Chrysler Group Announces Pricing for the New 2007 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee CRD

* Full-size, diesel-powered sport-utility vehicle for under $39,000

* Up to 30 percent improvement in fuel economy and 20 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions

* Class-leading torque and driving range (450 miles); outstanding towing

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Chrysler Group announced today at the Washington Auto Show pricing for its first diesel-powered, full- size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) to be offered in the United States. The 2007 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee with a 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine will begin to arrive at Jeep dealerships in March.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD will begin at $38,475, including $695 destination. The 3.0-liter V-6 CRD engine will be available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland 4×2 and 4×4 models.

“The Chrysler Group is leading the way to bring the advantages of diesel to various U.S. vehicle segments,” Tom LaSorda, President and CEO, Chrysler Group, said. “Chrysler Group will continue to build upon our diesel leadership in the years to come. We believe that clean diesel technology can and should be a part of the national energy solution. It’s crucial that our country’s policymakers set regulations that encourage a diversity of approaches to reducing our dependence on oil.”

The new 3.0-liter V-6 CRD engine, built by Mercedes-Benz, produces 215 hp (160 kW) @ 3,800 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. torque (510 N*m) @ 1,600-2,800 rpm and gets an estimated fuel economy of 20 miles city and 25 miles highway for 4×2 models and 20 miles city and 24 miles highway for 4×4 models. Most recently, the engine earned a spot on “Ward’s 10 Best Engines” list.

The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD offers class-leading torque, outstanding towing capacity (7,400 pounds), and class-leading driving range of approximately 450 miles. Clean diesel technology also improves fuel economy by up to 30 percent and has up to 20 percent fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD

With an MSRP of $38,475 for 4×2 models and $41,715 for 4×4 models (including destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD includes Sirius Satellite Radio, Quadra-Drive II(R)*, five-speed automatic transmission, 17- inch aluminum wheels, memory system (seats, mirrors, pedals, etc.), air conditioning with dual-zone automatic temperature control, rain sensitive windshield wipers, premium leather seats, SmartBeam headlamps, tire pressure monitor, engine block heater, and AM/FM/six-disc CD/MP3 radio. (*4×4 models only)

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland CRD

With an MSRP of $41,960 for 4×2 models and $45,395 for 4×4 models (including destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland CRD includes a five- speed automatic transmission, Quadra-Drive II*, 17-inch chrome clad wheels, ParkView rear back-up camera, ParkSense(R) rear back-up system, skid plates*, trailer tow package, tow hooks*, engine block heater, Sirius Satellite Radio, DVD-based AM/FM/six-disc CD/MP3 navigation radio and UConnect(R) hands-free communication system. (*4×4 models only)

“The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel will offer excellent performance, increased fuel economy, class-leading torque, towing and a driving range of 450 miles - the equivalent of driving from Washington D.C. to Boston,” said Craig Love, Vice President–Rear-Wheel-Drive Product Team, Chrysler Group. “Unlike past experiences Americans may have had with diesel engines 20 years ago, the 3.0-liter CRD available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee is engineered to be a smooth-running, quiet, clean engine. Consumers may forget that they are driving a diesel vehicle.”

The Jeep brand also announced last 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 (E85) in their vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles support renewable sources of fuel and reduce emissions. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues Chrysler Group’s commitment to alternative fuels and technology.

More than 60 percent of the Chrysler Group vehicles sold in Western Europe are diesel powered. Between 2003 and 2007, the 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).

The Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD will be manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. The Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD will be fueled with B5 (5 percent) biodiesel at the assembly plant to help increase the awareness of biodiesel. The 3.0-liter V-6 CRD engine is built at the Mercedes-Benz Berlin Marienfelde Plant in Berlin, Germany.

Short and sweet article on driving the new Grand Cherokee with the Mercedes-sourced 3.0 CRD engine. Not too much detail, but the author covers the basics and makes the main point: This is one of the best, if not THE best, diesel offerings available today.

In addition to some cosmetic changes, inside and out, the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee will now offer a diesel engine in the Laredo, Limited and Overland trim levels. Models with the diesel engine will be badged CRD for common-rail diesel. Additionally, the 4.7-liter V-8 gasoline engine will now be flex-fuel, capable of running on E85 or gas.

