Is This The Swan Song For The Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Jeep brand has a lofty and historic heritage one that was came to life during the darkest hours of World War II. At that time the US military needed a vehicle which could move its way through the French countryside German bogs and far eastern paddy fields thus the Jeep was born.
Since the second world war ended Jeep has been available to the general public and it is the vehicle which gave way to the rise of sport/utility vehicles now common with virtually all automakers.
Jeep itself has survived its own turbulence having been bought and sold several times over the course of its lifetime. Willys Kaiser and American Motors were the earliest owners of the Jeep brand followed by Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler and the all new Chrysler LLC company formed in 2007 when Chrysler was separated from its German parent the new Daimler AG.
Since 1993 the flagship vehicle in the Jeep fleet is the Grand Cherokee although the newer Commander is actually the largest Jeep model currently sold. That latter model has been a slow seller and will probably be discontinued after the current model year.
If Jeep lives long enough customers will see a new model next year the 2011 Grand Cherokee. Now entering its fourth generation the Grand Cherokee will probably be the final model produced by Chrysler LLC as the company is basically bankrupt and hoping that its pending alliance with Fiat SpA works out. If Chrysler and Fiat are able to strike up a deal then Jeep would be included in that plan. If not a bankrupt Chrysler would be sold off in pieces with Jeep likely to go to the highest bidder.
The next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee keeps its offroad capabilities intact despite contrary rumors suggesting that the vehicle would be transformed into a crossover model. Featuring allnew QuadraLift air suspension system the Grand Cherokee delivers legendary Jeep offroad capability along with the new SelecTerrain system that allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on or offroad driving conditions. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver premium onroad handling and comfort.
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s standard engine is an allnew flexible fuel 3.6liter Pentastar V6 engine. The 3.6liter V6 engine is an allnew design featuring double overhead camshafts DOHC and a highpressure diecast aluminum cylinder block in a 60degree configuration. This engine will offer an 11 increase in fuel economy while customers will also be able to choose a HEMI V8 for additional power and towing capabilities.
No matter what becomes of Jeep the brand’s legendary track record remains Chrysler’s most valuable asset one that will likely continue whether Fiat or some other company gains control over the world’s oldest offroad brand.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Chevy Tahoe wheels and VW Jetta rims.
Related posts: