Autoblog

Going high-tech, the 4x4 way

Matt DeLorenzo — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Technology, Jeep, Land Rover, Luxury, Off-Road

Is It An Off-Road Adventure Or Just A Walk In The Park?

I remember having to get out and lock hubs and shift into neutral to engage low range.

Coming off press previews of the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover and the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee that involved some heavy-duty off-road rock climbing, I'm simply amazed at the capabilities that these vehicles possess. But even more impressive (or troubling depending on your perspective) is the relative ease with which you can operate these vehicles in seemingly impossible terrain.

Not that I'm a hardcore off-roader, but I've been in my share of 4x4's over the years and remember having to get out and lock hubs, shift into neutral to engage low range and learning that the accelerator and brake pedals can be your best friends or worst enemies in either moving along or getting hopelessly stuck.

Thanks to the wonders of electronics, advanced transfer cases and electric limited slip differentials, instead of manipulating levers or locking hubs, one merely has to punch a button or turn a knob to engage the right strategy to deal with whatever conditions encountered on the trail.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading Going high-tech, the 4x4 way

Going high-tech, the 4x4 way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Jeep, First Drives, Luxury, Off-Road

Choose Your Own Adventure... But Choose Wisely

Jeep has got you covered. We can say this without even having to know what it is you want, because there's hardly an option or configuration that you won't find in the 2014 Grand Cherokee. There are three different engines, three different four-wheel-drive systems (plus rear-wheel drive), four different trim levels - not counting SRT - two different suspension setups and five different settings for various off-road terrain conditions. If you happen to check the box for Quadra-Lift, you'll also have five different ride-height settings for the driver-selectable air suspension.

As you might expect with so many customization possibilities, the way a buyer checks the options sheet can have a profound effect on the final product and its capabilities, to say nothing of its price. Nowhere is that more true than with the Grand Cherokee's choice of engines, with the brand-new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 stealing the spotlight from the still excellent gasoline-fueled 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V8 powerplants that carry over from last year. No matter which engine you choose, though, it will be paired up with Jeep's new standard eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF. This, ladies and gentlemen, is very good news indeed.

We took to the ranch lands surrounding Austin, Texas at Jeep's invitation to put the 2014 Grand Cherokee through its paces, both on road and off. Read on for our initial report card.

Continue reading 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep's new Chip Away commercial has us hunting Al Pacino's back catalog

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Jeep, TV/Movies

Chrysler has done a pretty good job as of late turning its television commercials into pep talks or rallying cries, but for its first ad for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it turned to Al Pacino's inspirational speech from the movie Any Given Sunday. In the movie, Pacino's character talks about how football is a game of inches, but the commercial, titled Chip Away, focuses more on the attention to detail that Jeep has exhibited on its updated flagship SUV.

Centering around the newest Grand Cherokee model, the luxurious $47,995 Summit trim level, the commercial shows off some of the hand-stitched leathers and real metal and wood accents found inside the cabin. Check out the new 60-second spot by scrolling below.

Continue reading Jeep's new Chip Away commercial has us hunting Al Pacino's back catalog

Jeep's new Chip Away commercial has us hunting Al Pacino's back catalog originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee pricing leaks out

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Jeep, Rumormill

With our deep dive and auto show coverage of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee revealed at the Detroit Auto Show, we brought you as much information as Chrysler would allow us to, but one thing we're still left in the dark about was the pricing. It would seem that Jeep Garage might have the answer for that. The Jeep enthusiast forum claims to have gotten its hands on the ordering and pricing breakdown for the updated Grand Cherokee, and while a Jeep representative has yet to get back to us as to the validity of the site's claim, these preliminary numbers look pretty kosher to us.

In base form, the two-wheel-drive Laredo will reportedly start at $28,795, which is a $1,100 increase over the 2013 model year, and the new Grand Cherokee Summit trim level starts at $47,995 for 4x2 models and $50,995 for the 4x4. Waiting for the new diesel engine? The torquey new 3.0-liter oil-burner will be a $4,500 option on Limited, Overland and Summit 4x4 models, but 4x2 pricing (and availability) are not known. As for the range-topping Grand Cherokee SRT (no longer called the SRT8), this added performance could run you an extra $2,700 with a new starting price of $62,995. More importantly, loaded to the gills with all available options, the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT will top out at around $72,400 - or around $6,000 more than a fully loaded 2013 GC SRT8.

We'll let you know if the gang over at Jeep get back to us with any confirmation, but until then, head over to Jeep Garage to see the pricing details it has listed.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee pricing leaks out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel and SRT climb onto stage

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:05:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, SUV, Jeep, Diesel, Off-Road

This is indeed a case of not knowing how much we wanted something until it arrived. We've been big fans of the Jeep Grand Cherokee ever since the new model arrived a couple of years ago, and while the update you see here might seem just a slight refresh, it's actually much more than that.

For starters, the 2014 Grand Cherokee marks the return of a diesel model here in the States, with Chrysler's new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 under the hood, churning out 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Of course, all of the Grand Cherokee's usual off-road goodies are on hand, with moderate tweaks to make it an even more capable vehicle when the going gets rough. Both the gasoline-fed 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 get the new eight-speed auto, as well.

The high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT also trudges on into the new model year, with very subtle tweaks found underneath the aggressive, slightly redesigned sheetmetal. The 6.4-liter Hemi V8 also gets eight-speed gearing, which Chrysler says will improve not only 0-60 times, but mid-range performance as well. Bring it on, we say.

