2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: 500HP+ BMW X5M Rival Rendered

The crew over at Jalopnik have published a speculative sketch along with some inside info on the high-performance SRT8 version of the all-new, Mercedes ML-based, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was revealed at the New York Auto Show. There's no word if the sketch is official or not, so we'll keep this on our 'rumorville' list for now. Jalop's insider claims that the BMW X5M challenging 2012MY Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will receive a new 6.4-liter HEMI V8.

The new HEMI V8 that is also destined for the refreshed Charger and Challenger models in 2011, is said to produce anywhere between 505 and 525HP and around 510 lbs-ft of torque. As you'd expect, the SRT8 will also feature upgraded suspension components and brake system as well as a revised all-wheel drive system.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Jeep Recalling Thousands of Models on Various Issues

Jeep has issued three separate recalls on tens of thousands of models that include the Grand Cherokee, Commander, Liberty and Wrangler. The largest recall concerns 102,354 MY2001-2004 Grand Cherokees equipped with heated seats. According to Jeep, the front seat electric heater elements may work 'overtime', something that could potentially prove hazardous for your buttocks or even worse, start a fire. The firm's dealers will of course replace the heater elements free of charge.

The company also issued a recall on 42,469 MY 2002-2003 Liberty models (Cherokee in Europe) due to a problem with the front suspension upper control arm ball joint that may "experience a loss of lubrication", as stated by Jeep. This could lead to corrosion, accelerated wear, and quite possibly, separation while driving, which needless to say, is something that no owner would like to experience.

Jeep said that this particular recall concerns vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in salt belt states of Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia , Wisconsin and the district of Columbia.

The third and final recall from Jeep is for 4,336 MY 2009 Grand Cherokee, Commander and Wrangler vehicles. The reason? Well, the driver's airbag wiring may be reversed on these models meaning the bag won't deploy in the event of a crash.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Video: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Highlights and Driving Shots

The latest evolution of Jeep's Grand Cherokee takes a stride towards crossover territory promising to offer significant improvements to on-road handling thanks to its Mercedes ML underpinnings that grace Jeep's flagship model with an all around independent suspension. In addition to the 5.7-liter V8 HEMI, the 2011 Grand Cherokee will also be offered with Chrysler's all-new 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine that cranks out 280HP. Hit the jump to watch the first videos of the new Jeepthat made its world premiere at this week's NY Auto Show.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Live Photos of the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee from New York

We don't know about you, but the more we look at the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the more we're warming up to its exterior styling. Check out these live photos that were shot earlier today during the unveiling of the vehicle at the New York Auto Show and tell us what you think about Jeep's new proposal in the SUV segment by leaving us a comment below.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Mercedes ML Based SUV Breaks Cover

Bigger with 'softer', more-crossover-like looks and based on the same underpinnings as the Mercedes-Benz ML; this is the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was unveiled early in the morning ahead of its programmed world debut at the New York Auto Show. From all the above we're pretty sure that the only thing most of you will hold is that, despite the fact the Daimler and Chrysler have parted ways a long time now, the new Grand Cherokee is built on a rear-wheel-drive unibody platform sharing the same underpinnings as the Mercedes-Benz ML.

The new Grand Cherokee rides on a 114.8-inch wheelbase which is 5.3 inches longer than the model it replaces and contributes to an overall vehicle length that is 1.8 inches longer than the prior model. Furthermore, the SUV is also 3 inches wider which should it make it more spacious for passengers and their belongings.

In terms of design, Jeep refined the Grand Cherokee which now looks more like a modern crossover and less like a traditional SUV. Same goes for the interior that has been redesigned from the ground up with Jeep promising soft-touch materials all around.

Underneath the metal, Jeep claims that the new (M-Class) body structure's torsional stiffness is 146 percent stiffer than the outgoing Grand Cherokee and stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander.

Furthermore, the new model is equipped with an all-new independent front and rear suspension that replaces the current Grand Cherokee's live axle setup at the rear. Apart from the apparent benefits in handling, the new rear suspension allows the spare tire to be stored inside the vehicle as opposed to underneath.

The Grand Cherokee will also be available with the new Quadra-Lift air suspension system that features five height settings, one of which provides an additional 3 inches of height for 11.1 inches of ground clearance.

In addition to the Quadra-Lift air suspension, the Grand Cherokee also gets an all-new Selec-Terrain traction control system that electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Jeep offers three different 4x4 systems for the new Grand Cherokee. The basic Quadra-Trac I delivers full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull, while the Quadra-Trac II offers a two-speed transfer case and the ability to route as much as 100 percent of available torque to the axle with the most traction. Finally, the Quadra-Drive II adds a rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) that instantly detects tire slip and distributes engine torque to tires with traction. The Selec-Terrain that we mentioned before is standard with Quadra Trac II and Quadra Drive II.

In North America, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available with two engines, a new flexible fuel 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 280 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm) at 4,800 rpm and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque (520 Nm) at 4,250 rpm. The V6 unit is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission while the V8 HEMI to a multi-speed automatic transmission.

In Europe and other international markets, the new Grand Cherokee will also be offered with diesel engine(s).

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com