[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee to run on gas, diesel and E-85[/FONT]
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- [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]First full-size sport-utility vehicle with 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel in the U.S. [/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Up to 30 percent improvement in fuel economy [/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Class-leading towing, torque, driving range [/FONT]
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Chrysler Group announced today its plans yesterday to produce the first diesel-powered, full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) to be offered in the United States. The 2007 Jeep<SUB></SUB> Grand Cherokee with a 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine will arrive at Jeep dealerships in the first quarter of 2007.[/FONT]
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DaimlerChrysler is a leader in automotive diesel applications in Europe, and it makes sense to continue to build on that experience by offering a modern, clean diesel for the U.S. market, said Craig Love, Vice President -- Rear-Wheel-Drive Product Team, Chrysler Group. The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel will offer consumers increased fuel economy, class-leading torque, towing and driving range.[/FONT]
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The new 3.0-liter CRD engine, built by Mercedes-Benz, produces 215 hp (160 kW) @ 3800 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. torque (510 Nm) @ 1600-2800 rpm and gets an estimated fuel economy of 19 miles city and 23 miles highway. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD offers class-leading torque, outstanding towing capacity (7,400 lbs.), and class-leading driving range of approximately 425 miles. And, clean diesel technology improves fuel economy by up to 30 percent and has up to 20 percent fewer carbon dioxide (CO<SUB>2</SUB>) emissions. The 3.0-liter CRD engine will be available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, Limited and Overland models.[/FONT]
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The 3.0-liter CRD is an efficient, smooth-running, clean engine that delivers fuel economy and performance, said Bob Lee, Vice President -- Power Train Product Team, Chrysler Group. 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.[/FONT]
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Chrysler Group was the first automotive manufacturer in the United States to offer a mid-size, diesel-powered SUV, the 2005 Jeep Liberty with a 2.8-liter CRD engine. Based on consumer response, the diesel-powered Jeep Liberty exceeded the companys expectations. More than 11,000 diesel-powered Jeep Liberty vehicles have been sold since production began. The Jeep Liberty diesel continues to be a strong seller, as consumers realize the benefits of diesel technology.[/FONT]
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The Jeep brand also announced earlier in the year that the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee would have a flex-fuel capable 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine, which gives customers the ability to use a fuel with an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E-85) in their vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles support renewable sources of fuel and reduce emissions. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues Chrysler Groups commitment to alternative fuels and technology.[/FONT]
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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. Of the estimated 20 vehicles available, 12 or more will have the option for a diesel powertrain (up from four in 2003).[/FONT]
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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. Pricing will be announced closer to availability.[/FONT]
