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Jeep Grand Cherokee
WJ Jeep Grand Cherokee2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV made by Jeep, a division of DaimlerChrysler. European Grand Cherokees are manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr.
Development
The Grand Cherokee was a spinoff of the notably smaller Jeep Cherokee. Based on the Jeep Concept 1 (1989), the Grand Cherokee's origins date back to 1983 when American Motors engineers were designing a Cherokee successor. The first generation was the first Chrysler-badged Jeep product since AMC came up with the concept; the AMC engineers/designers behind the project, later Chrysler employees (after the 1987 buyout) were pushing for a late 1980s release date; however, then-CEO Lee Iacocca was pushing for redesigned Chrysler minivans, delaying the Grand Cherokee's release until late 1992.
The Grand Cherokee debuted in grand fashion at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Then-Chrysler president Robert Lutz drove Detroit mayor, Coleman Young up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a plate glass window to show off the new vehicle. Production of the Grand Cherokee started shortly afterward in the purpose-built Jefferson North Assembly in Detroit, Michigan and has remained there since.
ZJ (1993–1998)
The ZJ models, manufactured from 1993 to 1998, originally came in 3 general trims, the Base, Laredo, and the Limited. The Base model (also known as SE) offered basic features such as full instruments, cloth interior, and a five-speed manual transmission (in 1993 only); The SE model was dropped in 1996. The Laredo was the mid-scale model, features included added body cladding power windows, power door locks, and cruise control; exterior features displayed a medium grey plastic lower body paneling and five-spoke aluminum wheels. The Limited was the premium model, with the lower body paneling being the same color as the vehicle color. The Limited also boasted features such as leather seating, optional power sunroof, mirrors, seats, and remote keyless entry system; a basic onboard computer; and waffle-like cast aluminum wheels.
1996 brought cosmetic changes ranging from improved body modeling (grille, bumpers), and integrated foglights; interior features added dual airbags and increased fabric quality for seating. At the same time, the American Motors-fonted "Grand Cherokee" fender emblems were replaced with a font style used on other Chrysler vehicles. The AMC 4.0 L I6 engine was also refined, though receiving slightly less hp but gained more torque and presented quieter operation. Limited models that year and onward had more luxury items such as driver placement memory, remote radio control from the steering wheel, and variable assist while driving and parking.
Specialty models included the Orvis (1995-1997); a Grand Cherokee Limited package that featured an exterior color scheme of deep hunter green with red and gold strip accents (1995), 1996 to 1997 Orvis exteriors were of hunter green tone with basic gold striping; the interior was a two-tone green and champagne seats complimented with red accents and "Orvis" company badging. A sporty TSi model (1997-1998) briefly debuted, exterior features included single color body paneling, with a light blue striping accent. TSi packages came equipped with 16 in alloy wheels, 225/70R16 tires, leather seats and a premium sound system. The 5.9 Limited was produced only for the 1998 model year, having more luxury than that of the regular Limited. It housed a powerful 5.9 L V8 engine with an output of 245 hp and 345 ft·lbf of torque, going from zero to 60 mph in only 7.3 seconds, making it the quickest SUV available that year. Other features separated the 5.9 from the standard Limited model, such as a mesh grille insert, unique five-spoke alloy wheels, an improved premium stereo system, and softer leather trim.
For 1993 alone, Jeep resurrected the Grand Wagoneer name for a special luxury version of the Grand Cherokee with the 5.2 L V8, this marked the last appearance for the Grand Wagoneer in the Jeep lineup.
Four-wheel drive systems included Command-Trac, a part-time unit offering temporary 4-wheel asistance; Command-Trac was dropped from lineup in conjunction with the SE trim in 1996. Select-Trac had the option of either full-time or part-time operation; both shift-on-the-fly Command-Trac and Select-Trac were already available for the Cherokee, and were adopted to the Grand Cherokee. Exclusive to the Grand Cherokee was the introduction of Quadra-Trac having all-time four-wheel assistance only, this was standard on all Limited and specialty trims and optional for Laredo models alike. Rear wheel drive models were sold though only for the Laredo in late 1993, and it wasn't until 1994 when rear wheel drive was available for Limited; and in 1997 5.2 L V8 engines were sold along with rear wheel drive.
The Grand Cherokee V8 was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1993.
Models
- 1993–1996 – Base "SE"
- 1993–1998 – Laredo
- 1993–1998 – Limited
- 1993 Grand Wagoneer
- 1995–1997 – Orvis "Limited Edition"
- 1997–1998 – TSi
- 1998 5.9 Limited
Engines
| Years | Displacement | Engine | Power | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993–1995 | 4.0 L | AMC I6 | 190 hp (142 kW) | ||
| 1996–1998 | 4.0 L | AMC Power Tech I6 | 185 hp (138 kW) | ||
| 1993–1998 | 5.2 L | Magnum V8 | 220 hp (164 kW) | 285 ft·lbf (386 N·m) | |
| 1998 | 5.9 L | Magnum V8 | 245 hp (183 kW) | 345 ft·lbf (468 N·m) | Limited |
WJ (1999–2004)
The redesigned WJ 1999 Grand Cherokee shared just 127 parts with its predecessor. The structure was stiffened by Porsche Engineering for sharper steering and lighter weight. The spare tire was relocated from the side of the cargo compartment to under the floor to great relief of owners. The two heavy pushrod V8 engines were replaced by a single aluminum SOHC unit, Chrysler's then-new PowerTech. Although this engine produced less torque than both previous V8s, it was lighter and got much better fuel economy.
While other Jeep vehicles used the Mopar 5 x 4.5 bolt circle, this was the first Mopar to receive a wider bolt pattern - 5 x 5. The 5 x 5 bolt pattern (also 5 x 127mm), although common to GM rear wheel drive vehicles and light duty trucks/vans, has spread beyond its use with GM (and Ford] with their 1973 to 1978 LTDs and Lincolns).
A notable feature that was available this generation was the automatic four wheel drive option called Quadra-Drive. With three viscous clutches, it was the only truck all wheel drive system at the time with triple differentals, as Toyota had removed the front locker from their Land Cruiser.
The 45RFE automatic transmission in the WJ was notable. It included 3 planetary gearsets rather than the two normally used in a 4-speed automatic. This gave it six theoretical speeds, and it would have been the first six-speed transmission ever produced in volume, but it was programmed to only use five of these ratios. Four were used for upshifts, with a different second gear for downshifts. Although five of the six ratios were used, Chrysler decided to call it a "4-speed automatic".
Models
The Laredo and luxurious Limited trim levels were standard models.
Specialty models:
- 2002–2003 — Sport
- 2002–2004 — Special Edition
- 2002–2004 — Overland
These specialty models appeared for a brief time, The Sport was slightly more equipped than the Laredo and offered a two-tone black trim interior for style. The Special Edition was introduced offering the same quality of the Limited, differences include 4.7 L V8 engine and slightly revised front grille were standard issue on the Special Edition. The Overland (appropriated after the former Jeep parent, Willys-Overland) was the top-of-the-line level, boasting the 4.7 L H.O. V8 as well as a wealth of standard features such as front and side-curtain airbags, an Infinity sound system with 10-disc changer, heated/power front seats, integrated rock rails, power sunroof, wood/leather steering wheel and 17 in alloy wheels.
Engines
| Years | Displacement | Engine | Power | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–2004 | 4.0 L | Power Tech I6 | 195 hp (145 kW) | ||
| 1998–2004 | 4.7 L | PowerTech V8 | 235 hp (175 kW) | ||
| 2002–2004 | 4.7 L | High Output PowerTech V8 | 265 hp (198 kW) |
WK (2005–present)
The all-new WK Grand Cherokee debuted in 2004 for the 2005 model year. Features available for the first time in a Jeep included Quadra-Drive II four wheel drive and a rear-seat DVD player.
The design still emphasizes power and luxury, with significant work done on improving noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). However, for the first time, Jeep also emphasized on-road performance to a similar extent as the cornerstone of its brand, off-road capability.
This newfound emphasis on on-road refinement led Jeep to replace the live-axle with leading-arms front suspension found in the ZJ and WJ, prized by off-roading Jeep fans for its ability to maintain consistent ground clearance and provide optimal wheel articulation, with a double-wishbone independent setup like that which debuted in the 2002 Liberty. Jeep changed its philosophy due to what it perceived as increasing demand in the SUV marketplace for on-road performance and decreasing demand for off-road capability.
Models
- 2005–present – Laredo
- 2005–present – Limited
- 2006–present – Overland
- 2006–present – SRT-8
Engines
| Years | Displacement | Engine | Power | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–present | 3.7 L | PowerTech V6 | |||
| 2005–present | 4.7 L | PowerTech V8 | |||
| 2005–present | 5.7 L | Hemi V8 | |||
| 2005–present | 6.1 L | Hemi V8 | |||
| 2005–present | 3.0 L | Mercedes CRD V6 | 160 kW | 510 Nm |
SRT-8
An SRT-8 version of the Grand Cherokee debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Powered by a 420 hp (310 kW) version of the 6.1 L Hemi, it also features upgraded Brembo brakes, a special transfer case, an electronic all-wheel-drive system and interior and exterior updates. It is the fastest naturally-aspirated production SUV.
BlueTec
A version of the Grand Cherokee with DaimlerChrysler's BlueTec Diesel V6 from the Mercedes-Benz E320 is expected in 2006.
References
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External links
- Jeep Grand Cherokee - article by Jeremy Clarkson
- Grand Cherokee - information site
- AutoGuideWiki.com
- wagoneers.com
- wjjeeps.com
- Jeep SRT-8 info provided by ajeepthing.com
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