Showing posts with label grand cherokee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grand cherokee. Show all posts

Saturday, December 31, 2022

Jeep Grand Cherokee WL 4xe

Following the success of the first-ever Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the latest-generation Grand Cherokee is the latest Jeep to gain the 4xe PHEV variant. Looks like Jeep's electrification strategy is starting to pay off big dividends with the newest addition of the 4xe family.

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

Starting at 60,360 US Dollars plus additional costs, the first-ever Grand Cherokee 4xe brings the legendary Grand Cherokee lineage to the electrification route, making it capable to tackle the challenges of the new normal.

Based on the short-wheelbase Grand Cherokee WL, it offers the same five-seater capabilities as its petrol-powered equivalent, meaning you still get the similar looks, the same twin touchscreens on the dashboard,  the same ambient lightning, and so on. The only way to differentiate it is by the 4xe badging on it and some special 4xe graphics for the Trailhawk variant.

The 4xe powertrain that serves as the beating heart of the PHEV Grand Cherokee comprises of a 2.0L l4 DOHC DI Turbo engine bolted to a 400v 17-kWh li-ion nickel manganese cobalt battery pack, two electric motors, engine-mounted motor generator unit, and ZF 8-speed AT. This powertrain delivers 375hp of power and 637Nm of torque, 56MPGe of combined fuel economy, and a combined range of 470 miles.

Those who wish to take it offroad like a proper Jeep should go for the one with the Quadra-Drive II system with rear eLSD but for those who want a more civilized driving experience should go for the one with the Quadra-Trac II 4x4 system with a two-speed low transfer case for better traction. Either way, the Grand Cherokee 4xe means business and pleasure behind the wheel while keeping Mother Nature happy.

Like most Grand Cherokees, it comes with a wide array of safety features such as the night vision camera, Interior Rear Monitoring Camera, Digital Rearview Mirror, and tons of familiar ADAS to play it safe.

From Death Valley to New York, the first-ever Grand Cherokee 4xe is classic Grand Cherokee with an electrified twist and it's worth driving one.

Photo: Jeep

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The Jeep Grand Cherokee enters its fifth generation, but not in a way you've expected it to be. Why? Because the newest version kicked off with the first-ever three-row variant known as the Grand Cherokee L. So, what's it all about the first three-row Grand Cherokee in history?

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L


The first-ever Grand Cherokee L starts at 38,635 US Dollars plus additional costs, which is more expensive than its equivalent, the Dodge Durango. While the Durango is made for showoffs who love to go louder in a big way, the Grand Cherokee L is made for cowboys and equestrians alike. From exploring through the Utah mountains to driving through Michelin-starred restaurants in the streets of Hollywood, from bringing exploration stuff for your next outdoor adventure to escorting VIPs, the Grand Cherokee L is built for almost all kinds of jobs.

In terms of design, the new Grand Cherokee's exterior is well-sculpted and handsomely reskinned from the previous model. Although adventurous in spirit, the long-wheelbase form is the key point of the new model, and whichever way you look at it, it's a Jeep thing indeed. One thing that will have everybody noticed is the implementation of the American flag near the Grand Cherokee banner, proof that it's proudly made by Americans for the so-called free world.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L interior


Checking the interior, Jeep put a lot of effort into redefining the Grand Cherokee lineage as a luxury utility vehicle built for all kinds of situations. On the driver's side, they are greeted with a string of high-tech stuff from the instrumental cluster to the touch screen sat-nav with no buttons and dials to control the volume, which spells bad news for speedo boys behind the wheel. Good thing the climate control still has dials, which is essential indeed for a luxury car like this. Another nuisance for speedo boys behind the wheel is the rotary gear dial akin to Jaguars and Land Rovers of today.

Troublesome the driver's side is for speedo boys behind the wheel, the passenger side is where the Grand Cherokee L shines and because being the long-wheelbase Grand Cherokee, it has seating up to six or seven passengers. Whether if it's for a family outing, road-tripping with your friends, or escorting VIPs to their destinations, the three-row layout of the Grand Cherokee L really is the jack-of-all-trades or in some cases, jack-of-all-tirades. Take the second-row seats for instance. With the console or seat blocking the middle in the expensive versions, you'll have difficulty getting through the third-row seats but in cheaper versions without the massive thing in the middle, getting through the third-row seats is as easy as ABC.

