2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee synopsis
Posted By RichC on July 11, 2006
Diesel car lovers in the US are going to have a lean year in 2007 before several manufacturers have their North American ready diesels figured out. Volkswagen, the number one diesel car manufacturer announced that it will not be producing a TDI for 2007. The new common rail diesel will replace it and will not be available until 2008. (VW says it will continue to sell 2006 vehicles well into the 2007 model year.) Even with this dim news, the future looks bright for more US diesel cars, vans and SUVs unless you need to purchase something in 2007.
One vehicle that will be available according to the Chrysler Group is the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV. Its a full size Sport Utility Vehicle with some heavy duty features unlike many in the current crossover vehicle trend. Unfortunately with that ‘heavy duty’ comes reduced efficiency even with the Mercedes 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine. According to press releases, the new Jeeps should arrive at dealers during the first quarter of 2007 making them one of the few diesels available. (Mercedes is promising several diesels in the US next year too … from the E class sedan, to the R class crossover and the M and GL class SUVs.)
Jeep might be slightly ahead of most domestic auto manufacturers when it comes to fitting diesels into their line up, as they currently offer the Liberty 2.8-liter CRD and have some US diesel techs already trained in the States. Consider that they also share some technology with the DaimlerBenz side of the business, this will no doubt improve the diesel adoption. (unfortunatly there is some negative Jeep Liberty CRD news) E
The new 3.0-liter Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD engine that is going into the 2007 model produces 215 hp (160 kW) @ 3800 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. torque @ 1600-2800 rpm and gets an estimated fuel economy of 19 miles city and 23 miles highway. (not spectacular if you are in need of efficiency) The Grand Cherokee CRD has an outstanding towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a driving range of approximately 425 miles. The 3.0-liter CRD engine will be available on the Laredo, Limited and Overland models. According to Bob Lee, Vice-President of the PowerTrain Product Team, “The 3.0-liter CRD is an efficient, smooth-running, clean engine that delivers fuel economy and performance. Advanced diesel technology has improved over the last several years; engines are quieter and cleaner due to electronic controls, higher fuel pressures and advanced after-treatment systems.â€
Interestingly like most international automotive companies, diesel is not something all that new to them since more than 60 percent of Chrysler Group vehicles sold in Western Europe are diesel-powered. Between 2003 and 2007, Chrysler Group will triple the number of diesel offerings outside North America.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD will be manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. The 3.0-liter CRD engine is built at the Mercedes-Benz Berlin Marienfelde Plant in Berlin, Germany. Currently no pricing has been release.
Comments