Jeep's flagship gets a new eight-speed gearbox and diesel power for the US
Jeep has launched a facelifted Grand Cherokee at the Detroit motor show as part of a midlife revamp of most of its range.
The Cherokee, along with the SRT model, gets the eight-speed automatic gearbox used in the US-market petrol Chrysler 300. It comes with paddle shifts and in the SRT a new launch control system that Jeep claims improves acceleration, although the firm is not yet revealing by how much.
The US also gets the diesel Grand Cherokee for the first time – it’s the same 3.0-litre V6 sold in Europe, with the new eight-speed gearbox. There’s also a lower crawler gear for off-road use, and the car’s Selec Terrain traction control system has been reworked.
Jeep boss, Mike Manley said the Grand Cherokee's 3.0-litre diesel is significant for signifying a shift in American tastes. He said: "Diesel is still a minority choice, but it delivers everything out customers have been asking for. Clean, efficient and economical and massive torque. We do believe there is a market for diesel and that it will grow with pressure on fuel efficiency."
The car’s appearance has been updated with a new, slimmer grille at the front, LED running lights, redesigned front and rear bumpers. The SRT comes with a black grille surround, different exhaust tailpipes and body-coloured sill covers. Inside the centre console has been changed with new heating controls and a new touchscreen.
Jeep sales have hit an all-time high, with 700,000 sales in 2012, beating the company's previous best year in 1999.
Manley said the results were a reflection of the brand's successful rebirth since the financial crisis nearly killed it. He said: "In the past three years we have doubled sales, enjoying consistent double digit growth as we re-established the company.
"At the depth of the crisis we were the fifth SUV brand in the US, but now we're back where we belong - first here, and growing strongly in Europe and China."
Manley has targeted annual sales of 800,000 by 2014.