Like most SUVs, the passenger seats can be folded down to accumulate up to 84.6 cubic feet of boot space. Enough room to fit your newly bought 8K TV from your nearest Costco or two BMXs for your next cycling trip.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The Grand Cherokee L is powered by a choice of two petrol engines; a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with an updated engine start-stop technology and a more powerful 5.7L V8 engine with cylinder shut-off technology, all mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The V6 engine produces 290hp of power and 257lb-ft of torque while the V8 engine produces 357hp of power, 390lb-ft of torque, and has a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds.

The Grand Cherokee L is rear-wheel-drive by default but when opted with the four-wheel-drive configuration, it features numerous capabilities such as the available Quadra-Trac II with rear eLSD, Selec-Terrain traction management, and many others. Opt-in for the Overland variant with the available Off-Road Group and you'll have a Grand Cherokee L that can tackle almost everywhere with water fording through up to 24 inches of water, up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance, higher levels of articulation, and more.

Built on a new unibody architecture and improved dynamics underneath, the Grand Cherokee L, despite its long wheelbase, drives neatly like a proper luxury car. Not dynamic as such but it's surprisingly mild to drive on the streets and when taken off-road, it's almost as great to drive as a Land Rover Discovery.

The Grand Cherokee L boasts the most available safety and security features in its class. With such safety features equipped inside and out, the Grand Cherokee L is by no means the safest SUV in its class. Out of all the safety equipment that got drivers noticed, the night vision camera is the top pick. Although not military-grade, it's a cool safety feature that works after hours. What's also cool is the Interior Rear Monitoring Camera feature, which is ideal for those who want to check their little toddlers or fragile objects without looking away from the road. And then, there's the Digital Rearview Mirror that uses an LCD monitor for a distraction-free behind view.

The Grand Cherokee L is the luxurious, most capable, and technologically advanced SUV that emerged from the Land of the Brave and Home of the Free. Whether if you're a cowboy who loves taking it through the wild side or an equestrian who prefers a civilized life in the urban environment, this SUV is built for all walks of life, whether you like it or not.

Photo: Jeep

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Forza Horizon 4: Remembering the SRT Grand Cherokee

With the prize-only Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is only reserved for those who did outstanding results in numerous Cross Country races, it's hard to miss the SRT version of Jeep's award-winning luxury SUV that keeps crossing paths like every Jeep should. As a matter of fact, I haven't kept in touch with this thing since our Southern Europe journey in FH2. But now, I managed to keep in touch with an old friend having managed to cash in those points for this crossover.



To recall, this is based on the 2014MY facelift Grand Cherokee and this model replaces the SRT8 variant. The 470HP HEMI 6.4L V8 engine remains from the old SRT8 but the gearbox's been swapped to an 8-speed automatic for better performance and fuel economy. In addition, the Selec-Track system has been tweaked so when in Track Mode, there's a torque split change to make it more responsive from mid-corner to exit, allowing them to deliver quick lap times on track.



So, after having a quick talk about this car and some flashbacks between me and this Grand Cherokee about the time when I drove it back to the festival, I decided to take it for a spin to see if this macho crossover still has the moves to make it go like Nina Needs To Go. Anyone knows where the nearest restroom is? I really need to go. Oops, there's the flashback!



Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Forza Motorsport 7: SUV with sportscar DNA

As SUVs became the dominant breed of today's motoring era, even some companies wanted to inject some sportscar DNA on their SUVS to make it more enjoyable while carrying the entire family for trips. One such example is this...





The all-new Porsche Cayenne, part of Forza Motorsport 7's Doritos Car Pack.



It's amazing that even though Forza Motorsport 7's been poisoned against us by baby boomers because they keep featuring cars from the baby boomer era rather than focusing on cars focused on millennials (it's a millennial's game, after all), they still feature us some of the latest machines we really like, especially the latest version of Porsche's first SUV. So, what is it then, the new Cayenne?



The new Cayenne is built from the ground up and now utilizes a lightweight chassis construction, meaning the new Cayenne now behaves like what a Porsche should be, combining classic Porsche sportscar handling and SUV ruggedness into one unique package and to supplement the improved dynamics of the new Cayenne are rear-axle steering, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, and three-chamber air suspension, most are programmed via 4D Chassis Control.

