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Just In: All-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Consumer Reports Cars Blog Consumer Reports got their hands on a new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and here are some of their comments upon initial review:

“…2011 version has a soft-touch dash, tasteful leather and wood, solid-feeling controls and nicely-tailored seats.”

“Initial impressions? The new Grand drives like no Jeep ever has. On the road it feels stable and planted, and it has a firm, yet compliant ride. Handling is responsive, with restrained body roll. The cabin is quiet. And that new 290-hp, 3.6-liter, Pentastar V6 is smooth and refined…”

“We're looking forward to fully testing this new, substantially evolved Grand Cherokee. With more agility, comfort, and refinement, it has moved away from being a utilitarian, discount product. It now feels like a vehicle that can compete on equal footing with its sophisticated peers, whether car-based or off-road ready.”

Browse Swift Jeep's Jeep Grand Cherokee Inventory.

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Nearly two decades ago, Jeep invented the premium sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. More than 4 million sales later, Jeep improves the formula and hits the sweet spot of Jeep 4x4 capability and on-road refinement with the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand’s legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. It also offers improved fuel economy (up to 23 mpg) and a world-class interior cabin.

The all-new Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability along with the new Selec-Terrain™ system that allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road driving conditions. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver premium on-road handling and comfort.

“With the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee, Jeep has created the benchmark, premium SUV,” said Mike Manley, President and Chief Executive Officer — Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Unique innovations such as our new Quadra-Lift air suspension system and Selec-Terrain traction control systems separate Jeep from the crowd and take the new Grand Cherokee to the next level of 4x4 capability. The new generation of the iconic Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers the perfect blend of on-road refinement, superb craftsmanship, world-class design, improved fuel economy, innovative features and legendary, real-world capability.”


Legendary Capability
The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the new Quadra-Lift air suspension system.
The Quadra-Lift air suspension system features five height settings for optimum ride performance:

• Normal Ride Height (NRH): 8.1 inches of clearance offers improved fuel economy and improved aerodynamics during on-road driving
• Off-road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional 1.3 inches for added height in clearing obstacles (9.4 inches)
• Off-road 2: Delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability and provides an additional
  2.6 inches of height for 10.7 inches of ground clearance
• Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 1.5 inches from NRH for easy ingress/egress and roof rack loading. NRH and Park mode are driver-selectable, giving the driver control over vehicle ride height
• Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle .6 inches from NRH. Aero mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel economy

Quadra-Lift adds up to 4.1 inches of lift span that is supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console controls.

In addition to the Quadra-Lift air suspension system, the all-new Selec-Terrain traction control system lets customers choose the off-road setting for the optimum experience on all terrains. This feature 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).

The Selec-Terrain’s control dial allows the driver to choose from five driving conditions in order to achieve the best driving experience on all terrains:

• Sand/Mud: Traction control and Quadra-Lift operate with sensitive response to wheel spin, and torque is tuned for optimal performance
• Sport: Provides enhanced on-road "fun-to-drive" capability
• Auto: Automatically adapts to any on- or off-road situation
• Snow: Vehicle traction adjusts for ultimate performance over snow-covered roads
• Rock: Quadra-Lift air suspension system raises to maximum height (10.7 inches) and the transfer case, differentials, and throttle coordinate to provide low-speed control

Selec-Terrain, coupled with the all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension system, offers drivers an adjustable suspension span that delivers world-class capability.

With the front air dam removed, and the available Quadra-Lift air suspension system, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 34.3-degree approach angle, (compared to 32.3 on previous model), a 29.3-degree departure angle (compared to 27.5 on previous model) and 23.1-degree breakover angle (compared to 20.4 on previous model).

The all-new front and rear independent suspension features isolated front and rear suspension cradles. Variable-rate rear springs deliver improved on-road handling and comfort that complements the vehicle’s off-road capability. The new rear suspension allows the spare tire to be stored inside the vehicle as opposed to underneath.


Go-Anywhere 4x4 Systems
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers three 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I®, Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive® II).

Quadra-Trac I delivers full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull.
The system provides smooth operation over a variety of road conditions. This light-weight single-speed case is both proven and highly efficient for enhanced fuel economy.

