Auburn Hills, Mich., Apr 07, 2004 -Time and time again, the Jeep® brand has defined and repeatedly challenged auto industry standards through the innovative use of new technologies. The introduction of the all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues this long-standing Jeep tradition.

“The Jeep brand invented the SUV segment, and for over a decade, Grand Cherokee has set the standard,” said Jeff Bell, Chrysler Group Vice President – Jeep. “The new 2005 Grand Cherokee builds on the tradition with an all-new, contemporary style with premium amenities and legendary Jeep capability.”

A History of Innovation
The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee builds on the Jeep brand’s unparalleled reputation for off-road capability and on-road refinement. It’s a reputation earned during more than six decades of SUV mastery.

The first civilian Jeep, CJ2A, was introduced in 1945. In 1949 came the introduction of the two-door Jeepster, which was powered by the famous four-cylinder Willys engine.

In 1963, Jeep vehicles were the first in the automotive industry to offer the combination of four-wheel drive and automatic transmission. The car-like comfort and convenience were unique to four-wheel-drive vehicles. Two years later, Jeep became the first sport-utility brand to offer a V-8 engine. Another Jeep brand exclusive was the completely automatic full-time four-wheel drive system with a unique controlled-slip differential. This innovative system was first offered on the 1973 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

Then came 1984–a watershed year for the sport-utility market when Jeep created a new segment with the introduction of the Jeep Cherokee, the first Unibody four-door compact SUV and a true car-like alternative.

Further expanding its full line of sport-utility vehicles, Jeep again established itself as the gold standard when it introduced the Jeep Grand Cherokee in 1992. In addition to a number of new technologies, Jeep Grand Cherokee was the first sport-utility vehicle to be equipped with a driver’s side-air bag. And, with its comfort, ride and handling, it created the luxury sport-utility market.

As a precursor to performance-oriented sport-utility vehicles, Jeep, in 1997 introduced the Grand Cherokee high-output 5.9-liter V-8-equipped Limited model. The engine boasted 245 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds, giving it the distinction as the industry’s fastest production sport-utility vehicle. All the while, the 5.9 Limited also maintained the 4 x 4 capability for which the Jeep brand is known.

In 1998, Jeep again raised the standard among SUVs with the introduction of the second generation Grand Cherokee. It featured a new concept in four-wheel-drive systems: a new Quadra-Drive II™ transfer case that incorporated a progressive, speed-sensing torque transfer coupling. The system marked the first industry use of Vari-Lok axles that have progressive, speed-sensing torque transfer differentials, in both front and rear axles. Combining Quadra-Trac II and Vari-Lok yielded the revolutionary Quadra-Drive system which, without any driver involvement, keeps the vehicle moving even if only one wheel has minimal traction – a key customer benefit under all driving conditions.

In 2001, the introduction of the Jeep Liberty expanded the brand lineup and still stood apart from a new generation of less capable compact SUVs. One year later, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model made its debut as the most capable straight-from-the-factory SUV with locking front and rear differentials, front and rear Dana 44 axles and an industry-leading 4:1 low-range transfer case.

All-New Grand Cherokee: The Tradition Continues
Continuing the tradition of Jeep innovation, the all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is unlike anything else on the market. It brings together Electronic Limited Slip Differentials, Electronic Stability Program, a Dynamic Handling System, a new suspension, new rack and pinion steering and other technologies to yield exceptional on-road dynamics and excellent off-road capability. And all this in the original nimble size of Grand Cherokee that customers know and want.

In addition, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is powered by a new optional 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine for a major increase in performance and fuel efficiency. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine is offered as the base engine for the first time on Grand Cherokee, giving it a significant boost in performance versus the engine it replaces.

The all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers premium amenities, such as SmartBeam® headlamps that automatically dim with oncoming traffic, rear seat DVD entertainment, UConnect™ hands-free communication, satellite radio, navigation system, automatic windshield wipers, adjustable pedals and dual zone heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Also new on the 2005 Grand Cherokee are enhanced safety and security features, including front and side air bags with protection from A to C pillars, tire pressure monitoring systems, available rear park assist, and occupant classification system.

“Whether it’s going into the outback or to the opera, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee has the elegance, sophisticated style and capability to get owners where they want to be, whenever they want,” said Bell. “ We stayed true to our go-anywhere, do-anything Jeep 4 x 4 heritage that customers want, and we also took the refinement, handling and overall enjoyment well beyond customers’ expectations.”