When I drove the Grand Cherokee CRD around DaimlerChrysler’s proving grounds in Chelsea, Mich., it delivered as promised. It’s ridiculously gutsy from a standing start, even with the relatively heavy Quadra-Drive II four-wheel drive underfoot. It’s no surprise, because the engine puts out 376 pounds-feet of torque at 1,600-2,800 rpm, as well as 215 horsepower at 3,800 rpm. What makes this engine stand out, though, is…

Read the complete article here, at Cars.com.

Tougher emission regulations cited as reason popular version of compact SUV is going extinct.

While DaimlerChrysler’s Jeep brand is touting its plan to build a Grand Cherokee with a fuel-efficient diesel engine, the automaker quietly ended production of a successful diesel version of its Jeep Liberty SUV for the U.S. market.

In April, J.D. Power and Associates said light-vehicle diesel sales are projected to grow from 3.2 percent of U.S. auto sales in 2005 to more than 10 percent by 2015.

Holy crap - are the automakers blind, or just blind?

I mean, sales are down for trucks and SUVs as a direct result of the price of fuel in North America. Here’s a way to ensure these cash-cows (trucks and SUVs) can be maintained a sales leaders, and the automakers seem ready walk away from it.

Diesels are nothing new, and the auto-rumor mill says folks like the General (should they survive) are planning an assault in North America with diesels. I guess they’re hoping the drivers of today will forget the butchered cobble-job GM was responsible for in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Back then they simply figured it’d be easy to converty a gas engine to diesel and the market was so starved for fuel efficient vehilces that GM would own the market.

Wrongo - it was a POS - a BIG POS! And that one move single-handedly helped create the image of diesels as slow, under-powered, unreliable, smelly and bad. Because, largely, that particular offering from GM was all of those things.

Fast forward though to today’s offerings, (more accurately this action is known as North Americans getting their heads out of their asses), and we see full-sized diesel-powered pickups capable of embarassing sportscars with their power, while returning mid-20 mpg economy. Pretty damn good when you absolutely need the kind of power to pull houses off foundations.

On the car front, we’ve got Mercedes offering token diesel models to the moneyed few, while VW is left to fly the flag for diesels everywhere and for the common pocket-book.

No wonder they own the market and will continue to do so for years to come.

The Europeans are laughing at us right now. THEY know high fuel costs. THEY know what a fuel efficient car is. THEY know the value of running a small car with a diesel engine.

So, while it’s great to see Jeep saying they’re getting rid of a motor which won’t meet future emissions requirements in NA, for crying out loud - the replacement is the freakin’ Grand Cherokee. COME ON! If I could afford a Grand in the first place, do you think I would settle for the spotty built quality of the Liberty? Don’t you think I WANT to buy the best for myself?

I do - I really do. Trouble is, I can only afford so much. A Grand (stupidly priced now anyway) will only be even MORE EXPENSIVE with the diesel option. And if you think you’ll claw the difference back in fuel savings - think again. Fuel efficiency will only save you so much - just ask those who paid a premium for a hybrid. Sure it’s cool - but what else could I get for my $50,000+?

OK, Jeep - hear me know!

Make the new 3.0 CRD diesel engine available in the Wrangler Unlimited AND the Liberty at a future date - THAT would make things right for Jeep owners. Hell, the Commander, more than any other model, should see this option. Imagine having the Commander and everything it actually is, PLUS more than 20 MPG?

Shit, I might have to consider a second mortgage if that combo came to market…

Parts of this story originally posted here.

* 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee to run on gas, diesel and E-85
* First full-size sport-utility vehicle with 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel in the U.S.
* Up to 30 percent improvement in fuel economy
* Class-leading towing, torque, driving range

Auburn Hills, Michigan

Chrysler Group announced yesterday its plans to produce the first diesel-powered, full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) to be offered in the United States. The 2007 Jeep� Grand Cherokee with a 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine will arrive at Jeep dealerships in the first quarter of 2007.

�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.�

The new 3.0-liter CRD engine, built by Mercedes-Benz, produces 215 hp (160 kW) @ 3800 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. torque (510 N�m) @ 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 (CO2) emissions. The 3.0-liter CRD engine will be available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, Limited and Overland models.

�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.�

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 company�s 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.

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 Group�s commitment to alternative fuels and technology.

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).

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.

Jeep Brand
Jeep has seven models in the 2007 model year, the most available to retail consumers at one time in the 65-year history of the brand.

