2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
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A new and improved Jeep Grand Cherokee is expected to be rolled out in 2010. In preparation for the new model, Chrysler plans to spend more than $1.8 billion to refit its Jefferson assembly plant in North Detroit. The same plant will also be responsible for several yet-to-be revealed models based on the same platform. Because of the economy, and the cry for more fuel efficient vehicles, Chrysler knows they must do something about their SUVs, so they are redesigning their next-generation models to be lighter and greener. The new Grand Cherokee will feature car-like unibody construction as well as a new ‘Phoenix’ V6 engine. The 2010 Grand Cherokee will have a noticeably longer wheelbase, longer rear overhang and likely third-row seating. Although Chrysler chose not to include a diesel option on the current Grand Cherokee, it is certainly a possibility for the 2010 model. Despite some redesigning and reengineering, the new model will most definitely be recognized as what we think of when we think of the Grand Cherokee. This includes such trademark styling cues as the seven-slat grille, four round headlights and squared-off wheel arches.
2010 Design
The new platform was jointly developed with Mercedes-Benz, will be shared with several other vehicles including the next-generation Dodge Durango. While the Jeep Commander was originally slated to move to this new chassis, the Commander has now discontinued. However, this new chassis has enough flexibility so that the 2010 Grand Cherokee will be offered in 5 passenger and 7 passenger configurations.
Once considered the sports car of the SUV segment, the Grand Cherokee is about to get bigger. It is unclear whether the SRT8 version will be available in the fall, or if it will begin rolling midway through the model year. As part of its viability plan submitted to Congress, Chrysler included an illustration of the all-new 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee in its submission. The exhaust on the new Grand Cherokee has been moved from the center and is now integrated into the rear bumper on each side; and this leads on to believe the SRT8 Grand Cherokee will be offered, for the first time, with a towing package.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Powertrain
Chrysler’s new Phoenix V6 motor will be available in the Grand Cherokee in 3.3L and 3.6L displacements. A 4.7L V8 and 5.7L HEMI are also likely. There is a possibility of the GM/Chrysler/BMW hybrid powertrain, being available. The Phoneix V6 makes its efficiency gains by using cylinder-deactivation technology to shut down three cylinders, allowing it to function on half of its maximum displacement when under low loads. This feature is reported to be good for a 6-8% improvement in most cases. Taken together with the improved around-town handling likely to come from unibody construction, the Cherokee could see a significant boost in sales among mainstream buyers.
Trailhawk Concept
The Trailhawk Concept was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show of two years ago. In design the new Grand Cherokee looks a lot like the Trailhawk concept, but with somewhat sharper lines, so expect the overall shape to borrow from the Trailhawk concept. There’s a seven-slat grill that is similar to the Trailhawk’s nose. Moreover, the doors have a similar stamping to the Trailhawk concept.
2010 Availability
The new Grand Cherokee may make its debut later this year at either the Chicago or New York show. Production of this new Jeep should start at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit in January of 2010. As always, expect two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models to be offered. View a History of the Jeep Grand Cherokee for a look back on past models.