Inside, the 2014 Grand Cherokee gets a slightly redesigned cockpit, with a new three-spoke steering wheel incorporating paddle shifters, an electronic gear selector and Chrysler's award-winning 8.4-inch UConnect touch-screen infotainment system.

We like what we see, and if these changes only improve upon the Grand Cherokee that we've grown quite fond of, then we expect good things when the 2014 model goes on sale later this year. For the full smattering of info, check out our deep dive coverage.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel and SRT climb onto stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets surprisingly comprehensive update, new diesel power

Chris Paukert — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, SUV, Jeep, Diesel, Luxury

Traditionally, automotive journalists can be heard muttering something to the effect of "Geeze, it's about time!" whenever a vehicle's midcycle refresh is revealed. As we routinely see and drive new models many months before the public even claps eyes on them in showrooms - and then go on to tweeze apart their minutia in our daily writings - perhaps some impatience is to be expected. With so much exposure to a given vehicle, it's fair to say we tire of most cars and trucks far more quickly than the average consumer.

The alterations are handsome, if not subtle touches from the "If It Ain't Broke" school of design.

Which is why we're pleased to say "Oh, is it time for that already?" when it comes to the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The current WK2 Grand Cherokee hit the market in 2011 and climbed its way into our hearts with its rugged good looks, go-anywhere capability and surprising refinement. We're not yet tired of its appearance or performance, but even so, we're very glad to see Chrysler giving its flagship Jeep some attention, including a much-anticipated diesel powertrain option and some other economy-minded measures.

The changes for 2014 start with a fresh look, including one of two different slimmer headlamp treatments (upper-rung models are treated to bi-xenon units with LED daytime running lamps, and Summit models feature dynamic corner lighting), along with reworked grilles and repositioned foglamps in new lower fascias. Redesigned taillamps incorporating yet more LEDs take up residence out back and the rear liftgate has received a once-over, too. We've seen the vehicles in the metal already, and the alterations are handsome, if not subtle touches from the "If It Ain't Broke" school of design.

Continue reading 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets surprisingly comprehensive update, new diesel power

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets surprisingly comprehensive update, new diesel power originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #312 LIVE!

Dan Roth — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Honda, Jeep

We record Autoblog Podcast #312 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #312 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee caught with new headlights, grille exposed

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Jeep

A few updates are in store for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and while we've told you about them before, we're now getting our first glimpse at the refreshed SUV without all the heavy camouflage.

Up front, new headlights with LED running lamps flow into a new front fascia design with a smaller seven-slat grille and some curvy bodywork that flows up underneath the headlamp clusters. (With the black tape still covering part of the fascia, can anyone else see a bit of Chrysler 300 in those headlights?) Revisions have been made to the Jeep's lower front end, as well; and all in, it's not as aggressive (or handsome) as the current model. Also, we're not sure how we feel about the flat gray panel that surrounds the grille on the Laredo model, though it's unclear whether that's actually a production piece. We'll hold off making up our minds about the new styling, for certain, until we see the fully baked SUV.

At the back, subtle tweaks have been made to the taillamps (LEDs have been added - surprise, surprise), and the tailgate has been ever-so-slightly redesigned.

The big changes for 2014 lie under the Grand Cherokee's hood - most notably, the addition of a 3.0-liter diesel V6 for the US market. As we reported earlier, this will be a massaged version of the oil-burning six sold in Europe, and should be good for about 237 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Cherokee will also get a new ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

Look for the 2014 Grand Cherokee to officially bow at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Production is estimated to start in the spring of 2013.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee caught with new headlights, grille exposed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Updated 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee spotted wearing new grille

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Jeep, Luxury, Off-Road

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is facing mild updates and a short 2013 model year because Jeep wants to get the thoroughly breathed-on 2014 model into buyers' driveways. Our spy photographers caught a parade of the 2014 models with swirly wrapping covering a tweaked front end sporting narrower upper and lower grilles, a new fog light treatment and perhaps a bit more curvature overall. The interior was masked off, but a larger touchscreen is expected to grace the center console.

Among the expected new options are a 241-horsepower, 406-pound-foot, 3.0-liter diesel V6 that European Grand Cherokee buyers have been enjoying for some time now, as well as a ZF eight-speed automatic that's likely meant to partner with the Pentastar V6. Although the changes we know of so far might not seem to be worth all the hubbub, they should provide measurable added refinement to an already-polished vehicle that is still selling very well.

We expect to see it at this January's Detroit Auto Show, and production is predicted to begin in May 2013.

Updated 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee spotted wearing new grille originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee to have short 2013 model year ahead of major updates

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Jeep

Jeep is planning an upgraded Grand Cherokee for the 2014 model year, and since the automaker is anxious to get the freshened model out to customers, the popular sport utility will have a shortened 2013 model year. According to Automotive News, dealers are just now ordering the 2013 models, and they are scheduled to start production in August.

The biggest change for 2014 will be the availability of a 3.0-liter diesel V6, which we previewed just over one year ago. In the European Grand Cherokee, this engine produces 241 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque - seriously good power numbers for Jeep's stalwart utility vehicle.

Additionally, Automotive News reports that a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic is on deck for 2014. Details are scarce right now, but this transmission will likely be paired with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, just like in the 2013 Ram 1500 and the current Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

The 2014 Grand Cherokee is slated to debut in January, likely at the Detroit Auto Show, with sales to start shortly thereafter.

Jeep Grand Cherokee to have short 2013 model year ahead of major updates originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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