Quadra-Trac II’s two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

Quadra-Drive II, with a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD), delivers industry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

Selec-Terrain is standard with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II.


Jeep Trail Rated®
All 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with either the Off-road Adventure I or the Off-road Adventure II packages are Trail Rated®. The Jeep Trail Rated badge on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee indicates that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.

Jeep Trail Rated is a unique methodology used by Jeep Engineering to measure and predict
off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, Jeep Trail Rated provides a consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.


Classic Exterior Design
Every surface of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and treated for aerodynamics. This improves fuel efficiency and puts more fluidity into the design while delivering an 8.5-percent improvement in drag compared with the previous model. The all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee Coefficient of drag (Cd) is approximately 0.37 compared with the previous model’s Cd of 0.404.

“Our all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is much more refined, focused and sportier than the model it replaces,” said Ralph Gilles, Senior Vice President — Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “It has classic Jeep Grand Cherokee styling with sculpted athletic exterior refinements for 2011.”

The front includes Jeep’s classic seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel arches. The removable lower front fascia delivers improved fuel economy, on-road performance and off-road capability. The lower front fascia features a large chromed appliqué (Limited and Overland models) that showcases available tow hooks.

From the side, Jeep Grand Cherokee features an athletic, muscular profile. Black appliqués on B-pillars give the bright day-light opening (DLO) an aerodynamic, modern appearance and a sleek profile. Available chromed mirrors and door handles add to the profile and complement the full-chromed DLO surround on all models.

Standard 17-and 18-inch wheels deliver off-road capability, along with all-new to Jeep, optional 20-inch wheels for 2011.

Taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle and create a solid form which achieves a more upscale appearance. The treatment complements the front-end design and resonates with the rest of the exterior.

Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with the 5.7-liter MDS V-8 engine have 3.5-inch dual chromed exhaust tips, and those with the V-6 engine have a 3-inch single exhaust with optional 3.5-inch chromed tips.


World-class Interior Refinement
The all-new interior features rich materials and elegant appointments, as well as more room for both passengers and cargo.

“Following in the footsteps of the benchmark 2009 Dodge Ram, the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is another proud graduate of our Advanced Interior Design Studio,” said Gilles. “We achieved a world-class interior by using fine materials and maintaining a more focused attention to detail.”

An available all-new CommandView® dual-pane sun roof provides twice as much glass surface than a standard sun-roof and extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. The front panel may be opened rearward, providing additional light and fresh air to first-row passengers. The rear panel, which is fixed, allows light and open viewing for second-row passengers and comes standard with a power sun shade.


Right-sized Packaging
The vehicle’s 114.8-inch wheelbase 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. The longer wheelbase creates more interior room and gives passengers an additional 4 inches of rear-seat knee and leg room. The vehicle also is three inches wider for improved handling and packaging.

Larger front door openings (1.9 inches wider; 2 inches higher) and rear doors that open 78 degrees (compared to previous model’s 67 degrees) provide better access to the interior.

Inside, premium seating includes room for five passengers. An available fold-flat front-passenger seat provides improved cargo storage room (Laredo E models).

For maximum cargo and passenger comfort, rear seat backs move a total of 18 degrees front to back.

Cargo volume behind the second row provides an additional 5.6 cubic feet of room (35.1 cubic feet total) compared to the previous model. The well-appointed rear cargo area includes a storage unit with a removable/rechargeable flashlight and new and improved grocery hooks on both sides. The spare tire compartment includes removable dual storage bins for secure storage of muddy gear or other items.

An all-new power rear liftgate is available for effortless remote up/down convenience.


Premium Performance
Continuing to build on the Jeep brand’s legendary off-road capability, the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee adds premium on-road performance to complete the package.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s premium SUV on-road manners and legendary Jeep ruggedness is achieved with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. Torsional stiffness is 146 percent stiffer than the previous Grand Cherokee and stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander for improved durability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

More than 3,700 mm of arc welding and 100 m of structural adhesive augment the welding. This marks a 53-percent increase in spot welds, a 42-percent increase in arc welds and a 38-percent increase in structural adhesive.


Powertrains
The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with two leading engine options for North American markets.