The expansion of the Jeep brand has taken place in just two years. At the start of 2004, the brand�s trio of tough, capable, rugged SUVs included the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America) and the icon of the brand, the Jeep Wrangler.

In 2005, the Jeep Commander was introduced. This year, the redesigned Jeep Wrangler was unveiled. Also debuting this year are three all-new Jeep vehicles: Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

Overall sales of Jeep brand vehicles increased 12 percent in 2005 to their highest total since 2000 — 476,532 units compared with 2004 sales of 427,329 units. Internationally. Outside North America, Jeep brand sales grew 15 percent to 84,019 units in 2005. The positive momentum for the Jeep brand has continued during the 2006 calendar year.

Well, it’s about time Jeep made the right move, I think, and brought us North Americans the diesels they offer across the pond.

Latest up on the list of “I wants” is the Jeep Commander 3.0 CRD.

Same engine as seen in the Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD, just in the upper-end (like the Grand is a stripper) model.

Just think of being able to drive normally and have 30%+ better fuel economy than the Hemi can give. Man, THAT would make a difference.

Come to think of it, if overall SUV and truck sales are down, why aren’t all the automakers even trying to get diesels moving over here - they have them in Europe, and I’m willing to bet if they moved even one model over here, it’d would be a hit with today’s fuel prices.

Come on guys - give me a reason to WANT to buy your products again!

Anyway, read the road test on the Commander 3.0 CRD here.

(Opens a new window)

For Earth Day, DaimlerChrysler Shows Commitment to Renewable Fuels
. DaimlerChrysler has sold nearly 1.5 million flexible fuel vehicles capable of running on E85
. DaimlerChrysler has approved use of 5 percent biodiesel in the diesel-powered Jeep Liberty CRD
. Beginning with the 2007 model year, DaimlerChrysler has approved use of 20 percent biodiesel in the Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty diesel pickup trucks operated by government, military and commercial fleets

Auburn Hills, Mich., Apr 19, 2006 -

DaimlerChrysler offers diesel and flexible fuel vehicles that can run on clean, renewable, American-made alternative fuels.

Renewable fuels, including ethanol made from corn and biodiesel made primarily from soybeans, help to:

- Reduce tailpipe emissions of pollutants
- Reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas
- Reduce dependence on oil
- Support the nation’s agricultural economy

Since 1998, DaimlerChrysler has sold nearly 1.5 million flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) designed to run on E85 fuel, a fuel made up of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent conventional gasoline.

Beginning with the 2008 model year, DC will produce nearly 500,000 FFVs per year for sale in the United States.

Current vehicles capable of running on E85 fuel are:

- Dodge Stratus/Chrysler Sebring with the 2.7-liter engine
- Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan with the 3.3-liter engine
- Dodge Durango and Dodge Ram 1500 with the 4.7-liter engine

DaimlerChrysler is also promoting use of biodiesel, a fuel made from the vegetable oils from crops such as soybeans.

Biodiesel can replace conventional diesel fuel, reducing dependence on oil. The Jeep Liberty CRD diesel-powered SUV is filled with B5 (5 percent biodiesel) fuel at the assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio, and B5 is approved for use by all Jeep Liberty diesel customers.

Beginning with the 2007 model year, the company will approve use of B20 (20 percent biodiesel) fuel in Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty diesel pickup trucks operated by government, military and commercial fleets. The company is working with industry partners to establish a national standard that would enable all diesel vehicle owners to use B20 fuel.

“Biofuels are proof that at least part of the solution to our energy, environmental and national security issues can be homegrown,” said Tom LaSorda, President and CEO - Chrysler Group.

This is good news folks - this is the way of the future, so the automakers might as well get on board now and start the work of enabling end users the choice and ability.

One note of caution to diesel owners:

If you are not currently using biodiesel, be very careful if you try to switch over. Biodiesel has some properties which make it very much like a solvent.

Over time, your regular diesel fuel leaves deposits in the fuel system. Biodiesel can loosen these, flush them out and lead to a non-running engine due to clogged fuel lines and/or filters. They typical rememdy is to flush the fuel tank out, purge the lines and re-fill the tank - not cheap or quick.

If you’re already using biodiesel, you can skip the worrying and know your lines are clean.

Well, you gotta hand it to the folks across the pond - they do, in fact, get the coolest rides on Earth. And they get them first….sometimes exclusively.