Under the hood, the new Cayenne is powered by a choice of a 3.0L V6 turbo for the base Cayenne, a 2.9L V6 Twin Turbo for the Cayenne S, and the 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine for the Cayenne Turbo which delivers 550HP of power and 770Nm of torque with 286 km/h of top speed, all mated with the more responsive eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox. The Turbo variant is the first SUV to feature a variable rear spoiler and an air brake.

The new Cayenne continues the tradition of past models, injecting Porsche DNA to its SUV ruggedness for the drivers who have everything or nothing.



Having my first word on the Cayenne, I always believed that it truly an exciting SUV to drive for almost any situations but it can be downright bothersome for Porsche enthusiasts, and here in FM7, it holds my word on it because it can be either exciting and bothersome at the same time not because of how heavy it is to be classified an SUV with sportscar DNA but also the looks of it. Still, this one is an improvement compared to the last Cayenne I drove in past installments. Also, I get to see how the SUV's first variable wing work in high speeds and it will make high-performance SUVs feeling jealous to think they don't have that kind of gimmick this new Cayenne had.

To find out just how good it is, I went to the one state in America that houses the so-called Philosophers' twin lairs, Virginia.



Specifically, the Virginia International Raceway, where on the weekends, you can take any car you want to the max while winding up with some R & R at the same time. The tricky corners, the straights, this place is the perfect opportunity to try out the new Cayenne and despite being lighter than its predecessor, I do get some understeering but the braking is so dramatic because it's got the first ever surface-coated brake which not only makes it last longer than other brakes but also works responsively to deliver the ideal stopping power. The new Cayenne balances the things that are right such as its improved dynamics and braking, with the things that are wrong such as understeering woes, and since Porsche believes that they made their SUV more potent than any other opposition, I've devised a little sparring partner to do the job.





Also in the Doritos Car Pack is this, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, an SUV with some of Hellcat DNA on it, making it the most powerful 4WD SUV, pause, in the world. 707HP of power, 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 180mph. Enough said.



Here in Virginia International Raceway, the corners should favor the Cayenne nicely because despite being heavy, the Cayenne weighs less than the Trackhawk because of its improved dynamics that are tried and tested by Porsche standards, but on the straights, the Trackhawk has the upper hand because, like I said, this is the fastest SUV, pause, in the world, although someone already stripped the Trackhawk's title for that manner, but anyway, let's put that theory to the test with a lap round VIR. This will be a challenge between an SUV with Porsche DNA and an SUV with some Hellcat DNA on it. Roll the tape, please.



And now, the results...

Trackhawk - 2:21.145
Cayenne - 2:23.083



It was a shocking result but I still believe that the new Cayenne is the winner because even though it was outpaced by the Trackhawk in the straights, the handling is something you should not ignore and besides, the Trackhawk's kinda useless to race because the power output exceeds the class' homologation requirements, making the new Cayenne a clear winner to use in such class like this and that is the bottomline.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Dodge Durango SRT and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

SUVs are becoming the mainstream of today's motoring and while it was meant to carry the whole family for everyday trips, it can be downright boring because why do men get married and ended up with family cars that are boring than what they had when they were single. Perhaps there is a better solution for men who got married by accident but going for the family car that is as fun as what they drove when they were single.

2018 Dodge Durango SRT
2018 Dodge Durango SRT interior

This might do the trick. Behold, the new Dodge Durango SRT and SRT really means all business because when you see SRT, all you think about V8 Dodges on steroids and it is. It's a family car on steroids and when you let loose with its 6.4L HEMI V8 engine, "Hey, how about those Republicans?" It maybe rude to say it during a conversation at the dining table but because this is the Durango SRT, this muscle SUV is ready to paint the town red, literally.

From its beefy front face, Viper-inspired bonnet, red and black interior that smells like it came from a red state, and the huge monitor that comes with a performance mode screen that displays G-forces, braking distance, reaction times, and everything that your SUV can't do because of such boringness this SUV doesn't have, the Durango SRT is all about American football, basketball, and stock car racing with the hint of nachos, pizzas, and fast food vittles that can irritate the next neighbor or two. I mean come on, this is how good old American boys love to do in their weekends and this SUV fits to such expression.

