2011 All-New Jeep® Grand Cherokee – News

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

The all new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee continues the tradition of Jeep as an innovator in the 4WD SUV market with the recent  launch in Australia of the Jeep® Grand Cherokee Limited and Laredo.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand’s legendary four-wheel-drive capability, delivered through a torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case. It also features a a world-class interior cabin and offers new powertrains delivering improved fuel consumption and outstanding tow capability.

The all-new Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system is a first for Jeep, delivering legendary Jeep off-road capability and delightful on-road ride. In addition, the new Selec-Terrain™ traction control system allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road driving conditions. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver premium on-road handling and comfort.Legendary Capability and On-road Refinement

Most capable and refined Grand Cherokee ever
NEW Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension system
Choice of two 4×4 systems: Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive® II with rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD)
NEW Jeep Selec-Terrain system featuring five terrain settings to match conditions
NEW independent front and rear suspension systems
NEW body structure provides 146-percent increase in torsional stiffness for improved NVH
Quadra-Lift: The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the new Quadra-Lift air suspension system that provides a total of 104mm of lift adjustment. Quadra-Lift operates automatically or may be controlled manually via console controls.

Quadra-Lift is supported by four-corner air springs featuring five height settings for optimum ride performance:

Normal Ride Height (NRH): 205mm of clearance offers improved fuel consumption and improved aerodynamics during on-road driving
Off Road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional 33mm to 238mm for added height in clearing obstacles
Off Road 2: Delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability and provides an additional 66mm over NRH for 271mm of ground clearance
Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 38mm from NRH for easy ingress/egress and roof rack loading. NRH and Park mode are driver-selectable, giving the driver control over vehicle ride height
Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle 13mm from NRH. Aero Mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel consumption
With the front air dam removed and the available Quadra-Lift air suspension set to Off Road 2 mode, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 34.3-degree approach angle, a 27.3-degree (to rear recovery tow hook) departure angle and a 23.1-degree breakover angle.

Two 4×4 Systems: The Jeep Grand Cherokee will offer two 4×4 systems in Australia: Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II.

Quadra-Trac II’s two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tyre slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximises traction before slippage occurs. When tyre slippage is detected, as much as 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), delivers industry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tyre slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tyres with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD

Selec-Terrain: In addition to the Quadra-Lift air suspension, the all-new Selec-Terrain traction control system lets customers choose the setting for the optimum experience on all types of terrain. This feature electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

The Selec-Terrain control dial allows the driver to choose from five driving conditions in order to achieve the best driving experience:

Snow: Vehicle traction adjusts for ultimate performance over snow-covered roads
Sport: Provides enhanced on-road “fun-to-drive” capability
Auto: Automatically adapts to any on- or off-road situation
Sand/Mud: Traction Control and Quadra-Lift operate with sensitive response to wheel spin and torque is tuned for optimal performance
Rock: Quadra-Lift suspension raises to a maximum height of 271mm and the transfer case, differentials and throttle coordinate to provide low-speed control
Selec-Terrain, coupled with the all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension, offers drivers an adjustable suspension span that delivers world-class capability. Selec-Terrain is standard with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II.

On-road Refinement: The all-new independent front and rear suspension deliver premium on-road manners with isolated front and rear suspension cradles and variable-rate rear springs that combine to enhance on-road character and ride comfort.

The new rear suspension allows the spare tyre to be stored inside the vehicle as opposed to underneath.

The all-new body structure’s torsional stiffness is 146-percent greater than the previous model for improved durability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Stiffness is achieved with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. This marks a 53-percent increase in spot welds, a 42-percent increase in arc welds and a 38-percent increase in structural adhesive.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited INTERIOR

Stunning Exterior Design and Refined Interiors

Most luxurious Jeep ever with stunning exterior design and world-class, refined interiors
NEW sculpted body and athletic profile define sleek interior/aerodynamic finesse
NEW CommandView® dual-pane panoramic sun roof
Premium soft-touch interior materials
Larger front and rear door openings (78 degrees)
Increased rear-seat knee clearance and leg room of 981mm
Larger cargo volume behind rear seat provides 11-percent more room for gear
Classic Exterior Design: Every surface of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and treated for aerodynamics. This improves fuel efficiency and puts more fluidity into the design while delivering an 8.5-percent improvement in drag compared with the previous model. The Grand Cherokee Coefficient of drag (Cd) is approximately 0.37 compared with the previous model’s Cd of 0.404.

The front includes Jeep’s classic seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel arches. The removable lower front fascia delivers improved fuel consumption, on-road performance and off-road capability. The lower front fascia features a large chromed appliqué on Limited and Overland models. Tow eyes are standard on all models.

From the side, Jeep Grand Cherokee features an athletic, muscular profile. Black appliqués on B-pillars give the bright day-light opening (DLO) an aerodynamic, modern appearance and a sleek profile. Available chromed door handles add to the profile and complement the full-chromed DLO surround on all models.

Laredo features standard 18-inch wheels. Limited and Overland models feature standard 20-inch wheels.

Taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle and create a solid form, which achieves more of an upscale appearance. The treatment complements the front-end design and resonates with the rest of the exterior.

Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with the 5.7-litre HEMI® V8 engine have 89mm dual chromed exhaust tips, and those with the V6 engine have a 76mm single exhaust (Laredo) or 89mm chromed tip (Limited).

World-class Interior Refinement: The all-new interior features rich materials and elegant appointments as well as more room for both passengers and cargo.

The instrument panel is completely redesigned and features soft-touch material with available contrast stitching that is carried throughout the interior, including seats. Soft-touch material is integrated not only on the instrument panel but on customer touch points including doors, consoles and armrests. By using softer materials, the Jeep design team was able to achieve fit and finish complimented by lower interior noise levels.

The all-new CommandView® dual-pane sun roof is standard on Overland models and available on Limited. It provides twice as much glass surface than a standard sun roof and extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. The front panel may be opened rearward, providing additional light and fresh air to first-row passengers. The rear panel, which is fixed, allows light and open viewing for second-row passengers and comes standard with a power sun shade.

Interior Comfort: Inside, premium seating includes room for five passengers.

Front seat passengers will always find the perfect seat position thanks to standard 8-way power seats with 4-way power lumber adjustment and 4-way head restraints.

For added passenger comfort, rear seats recline a total of 12 degrees, with three lockable detents to make selection quick and easy. The 60/40 split fold seat back also features 12 degrees of forward adjustment to provide increased cargo carrying capacity without stowing the rear seat back. The maximum rear cargo volume is 11-percent larger than the outgoing model and 782L in total.

Compared to previous models, a larger front door opening is 48mm wider and 51mm higher, and the rear door opening is now 78 degrees (from 67 degrees) for better access to the interior.

The well-appointed rear cargo area includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and new and improved baggage hooks on both sides. The spare tyre compartment includes removable dual storage bins for secure storage of muddy gear or other items.

An all-new power rear liftgate is available for effortless remote up/down convenience.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

Powertrains

Available with two leading engine options: NEW 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and improved 5.7-litre HEMI® V8
3.6-litre V6 fuel consumption is rated at 11.4L/100km (combined) and CO2 of 265 g/km
3.6-litre V6 with Dual Variable-valve Timing (VVT) delivers 210 kW of power and 347 Nm of torque
New to the 5.7-litre V8, VVT contributes towards 259 kW of power and 520 Nm of torque
Trailer tow capability of up to 3,500kg for the V8 engine and 2,268kg with the V6 engine

“With the all-new Grand Cherokee, Jeep has created the benchmark, premium SUV,” said Dean Bonthorne, Senior Manager of Marketing and Corporate Communications – Chrysler Australia. “Unique innovations such as our new Quadra-Lift suspension and Selec-Terrain traction control systems separate Jeep from the crowd and take the new Grand Cherokee to the next level of 4×4 capability. The new generation of the iconic Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers the ideal blend of on-road refinement, craftsmanship, world-class design, improved fuel consumption, innovative features and real-world capability that is ideally suited to the Australian market.”

More than 45 Safety and Security Features
The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee includes more than 45 safety and security features.

Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection, All-speed Traction Control (ASTC), Trailer-sway Control (TSC), Keyless Enter-N-Go™ (passive entry/pushbutton start), remote keyless entry, express up/down windows for driver and front-seat passenger seat-belt pretensioners.

Other standard safety features include next generation air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger, full-length side-curtain air bags that extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger, standard driver inflatable knee bolster and active head restraints that deploy in the event of a rear collision.

In June 2010, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee was presented with a ‘Top Safety Pick’ award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – the highest rating the organisation bestows. Vehicles that earn ‘Top Safety Pick’ meet the highest standards for crash test performance, encompassing state-of-the-art safety for the best protection in the most common types of crashes.

Pricing
Arguably one of the most impressive factors around the launch of the all-new Grand Cherokee is the value story.  Starting at $45,000, the pricing is thousands below that of the outgoing model, despite the significant lift in features, equipment and quality. This is set to make the Jeep Grand Cherokee a major contender in Australia’s SUV sector.

Base Vehicle Price (BVP) excludes Government charges and Dealer Delivery

Grand Cherokee Laredo

  • $45,000 3.6L V6 5-speed automatic
  • Premium Paint                              $450
  • Quadra-Lift air suspension            $2,500

Grand Cherokee Limited

  • $55,000 3.6L V6 5-speed automatic
  • $60,000 5.7L V8 5-speed automatic
  • Premium Paint                              $495
  • Quadra-Lift air suspension            $3,250            
  • Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof     $3,250
  • Luxury Group                                $3,250            
    • Power liftgate & heated steering wheel
  • Off-Road Adventure Group          $1,950            
    • (18” alloys, Quadra-Drive II, Skid Plate group)

Grand Cherokee Overland

  • $69,500 5.7L V8 5-speed automatic
  • Premium Paint                              $495
  • Rear DVD Entertainment centre  $3,250
    • Deletes dual pane sunroof
  • Off-Road Adventure Group          $650               
    • 18” alloys, Quadra-Drive II, Skid Plate group
About Rob Fraser 2479 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.

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