NEW YORK — Jeep's all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee was unveiled today at the 2009 New York Auto Show. The new Jeep has such improvements as a Quadra Lift air suspension that can elevate the Grand Cherokee as much as 11.1 inches for off-roading — or for in-town styling and profiling.
The new model will mark the first use of the new Chrysler flex-fuel 3.6-liter V6, which makes 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, featuring variable valve timing and as much as 11 percent better fuel economy than the engine it replaces. There's also an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that makes 360 hp and 390 lb-ft, coupled with multi-displacement system (MDS) technology and dual exhausts.
The 2011 Grand Cherokee will come with a choice of three 4x4 systems and a new Selec-Terrain system with five settings, the names of which should entice adventurous Jeep customers: Auto, Sand/Mud, Sport, Snow and Rock.
Jeep boasts 45 high-tech safety features on the 2011 Grand Cherokee. Among them are standard electronic stability control, full-length side curtain airbags and seat-mounted side thorax airbags, active head restraints that deploy in a rear-end crash, a forward collision warning system and park assist.
On the inside, all Grand Cherokees get Chrysler's uconnect system with Bluetooth capability, USB connection, satellite navigation and emergency roadside assistance calling. A premium Alpine audio system has nine speakers and surround-sound. The top Overland model gets a leather instrument panel and door trim. A heated steering wheel, wood and leather trim, back-up camera, heated seats front and rear and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof are among the features available on the new Grand Cherokee.
Fuel economy is estimated at 14/20 mpg for the rear-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee and 13/19 mpg for the four-wheel drive model. The world's Jeep buyers will be able to take advantage of both left- and right-hand-drive versions as well as both gasoline and diesel engine choices.
The 2011 Grand Cherokee will be built at the Jefferson North plant in Detroit, where Grand Cherokees have been built since the model was introduced in 1992.
Inside Line says: Bright spot in a tough time period for Chrysler and Detroit. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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