Believe it or not, the Dodge Durango SRT has the similar expression you'd expect from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT because like the said one, the Durango SRT is powered by the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine mated to an 8-speed AT. This engine produces 475HP and 470lb-ft of torque and with this output, it can get from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds, which is as fast as a high-powered German sports saloon but with enough grunt to unleash 8,700lbs of towing capacity.

It maybe a muscle car but this 62,995 Dollar (plus OTR costs) SUV on steroids can handle almost everything because this is the first Dodge SRT vehicle to come with performance-oriented four-wheel drive system and with that, not only you can handle this behemoth like a boss but you can handle any kind of weather condition like it never happened.

While all sounds nice for a V8 muscle SUV with seating for six people, it can be downright crazy to drive and when you set the drive mode on TRACK, the Durango SRT will drive you as mad as today's news and public affairs. Like your granny spending the whole day watching Mad Mad-esque films no one heard of, setting the Durango SRT on TRACK tightens the suspension damping and steering gradient feel, resulting to uncanny dynamics that will enrage drivers to the verge of hypertension. How uncanny was that? Driving an SUV on track days can be downright crazy and in the Durango SRT, while it can be decent to drive on normal roads and not bad to drive on any weather conditions, especially when its snowing in the northern extremities of America, it can lose your sanity or your arms when you twist this car through the bends.

However, that Durango SRT is the least of the problems because somewhere out there lies a more crazier American V8 crossover that can irritate the smartest people as if they got smacked by some fat teenager girl doing a stage dive at the concert.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk interior

This is the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and by the looks of it, it can irritate even the European high-performance crossovers with such output. 707HP from its Hellcat V8 engine, 645lb-ft of torque, 180mph of top speed, this is a Hellcat made for those who are feeling under the weather and they can't take the Dodge Challenger Hellcat or Charger Hellcat on a rainy or snowy day and thanks to performance-tuned all-wheel drive, you can drive it anytime, anywhere no matter the weather condition.

That sounds nice but you need to be brave because driving the Trackhawk has the same experience as an EXPERT-level 600-combo song that has some bits to hold, bits to tap, and so many to tap that are too fast to lock on with your eyes. It's going to end up slipping on GOOD, GOOD, GOOD, rather than GREAT or PERFECT because with the performance-oriented 4WD and the supercharged Hellcat V8 engine, the dynamics will end up on the GOOD side and when you engage all the hero buttons around you, you'd better get some painkillers ready because there are times this can can understeer in 911 Turbo levels and resorting to brutal driving style won't cut it because the dynamics can bite you real good like dog with rabies.

Apart from the crazy dynamics and the fact that it can seat up to five people, the TRACKHAWK is downright expensive with prices start at 85,900 US Dollars, which is as expensive as a European sportscar, and that's a shame really because while it was labeled the most powerful SUV in the world, it doesn't carry enough people than the Durango SRT. 

But still, despite the price difference, these American high-performance SUVs are capable of painting the town red with their deep Republican view against the opposition, raw V8 grunt, and practicality common to most SUVs. So, which one will you pick?

Photo: FCA US LLC

Friday, December 5, 2014

Forza Horizon 2: The Last Barn Find!


Horizon intellectuals told that the final barn find is located at the heart of Southern Europe and what heart of Southern Europe I was talking about? Nope. You're wrong because the heart of Southern Europe and everything in Forza Horizon 2 is the Horizon Festival of course!

Upon my investigation, my witness instincts told me that the final barn find in the game is located less than two miles to the Festival, depending on your navigational skills, and this final barn find is none other than the mythical Lamborghini Miura, the car that gave birth to the supercar craze.

This is it! The last barn find and I'm on my way to complete my barn find collections in FH2! Isn't it awesome! I've finally got ten out of ten barn finds scattered all over the Southern European landscape! It sure is one heck of a ride out there.




There's no need to tell me what in the world is the Lamborghini Miura because this is the mythical sportscar from Lamborghini first introduced the supercar trend. It's styled by the now-bankrupt Bertone and it's powered by a 4.0L V12 engine mounted sideways to keep it compact just like a Mini. When production ended in 1972, over 760 units were made and such numbers is what you called "exclusive".

