Engineering the All-new Jeep Grand Cherokee

Legendary Jeep Capability Rises to New Heights

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee introduces several key features that balance real-world capability with on-road refinement:

• New Quadra-Lift air suspension system providing height control up to a maximum ride height of 269.5mm (10.6 in.) of ground clearance, enhancing legendary Jeep off-road capability.
• New Selec-Terrain system offering five terrain settings to match conditions.
• First application of the company's all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, delivering over 10-percent improvement in fuel consumption.
• Choice of two 4x4 systems: Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD).

June 30, 2010, Auburn Hills, Mich.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed with three core elements that achieve an ideal balance between real-world capability and on-road refinement.

First, the Quadra-Lift air suspension system offers adjustable ride height, lifting the vehicle up to 105.0mm (4.1 in.) from Park mode to a maximum off-road height of 269.5mm (10.6 in.), delivering legendary Jeep off-road capability and on-road performance.

Second, the all-new front and rear independent suspension provides improved on-road ride and handling.

Third, an all-new V6 engine offers enhanced fuel consumption, performance, and refinement.

Phil Jansen, Chief Engineer Model Responsible - Grand Cherokee at Chrysler Group LLC, stated, "Our all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee provides everything you expect in an SUV and more - more capability, technology, innovation and amenities. Grand Cherokee is about premium on-road performance and legendary Jeep capability. We listened to our customers and took it to the next level, adding significantly improved on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand's legendary four-wheel-drive capability."

All-new Air Suspension

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee features the Quadra-Lift air suspension system, offering five height settings for optimum ride performance:

• Normal Ride Height (NRH): 204.5mm (8.1 in.) of clearance, providing improved fuel consumption and aerodynamics during on-road driving.
• Off Road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional 32.5mm (1.3 in.) to 237.0mm (9.3 in.) for enhanced obstacle clearance.
• Off Road 2: Provides an additional 65.0mm (2.6 in.) over NRH, reaching a maximum of 269.5mm (10.6 in.) of ground clearance for legendary Jeep off-road capability.
• Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 40.0mm (1.6 in.) from NRH for easier ingress/egress. NRH and Park mode are driver selectable.
• Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle 15.0mm (0.6 in.) from NRH, controlled by vehicle speed to optimize performance and fuel economy.

Quadra-Lift adds up to 105.0mm (4.1 in.) of lift span, supported by four-corner air springs for a cushioned, premium ride. It operates automatically or can be controlled manually via console controls.

The Selec-Terrain traction control system complements Quadra-Lift, allowing drivers to select on- and off-road settings for optimal performance. Standard on models outside North America, this system electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking, and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, Hill-start Assist, and Hill-descent Control.

The Selec-Terrain system offers five driving conditions:

• Sand/Mud: Traction control and Quadra-Lift respond sensitively to wheel spin, with torque tuned for optimal performance.
• Sport: Provides enhanced on-road 'fun-to-drive' capability.
• Auto: Automatically adapts to any on- or off-road situation.
• Snow: Adjusts vehicle traction for ultimate performance over snow-covered roads.
• Rock: Quadra-Lift air suspension raises to maximum height (269.5mm / 10.6 in.), coordinating the transfer case, differentials, and throttle for low-speed control.

Selec-Terrain, combined with Quadra-Lift, provides drivers with an adjustable suspension span for world-class capability.

With the front air dam removed and the Quadra-Lift air suspension system, the Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 34.3-degree approach angle, a 27.3-degree departure angle (to the rear recovery tow hook), and a 23.1-degree breakover angle.

The all-new front and rear independent suspensions utilize isolated suspension cradles and variable-rate rear springs for improved on-road handling and comfort, complementing the vehicle's legendary off-road capability. The rear suspension design also allows the spare tire to be stored inside the vehicle.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is also available with load-leveling shocks, which react to payload levels and mechanically increase vehicle height when rear payload is added. These shocks improve load handling and trailer-tow performance and are available with trailer-tow packages that do not include the Quadra-Lift air suspension system.

Premium Powertrains

For markets outside North America, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with two engine options: the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-liter V8.

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine is standard on the Grand Cherokee. It features an all-new design with double overhead camshafts (DOHC), a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration, and Variable-valve Timing (VVT). It delivers 210 kW (286 hp DIN) of power at 6,350 rpm and 347 Nm (256 lb-ft) of torque at 4,300 rpm, offering over 10-percent improvement in fuel consumption.

Models equipped with the Pentastar V6 engine offer trailer tow capability of up to 2268kg (5,000 lbs.).

Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction was a key objective, achieved through advanced computer-aided engineering. Structural, intake, and exhaust areas are designed for low noise and specific sound quality goals, resulting in a refined engine. Idle quality is improved via dual-independent cam phasing.

An environmentally friendly oil filter element and optional integrated oil cooler aid service and enhance reliability. Long-life spark plugs and a high-energy, coil-on-plug ignition system also reduce ownership costs.

The 5.7-liter Multi-displacement System (MDS) V8 engine, also featuring VVT, delivers 259 kW (352 hp DIN) of power at 5,200 rpm and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque at 4,200 rpm. This engine provides performance, towing capability, and fuel efficiency through its fuel-saving MDS technology.

The 5.7-liter engine's MDS seamlessly alternates between a four-cylinder mode (when less power is needed) and V8 mode (when more power is demanded), optimizing fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

The engine's VVT improves fuel economy by reducing pumping work (closing the intake valve later) and increasing the expansion process of the combustion event, transferring more work to the crankshaft and improving engine breathing, efficiency, and power.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers unsurpassed trailer tow capability of up to 3500kg (7,717 lbs.) when equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 engine.

For international markets, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in right-hand drive in late 2010.

Transmissions

The 3.6-liter V6 engine is paired with the W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission, known for smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy. This transmission includes Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver-interactive manual control and an electronically modulated torque converter clutch.

The 5.7-liter V8 engine is mated to the 545RFE multi-speed automatic transmission. This transmission features three planetary gear sets, one over-running clutch with ERS driver interactive control, and an electronically controlled torque converter clutch.

Go Anywhere 4x4 Systems

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers two 4x4 systems for markets outside North America: the standard Quadra-Trac II and the available Quadra-Drive II.

Quadra-Trac II: This system features a two-speed transfer case that uses sensor input to detect tire slip early and take corrective action. It employs Throttle Anticipate to sense quick throttle movements from a stop, maximizing traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, up to 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

Quadra-Drive II: With a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD), this system delivers industry-leading tractive capability. It instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle anticipates low traction and adjusts proactively to limit or eliminate slip.

Body Structure

Building on the Jeep brand's legendary off-road capability, the all-new Grand Cherokee also adds premium on-road performance.

The premium SUV on-road manners and legendary Jeep ruggedness are achieved through more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. The all-new body structure's torsional stiffness is 146-percent stiffer than the previous Grand Cherokee, enhancing durability and reducing NVH. It incorporates over 3,700mm of arc welding and 100mm of structural adhesive augment welding. This represents a 53-percent increase in spot welds, a 42-percent increase in arc welds, and a 38-percent increase in structural adhesive compared to the previous Jeep Grand Cherokee.