All-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee features the first application of the all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. This all-new flexible-fuel 3.6-liter V-6 engine is standard on the 2011 Grand Cherokee and features an all-new design with double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration. It features Variable-valve Timing (VVT) and delivers 290 horsepower (216 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 N•m) at 4,800 rpm. The all-new V-6 engine improves fuel economy up to 11 percent compared to the previous Grand Cherokee equipped with a V-6. It is coupled with the proven W5A580, a five-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy. The five-speed W5A580 transmission includes adaptive electronic control or Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver-interactive manual control and an electronically modulated torque converter clutch.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers trailer tow capability of up to 5,000 pounds on models equipped with the Pentastar V-6 engine.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s V-6 engine offers improved fuel economy and delivers a range of approximately 500 miles on one tank of gas.

Legendary 5.7-liter V-8 engine
The available legendary 5.7-liter Multi-displacement System (MDS) V-8 engine delivers 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 390 lb.-ft. of torque (520 N•m) at 4,250 rpm. The 5.7-liter V-8 also features VVT, which delivers performance and towing capability, and fuel efficiency with fuel-saving MDS. The MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power from the 5.7-liter MDS engine is requested. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not needed, without sacrificing vehicle performance. The 5.7-liter MDS V-8 engine is mated to the 545RFE multi-speed automatic transmission.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers trailer tow capability of up to 7,400 pounds on 4x2 models when equipped with the 5.7-liter V-8 engine.

For international markets, the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in left- and right-hand drive with either diesel or petrol powertrains.


More than 45 Safety and Security Features
The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes more than 45 safety and security features.

Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection, four-wheel Brake Traction Control System (BTCS), Keyless Enter-N-Go, Remote keyless entry, express up/down windows for driver and front-seat passenger, seat-belt pretensioners, Trailer-sway Control and Remote start, which is standard on Limited and Overland and available on Laredo models.

Other standard safety features include full-length side-curtain air bags which extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger, and active head restraints which deploy in the event of a rear collision.

The body structure is all new and designed to achieve expected safety performance in global markets (new roof-crush standards, side-impact standards and Euro pedestrian impact standards).


Connectivity and Infotainment Features
The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers customers an array of infotainment technologies for driver safety and passenger enjoyment. The features enable drivers to safely communicate, navigate and select entertainment options using advance voice recognition controls. Passengers can stay entertained with a multitude of features, including FLO TV™, SIRIUS Satellite Radio™, SIRIUS Backseat TV™, Uconnect™ Navigation, Uconnect Phone and Uconnect Web.


Manufacturing
The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is built at the nearly 3-million-square-foot Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit, which has been the site of Grand Cherokee production since its introduction in 1992.

In preparation for production of the all-new Grand Cherokee, JNAP went through a complete transformation as part of World Class Manufacturing (WCM), an extensive and thorough process to restore all Chrysler Group facilities to their original and maximum functionality. Part of that transformation included the addition of a 285,000-square-foot expansion to replace the existing body shop, one piece of Chrysler’s investment of approximately $1.8 billion in new vehicle programs.

During the fall of 2009 the JNAP workforce went to work focusing on ways to improve the look and functionality of the plant. They made significant changes in workplace organization and logistics systems, found ways to improve quality, and addressed ergonomic issues.

Taking the transformation one step further, more than 1,400 hourly and salaried employees participated in more than 44,000 hours of training in preparation for launch and submitted over 2,500 suggestions on how to further improve the processes to ensure the highest quality Grand Cherokee rolls off the line. These changes, throughout paint and assembly operations, have given the facility an all-new level of manufacturing flexibility for multiple product capability.

“Restoring Jefferson North helps to maintain and increase the longevity of the facility and secures a future for our employees, our suppliers and the local community,” said Scott Garberding, Senior Vice President—Manufacturing/World Class Manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC. “The results show the commitment, dedication, passion and pride of our employees and further demonstrate our commitment to the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan.”

JNAP was built in 1991 and was expanded in 1999.

The Ram Truck Brand, in partnership with Zac Brown Band, kicks off “Letters for Lyrics,” a national letter-writing campaign targeted to U.S. soldiers. The goal for the Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band is to send 1 million letters to U.S. troops deployed around the world.