With the final barn find unearthed and now in my hands, I decided to drive this one for a road trip back to where it all started: Castelletto! Remember, in a road trip, you have a lot of decisions; follow the path from your GPS or take chances by yourself. Since I'm more of a risk-taker in FH2, I decided to take my chances as I cross my way to Castelletto.




Now that we arrived back to where it all started, our journey to the Horizon Finale continues.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Forza Horizon 2: Driving the Grand Cherokee SRT

Two years ago in the original Forza Horizon on the XBOX 360, I've driven the current-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and this muscle car in SUV's clothing makes me feel like I'm donning a stetson and imagining the Colorado location as my Wild West where the Grand Cherokee loves to have a duel with the other cars. It may have sacrificed its mobility for the sake of added speed, this car has some cowboy's honor on it.

With the arrival of its facelifted ego, every Forza Faithful in the world were wandering when will the folks from T10 be featuring the facelifted Grand Cherokee SRT, even last year's FM5 didn't made the cut because they've just featured a previous-generation SRT8 with the 6.1L HEMI V8 in it. Until now...

gc

Here it is, folks. The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. It's part of FH2's Mobil 1 Pack and although it looks the same as the pre-facelifted model that I drove in the original Horizon two years ago, some big changes have been occurred on the inside. Of course, it has some updated interior design in it but the biggest change of all is its gearbox. The pre-facelifted model has a 5-speed automatic gearbox but the 2014 model added three more gears so it's now an 8-speed automatic. 8 gears overall! That's about how many legs an octopus have or so I thought.

gc_1gc_2

For a high-performance version of Jeep's flagship SUV, it's still behaves like a normal Grand Cherokee and all that beef jerky that I just ate for recess, this car still tastes like that old-timey Texan treat. That glorious HEMI 6.4L V8 engine sound, now that's beef jerky stuff and this sound can't get even more delicious. Yes. I just said that but since we're in FH2 and this is Southern Europe, there's no jerky but driving the facelifted Grand Cherokee SRT on FH2 tastes like fried calamari and nougat for lunch. Geez, why am I saying that? Is it because my mouth's full of chewy stuff?! Anyway, never mind about that but this hi-po SUV loves to chew through any road it crosses, be it tarmac, gravel, or dirt alike.

gc_3

Although it feels the same as the pre-facelifted GC SRT8 that I drove two years ago, the latest Grand Cherokee SRT still has some cowboy's honor even in the world where beef jerkies aren't existed in Europe. Now that I spent several hours evaluating this car, I have a road trip back to the festival and I'll be using this car for the ride. Be advised: This SUV doesn't wait to go and...you guessed it...the Grand Cherokee SRT needs to go like Nina Needs To Go. Anyone knows where the nearest restroom is? I really need to go.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Forza Horizon: Cowboys and Grand Cherokees...

This ranch sure knows how to tame this!

By the moment I drive the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, I feel like I'm the sort of idiot who wears a stetson and some racing overalls, ready for some bullriding at the bar. Better yet, this is like an Irish bar fight! Wait, am I saying that loud, am I? Never mind...

Gotcha my little beauty!

...but still, I'm more than happy to take the wheel of the all new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. It maybe the heaviest of the SRT family, probably because this is a crossover made for those who are living in a western ranch and wearing stetsons for everyday lives but with the 6.4L HEMI V8 you get from the Charger SRT8, it packs a punch. It would be perfect enough to make some trouble in Colorado, if you are engaging in a playground game in Horizon. With the added weight, that makes it perfect to ram your rivals while you're shouting "get out of the way!" and makes you want to play dirty thanks to its 4WD layout.

Grand Cherokees are made for tackling any type of terrain whether if its asphalt or dirt and this, the SRT8, does really want to pull everything it got to have the massive V8 engine do the work for itself. This was made for the hairy-chested drivers, those who are brave enough to get down and dirty with this one and if you are noob for this one, well I'm sorry. You'd better off with an everyday car.