DC recently released the newest version of the Grand Cherokee with a new 3.0 litre CRD diesel in the UK. This motor replaces the older 2.7 CRD (think Jeep Liberty Diesel) and offers a 33 percent increase in horsepower and 28 percent more torque. This means a 0-60 mph time of 8.9 seconds, a top speed of 124 mph and it still can average about 28 mpg.

See - told you they get the cool rides over there…

Now, if DC would get it’s act together, they’d see that the market demand for big, gas-sucking SUVs is shrinking. They’d add in that with diesel being a cheaper alternative and this model being a high-profit one, it would be wise to get this thing rolling around North America soon. Finish the whole thought off with a dose of reality - they’ve pretty much doubled planned sales of the Liberty Diesel, so they know folks will buy diesels with the Jeep badge on the hood.

We’re left to wonder why this version of the Grand isn’t ALREADY here.

Read the full article after the jump. (Opens a new window)

Great news for Jeep. The Libert diesel is on pace to double the expected sales figures set for it back in 2005. They’re about to run through 10,000 units since the launch in early 2005. That’s a dramatic difference to the last time Jeep offered a diesel option. Back in the 1980’s, Cherokees equipped with the Renault diesel engine languished on dealer lots and many were sold at cost or below just to get them off the lots.

Today, every Jeep Liberty diesel ships from the factory with B-5 diesel, too. This blended fuel (5% bio-fuel) is the key to an energy-conservative future for us. Since diesels can run on 100% biofuel, the ability exists for us in North America to produce our own fuel supply without dependance on crude oil for diesel powered motors. While not a 100% solution, it’s a very positve step fowrad, and Jeep shoud be commended for supporting it.

If you’ve never driven one of these great rigs, you’re missing out on something unique.

Sure, it’s noisier than a V-6 model, but the amount of low-end torque is eye-opening. Good thing they ship with traction control. Delivering almost the same overall horsepower ratings as the gas models, but with greatly improved real-world fuel economy, it’s no wonder they’ve caught on and become a hit.

Even moderately aggressive tipping-in of the throttle will induce a flashing dashboard light as the traction control works overtime to keep track of spinning rear tires.

Turned off, there’s great fun to be had, not that we’d condone such behavior.

Driven sanely, the Liberty diesel is said to be good for about 800 kms per fill-up. VERY useful range, and given that in our area diesel is cheaper than regular unleaded, worthwhile over the long-run, too.

And if you even think you might ever want to tow anything, this truck is going to be your best friend. Yard-work? Need some soil for the plants, maybe a small tree - hook up the trailer and go - zero drama. In fact, you’ll wonder if there’s anything behind you at all. Only that birch in your rearview mirror pacing you will tell the tale.

Step up and offer to move a friends boat - feel confident. With 4wd and this amount of power, the only limit is the 5,000 lbs tow-rating. THAT is a LOT of boat.

You say you don’t like your neighbor much? No worries, take Friday off, and while he’s at work, wrap a big tow-strap around his house, and yank it off the foundation. Best to look for an empty lot down the road to drop the house off in BEFORE you execute this move.

OK, while it’s not quite THAT powerful, it sure feels like it. It’s like a Liberty on steroids - like the ones fed to the Dodge Cummins models. The Liberty needs a new name when equipped with this motor…

Maybe the Jeep Torque? Nah, too Fast & Furious.

I KNOW! How about Jeep Liberty - Barry Bonds Edition…? This is one Jeep model that’s easily capable of hitting home runs!

Oh please don’t tease me! I’ve been a convert to diesels for a while now. I can’t get enough of them - they’re easy to mod for power, they are as reliable as the gravel in your driveway, they make great noises and deliver more low-end grunt than a linebacker in the bathroom after Thanksgiving dinner!

There’s a rumour afoot that Jeep might gussy up the oil-burner on sale in Europe in SRT-8 duds. *lust*

Here’s a snippet of the article from Dieselforecast.com:

�We�re always looking for ways to take advantage of the technology we have within the corporation. An SRT diesel would be the best of both worlds.� (For performance with economy.)

In Europe, where large petrol engines are punished with high taxes, diesel SUVs and even high-performance sedans by makers such as Mercedes and BMW are a popular choice. An SRT diesel…

Read the full article after the jump. (Opens a new window)