headlamps provide approximately three times the light output of conventional reflector lamps for improved nighttime illumination. The auto-leveling feature automatically adjusts the headlamps to the vehicle pitch depending on the load and number of passengers in the vehicle. This feature also benefits oncoming traffic as the system prevents drivers from being distracted by glare from the headlamps. The auto-leveling feature is only available with HID headlamps.

ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera (with or without navigation), ParkSense® Rear Back-up System, SmartBeam® headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and mirrors, iPod connectivity and 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels also are part of the vehicle's available features and options.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee also features three new safety and security technologies for 2008: Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control. Hill Descent Control (HDC) is standard on Grand Cherokee 4x4 models. Operational in the "4WD Low" position, HDC provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed. By means of electronic brake control, HDC supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides. For ease of operation, Grand Cherokee's HDC is activated and deactivated automatically, after the HDC button is engaged, as the system senses changes in topography. The system works whether the vehicle is in forward or reverse.

The available Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver's release of the brake pedal. The ABS system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch. Trailer Sway Control is optional on all Grand Cherokee models. This system reduces trailer sway and provides improved trailer stability and increased towing safety.

Refreshed Exterior and Interior

With its upright and substantial posture, the Jeep Grand Cherokee's design offers an athletic and contemporary appearance. The grille has been lengthened, and the headlamps are more circular for a more dominant and expressive front view. A new HID headlamp, optional on Limited and standard on Overland, includes an internal optic lens for the park/turn function. Fog lamps also have also been lowered for enhanced performance. Off-road enthusiasts will be pleased with the new two-piece front fascia, allowing for the entire lower piece to be removed before hitting the off-road trails.

On the inside, the vehicle's two-tone instrument panel features a new level of refinement with bright accents, a soft-touch surface and updated styling. A new tilt and telescoping steering column is standard, with a new steering wheel that includes bright accent bezels, which house the electronic vehicle information center's switches. The Limited model's steering wheel adds two-tone leather and bright chrome accent rings, and the Overland features a real wood rim for added luxury.

Also new is the updated line of instrument clusters that feature new brighter LED illumination, with the Limited and Overland models receiving a modern and elegant treatment where, when the vehicle is started, the dark-tinted lens fades to reveal chrome-ringed black gauges that are surrounded by a bright silver accent field. The new floor console has improved cup holders and a new leather-wrapped and chrome-accented parking brake handle. The door panels have new armrests for improved ergonomics and comfort. New for the Overland model are the new saddle perforated leather seats that feature accent piping for an even more upscale look.

Press Release Via: Autoblog.com

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