The out-of-towner

I drove the previous model in FM3 and FM4 and I gotta say that the SRT8 version of Jeep's flagship Grand Cherokee kinda sacrificed its handling for the sake of added acceleration and power. This is somewhat a muscle car in a SUV's clothing, if you know what I mean. Now, with this new version I'm driving, I'm getting a totally new difference. This is "riding cowboy" to a whole new level. Better get my stetsons on because this new Jeep SRT8 is a bulky high-performance crossover that sure loves to wrestle anyone that stands on its way.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Forza Motorsport 4 - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Heavyweight contender

Debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show as a 2006 model, the SRT8 version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee transformed the SUV into a sport utility muscle car, combining the thrills of a muscle sports car and the versatility of a sport utility vehicle into one clever package.

It was powered by a 6.1L HEMI V8 engine that generates about 420 hp (310 kW) of power. It comes with 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 when it was launched.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Hennessey HPE800

Hennessey HPE800


Texas-based tuner, Hennessey, famous for their Ford Raptor-based Velociraptor and the all-original, Exige-based Venom GT, revealed their modified version of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, called the HPE800.

Despite the naming, the HPE800 improves the V8 engine to have 7.0L and 805HP of power output. It is capable of doing 0-60 in 3.1 seconds and top speed of 130mph. The transmission system's been tuned as well and it comes with 15.1-inch Brembo brakes that you can see it behind its monstrous 20-inch mags.

It is limited to 24 units available with the starting price of a hefty 235,000 US Dollars.

Friday, November 4, 2011

New Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Chrysler's Street & Racing Technology are very adamant that this all new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the most technologically advanced, highest performing Jeep ever made. I surely believed that this Grand Cherokee on steroids would only be fit for cowboys but it wasn't made to be more rodeo-oriented. I wasn't sure that this new model exceeds expectations against the BMW X5 M but it surely is a very difficult explanation to tell.


2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8



2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 interior


The exterior design looks similar as the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 but because this is the SRT8 version, it gained muscular aero kits from top to bottom in order to create a meaner sport utility vehicle with meaner looks to scare away the predators at the dark. If you see the SRT8 badge at the back, that's how it goes "Nah-Nah-Na-Na-Nah".

In the interior, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is backed by a SRT-exclusive seats, SRT-exclusive steering wheel, carbon fiber inserts, and a 6.5-inch navigation system complete with Electronic Vehicle Information Center which provides real-time information on the Grand Cherokee SRT8. It also provides telemetry and data such as 0-60 mph times, eighth- and quarter-mile times, 60-0 mph braking distances and lateral acceleration figures. For sound quality, it has a Harman Kardon 7.3 Surround Sound System with 19 High-Performance, High-Efficienct GreenEdge Loudspeakers to bring out the best sound experience inside the Grand Cherokee SRT8.

The new SRT8 Grand Cherokee is powered by the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that creates 465 horsepower at 6,000rpm and 465lb-ft of torque at 4,200rpm. It even comes with a Fuel Saver Technology for cylinder management to provide better fuel economy and to accumulate EPA estimated MPG of 12 city/18 hwy. It is armed with a 5-speed paddle shift transmission. As a 4WD, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 comes with the Quadra-Trac SRT full-time all-wheel-drive system that tackles against various road conditions like tarmac, gravel, and snow. It comes with the Selec-Track rotary control that allows the driver to switch through five different modes such as Auto, Track, Sport, Snow, and Tow.

There is an optional Luxury Group Package to provide more luxury to the interior but it can also provide features such as adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning and Blind spot Monitoring. There are 45 Safety and Security features you can find it on the new Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Available in four exterior colors such as Deep Cherry Red Pearl, Black, Bright Silver Metallic, and Mineral Gray Metallic.

My comment:
This is the best Jeep for enthusiasts but it's not as good looking as the regular Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, it's less expensive than the BMW X5 M because the Grand Cherokee SRT8 starts at $54,470 while the BMW X5 M costs $86,400.

Honestly, they messed up with this new model. Well, initially it's a thoroughbred sports utility vehicle but it doesn't. It takes moments to figure out how does the Grand Cherokee SRT8 and the result is that this SUV is not merely a 4WD thoroughbred and it's more complicated than a medium-sized woman.

Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

The things we make, make us

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee


Is this it? Word from CATS Motors is that they'll officially bring the legendary, American-made, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 to the Philippines at the end of 1st quarter 2011!

