![Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/370z-gt-academy_143x85.jpg)
New York: Muscled-up 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will take the stairs, thank you
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee live reveal – Click above for high-res gallery
First thing this morning at 12:01 am, we gave you a deep dive into the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and earlier we sneaked a few snapshots while the truck lazed about before its press conference. Now, we've just returned from Chrysler's press conference to bring you live shots of a polished silver example that climbed the stairs up to the stage here in New York's Javits Center.
Shown here in this color live for the first time, we found that silver serves the Grand Cherokee's newfound contours and angles to very good effect – particularly the muscular door panels. This was also the first glimpse we had of the GC's new air suspension doing its thing, as it easily clambered up the stage steps at full off-road height (11.1-inches), before sinking to its lowest setting, where it looked for all the world like an impromptu low and mean SRT8 version.
We also managed to be among the first inside the vehicle to bring you a few exclusive snapshots of the model's rich new orange-brown leather treatment. Click on the high-res gallery below to see the frame-by-frame climb and the interior for yourself.
Gallery: New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Photos Copyright ©2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Slade 2:05PM (4/08/2009)
I like the look. Mean
Reply
Neil 2:04PM (4/08/2009)
I'm genuinely impressed by how good this Jeep looks. Hopefully we'll continue to see more quality domestics...
Reply
Jei 2:52PM (4/08/2009)
Using the M-B ML platform is a good thing. Kinda looks like an X5 is some rear angles.
XGM 3:03PM (4/08/2009)
Soft touch materials, and very little plastic makes it a win on the interior.
oZone 3:14PM (4/08/2009)
I wholeheartedly agree. Chrysler has astounded me in every possible way with this SUV. It's such a big improvement over the current GC, I can't wait to see what else they have in store.
Xcountryflyer 3:32PM (4/08/2009)
Now if Jeep could ax the Patriot and Compass...
Jake B 4:55PM (4/08/2009)
I don't think the Patriot is thaat bad. There definitely isn't room for the Compass that is for sure.
sebring96hbg 7:33PM (4/08/2009)
Ralph Gilles later clarified Jim Press's comments by stating that Jeep and Mercedes co-developed the platform. http://www.allpar.com/trucks/jeep/2011-cherokee.html
Matt 11:36PM (4/10/2009)
This is a most impressive vehicle, I must say.
I'm also impressed by the comments. It took a full 49 comments before somebody started whining (I'm looking at you, geoff). That has to be a record!
Erik 2:05PM (4/08/2009)
Totally Badass!
Reply
Dan 2:05PM (4/08/2009)
I think this truck looks amazing. And that's coming from a hardcore Land Rover enthusiast. Air suspension is a nice upgrade too. well done Jeep.
Reply
novanglus 2:20PM (4/08/2009)
Agreed. In fact, the first thing that came to mind was "American Land Rover." It looks very nice. I think there is a place for a luxury Jeep. In fact, Chrysler should probably resist the urge to down market it. Jeep has stellar off-road credentials, but much like Land Rover, its reliability ratings are less impressive. Jeep should stay focused, and for God's sake please kill abominations like the Compass.
Patriot? Not even sure about that one, though it is a bit more reasonable. Jeep should focus on its core brand. IMO, if it came down to to development dollars for the Patriot or that kickass Gladiator, they shoulda spent the money on the Gladiator. Be truckish, make no apologies, and build a business plan for profitability with a few core products like the Wrangler, Gladiator, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee.
sbessette91 2:07PM (4/08/2009)
Whoa. I like that...a lot!
The interior is great, besides the color of the seats, but of course that's an option.
I will be looking to replace my Explorer around 2012 and this looks like it will be at the top of my list. Great job!
Reply
MajorGeek 2:10PM (4/08/2009)
I gotta tell you, I was lined up for the Raptor, but to be able to lift the truck when needed, or drop it low like the SRT\8? Man, if this thing is as half as cool as it looks and sounds, this may be my next ride. I love my H2, but it looks pale next to this thing. Welcome back Chrysler\Jeep.
Reply
MemphisNET 2:10PM (4/08/2009)
Now that there are some good shots inside, I have to say, there doesn't appear to be anything ''cheap'' in there. I'm sure some of the lower plastic is ... well ... plastic, but everything that counts seems to have had a lot of thought put into it.
Reply
kingtaz0 2:13PM (4/08/2009)
Thank god, they threw out the current design and went back to what made the previous gen Grand Cherokee interesting.. people who bought grand cherokees did not want boxes.
Reply
rwcmick 2:15PM (4/08/2009)
I'd pair this Grand Cherokee with an Abarth 500 and serve lightly chilled. In town I'd bomb around in the 500 and when it came time for a long trip, I'd load up the family in the GC and make for the mountains.
Reply
Paul P. 2:15PM (4/08/2009)
It's unfortunate that it gave up the diesel, solid axles, and front LSD. But, it still should still do ok off-road and it's a lot better now as an on-road machine, which is where it will spend most of its time anyway. As long as quality and reliability is good I think Jeep has a winner here. I bet it's a fun little suv with that 360hp/390ft-lb tq 5.7L in it.
Reply
NOreasonY 2:15PM (4/08/2009)
Def Very land rover....i like it alot....it def straddles a bad ass look with some lux....great design.
Reply
autObsessions 2:22PM (4/08/2009)
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think it looks great! I wasn't really expecting much, but I think Chrysler over-delivered here.
Jeep stylists brought back some of the styling that made the 99-04 Grand a big hit and added some modern day tough looks to it. Looks like a mix of the aforementioned generation Grand and a BMW X5. Not a bad combination if you ask me.
Interior is MUCH improved over the latest iteration (05-'10) and looks to be simply laid out with quality materials. I think if the gas mileage is on-par with its competitors, this thing will be a hit.
Good job Chrysler!
Reply