In exchange for writing a letter to a U.S. soldier, participants will receive a special compilation CD titled, “Breaking Southern Ground.” This exclusive CD features three all-new songs from Zac Brown Band, as well as music from artists signed to Zac Brown’s label, Southern Ground Records – Sonia Leigh, Nic Cowan and Levi Lowrey.
 

“The Ram Truck Brand is grateful for the commitment and courage that U.S. soldiers give to this country each day,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our company has been steadfast in its support of America's armed services; we know these letters will help brighten a soldier’s day. We encourage our employees, suppliers and our customers to visit a local Ram Truck dealership to write or drop off a letter for these soldiers who protect our right to freedom.”

"We've had several opportunities to perform for the troops over the past year and each time we were deeply inspired by their positive attitudes and dedication to protecting our country and preserving our way of life," said Zac Brown. "We were so moved that we knew we needed to recognize their efforts in a big way. Our hope is that by combining our experience overseas, our music, and the good people at Ram Truck Brand, we will be able to rally a movement of support for our brave service members abroad."

Darren Doane, the CMT nominated director of Zac Brown Band's live 'Pass the Jar' DVD (Southern Ground/Atlantic) and their music video for the #1 hit "Toes," traveled with the band to the Persian Gulf to document the moving experience – capturing footage of the band performing for the troops and meeting individually with the men and women in uniform. Bringing the experience home, Doane has constructed several mini-documentary style videos which will be posted to RamTrucks.com starting today and updated throughout the coming weeks.

"This unique endeavor is derived from respect and admiration, from both the Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band, for the men and women in the military,” said Marissa Hunter, Head of Ram Truck Brand Communications, Chrysler Group LLC. “It is our hope that these letters serve as a source of appreciation and comfort.”

Letters will be collected at Zac Brown Band concerts and all U.S. Ram Truck dealerships. People interested in writing a letter can visit any Ram Truck dealership where special “Letters for Lyrics” stationery will be provided.

Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit organization, will deliver the letters on behalf of the Zac Brown Band and the Ram Truck Brand. Soldiers’ Angels is a volunteer-led organization with over 225,000 members providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, along with veterans and their families.

“By standing wingtip to wingtip, the Ram Truck Brand, Zac Brown Band and Soldiers’ Angels will be able to help build morale to heroes in combat zones one million fold,” said Soldiers’ Angels founder and president, Patti Patton-Bader. “We are truly grateful to the Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band for their help in ensuring that our heroes know they are loved and appreciated.”

The “Letters for Lyrics” campaign is part of an integrated marketing campaign for the 2010 Ram Heavy Duty and is supported with broadcast, print, digital and social media efforts that will run concurrently.

About Zac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band were named GRAMMY's "Best New Artist” in 2010. They also earned four Academy of Country Music Award nominations including one for "Entertainer of the Year." The band's double platinum-certified, major label debut ‘The Foundation’ (Atlantic) - one of Billboard's Top 20 albums of 2009 - features the band's first four #1 singles. Currently on the road with their "Breaking Southern Ground" national tour, Zac Brown Band will also join the Dave Matthews Band to perform at select shows across the U.S. this summer including New York's Citi Field. Zac Brown Band is represented by ROAR, a Beverly Hills-based management company. Additional information can be found at http://www.zacbrownband.com/.

About Soldiers' Angels
Soldiers’ Angels is a full service deployed troop, military family, wounded and veterans service organization serving all those who serve all of us with over twenty very effective programs. We specialize in the unique needs uncovered by other agencies, military benefits and medical insurance. Founded in 2003 by Patti Patton-Bader, the mother of an army soldier deployed to Iraq, Soldiers’ Angels has grown from a small care package organization to major source of aid for all those who serve or have served in our Armed Forces. Last year, we provided over 25 million dollars worth of assistance. Our slogan, "May No Soldier Go Unloved," encapsulates the motivation behind Soldiers' Angels. By working together and sharing a common vision of service, the volunteers of Soldiers' Angels continue to demonstrate active care and concern for veterans, the wounded, deployed service members, and their families. From our very inception, the focus of Soldiers’ Angels has been: Helping bring home healthy soldiers. Visit www.soldiersangels.org, www.facebook.com/SoldiersAngelsOfficial and www.twitter.com/soldiersangels to find out more.