Scoop:

Surprise! But this will offer only in the new Pentastar V6 engine, A legendary American SUV is coming just in time when the Philippines is under in a scorching hot summer season!

If it hits, time to take a grand vacation and sing the Philippine Geography song as this American SUV travels through the Philippine Geography!

We'll be waiting... I think this is somewhat better than the Nissan Patrol Royale and the Toyota Fortuner...

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2










Surprisingly, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee brings the meaning "made in U.S.A" to the next level and this new model features more features than the previous Grand Cherokee before the Chrysler brand sold by the Italians via Fiat. Despite the American brand now under Italian control, a brief metaphor when German and Japanese cars take control of American land, in an Axis Powers kind of way, the artisanship of the new Grand Cherokee is simply American. This is the only way this SUV shows its blood only portrayed in the eyes of an American car consumer who are spending their American dream everywhere. It is not only Americans who take part of the Grand Cherokee revolution, but also the Europeans, the off-roaders from the Middle East, and Asians as well, if I do say so myself.

In the Philippines, when the Chrysler brand was under Norkis distribution, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was the prizefighter among wealthy politicians, before the Philippine distribution of Chrysler brands took control by CATS Motors and succeeded by another Jeep vehicle, the Commander. With new full-sized SUVs came, come, or will come to the Philippine soil, including the Toyota Land Cruiser 200, the Nissan Patrol Royale, the Mitsubishi Pajero, the BMW X5, and the MB GL-Class, will the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee come back to kick some mud on the opponents' faces?

Using the platform from the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the new Grand Cherokee retains its Spartan style and rugged characteristics, showing off its muscular exterior and always armed to the teeth. Aside from the muscled frame, the interior is built on a high-class level, showing off its premium status perfect enough for the politicians to step in, even when its made to have the sound of silence. The optional CommandView panoramic sunroof adds the Grand Cherokee's premium level by one, giving the perfect tool for stargazing during camping trips with the kids. Beyond that, the seating only allows five people, with enough luggage space to pack up the most for their everyday lifestyles. From golf bags, dozens of Prada bags bought by shopaholics, purchased ammunition, Balikbayan boxes, and other luggage known to people, the new Grand Cherokee does it all. The sure thing that keeps the rear passenger delighted is the reclining rear seats, similar to the Toyota Premio and Allion. These rear seats are delightful for the stressed rich kid after a hard day's work and play.

On the main feature, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee features the new Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain for driving capability no matter which terrain you are tackling with your new Grand Cherokee. The Quadra-Lift air suspension can be easily adjusted with the twist of a knob. It can be selected from Park, Aero, Normal Ride Height, Off-Road 1 and Off-Road 2, depending on your chosen path. The new Selec-Terrain system allows the driver to choose from various conditions depending on the area it chooses. This system determines several vehicle management systems necessary to pull out on its own warpath. There are two available engines available as of its initial launch, ranging from the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and the top-of-the-line 5.7L V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing. The 3.6L V6 variant offers a five-speed automatic transmission while the hulking 5.7L V8 variant offers the multi-speed AT added for various circumstances.

A tougher body frame, several airbags for the peace of mind, Blind Spot Monitoring system, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Path Detection, Electronic Stability Control, Rain Sensing Wipers, Rain Brake Support, anti-theft system, and an array of parking aides. These are all of the safe features offered to the new Grand Cherokee that is built for their peace of mind. These features got them covered in various situations.

My thoughts about the Grand Cherokee:

Adapting the TV Commercial slogan "The things we make, make us" can be a patriotic work of camaraderie for Americans, and the heroism increased tenfold after years of R&D, trial and error, and final testing in various areas. Just think about any area will the new Grand Cherokee conquer where no rivals attempt to do it, from the sand dunes, the snowy path, muddy areas, majestic jungle territories, even the bustling highways of the city. For every Grand Cherokee they bought belongs from the blood, sweat, and tears of hard-working Americans standing up from their challenging times, fighting not for government, not for ideology, but for themselves. This offering would be their creation without borders that does not need to find a reason to create it. Americans created the new Grand Cherokee because they were needed. If CATS Motors brings back the Grand Cherokee, their priority is only in the eyes of politicians, celebrities, PBA players, and the rich kids on the block.