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The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been given a major facelift with a host of new equipment and features for the 2013 model.
A new eight-speed automatic transmission is the headline feature of the new Grand Cherokee range and is fitted across the entire model line-up, pairing with both the 3.0-litre diesel and 3.6-litre petrol V6 engines, as well as both V8 engine offerings.
The 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine is paired with the 845RE eight-speed transmission, which is based on the ZF-designed and built 8HP45 unit, but is built by under license by Chrysler at the company’s Kokomo Transmission Plant in Indiana.
The 3.0-litre diesel V6, 5.7-litre V8 and 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engines are all paired to the higher-torque-handling 8HP70 eight-speed transmission, which is built by ZF in Germany. The new transmissions significantly improve fuel consumption while enabling quicker acceleration, smoother ride and faster gear shifting.
Fully electronic, the eight-speed automatic features on-the-fly shift map changing, with manual shifting capability and Electronic Range Select using steering-wheel paddle controls.
The range now sees the addition of a new entry level model, the Laredo 4×2 variant. It is powered by a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine matched to the new eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2013 Grand Cherokee exterior has been given a refresh. Updates include new bi-xenon HID headlamps with signature LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and new wheels designs.
Inside, the new Grand Cherokee gets improved materials such as Nappa leather and exotic open-pore wood trim, while the introduction of a new three-spoke steering wheel to the exclusive character of the cabin.
New infotainment features include the new Uconnect system with 8.4-inch touchscreen and the new 7.0-inch TFT colour customer configurable instrument cluster display. The high-performance SRT model is available with a pumping 19-speaker, 825-watt Harman Kardon surround sound audio system.
The new model retains the current model’s excellent four-wheel drive systems – Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive II and the SRT-exclusive Quadra-Trac – the Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension and the Selec-Terrain and Selec-Track traction management systems.
“With the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, we’ve taken one of the industry’s most highly acclaimed SUVs and elevated it to an even higher level,” said Veronica Johns, President and CEO Fiat Chrysler Group Australia.
“Jeep has proudly separated Grand Cherokee even further from its competitors by enhancing its unique elegance, efficiency, capability and technological features.
“Customers will clearly find the new Grand Cherokee to be even more of a pleasure to drive – on any and all roads, on the most demanding off-road trails, and in all weather conditions.”
The new 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be go on sale in Australia in July and will be available in the Laredo, Limited, Overland and SRT trim levels.
