[March 18, 2008 - WKJeeps.com] Thanks to a generous hosting offer from a Grand Cherokee owner/enthusiast, the WKJeeps.com, WJJeeps.com and XKJeeps.com web sites have all been moved to a new server effective today. The new server is on a fiber optic line, providing speeds 4 to 5 times faster than our previous server. We hope you enjoy the faster access and if you run across any bad links or errors please let us know.

Another feature we have added is a line of text at the top of each page that gives the date that the particular page was last updated. If there is no date listed, the page was last updated prior to March 18, 2008. This should make it much easier to determine when new or revised information has been added to pages that you may frequently visit. As always, we are open to any suggestions or corrections to further improve our web sites.

• Select Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8® exterior and interior details combined with the efficiency of the 3.0L V-6 CRD or the 4.7-litre V-8 petrol engines
• Revised 4.7-litre V-8 offers 5 per cent better fuel economy and 30 per cent more horsepower

[March 4, 2008 - WKJeeps.com] The all-new Jeep® Grand Cherokee S Limited debuts at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva. This package combines the high-performance appearance of the SRT8® model with the efficiency of the 3.0-litre V-6 CRD engine or the recently revised 4.7-litre V-8 petrol engine. All Jeep Grand Cherokee models received styling refinements just a few months ago, and the new S Limited further broadens customer appeal.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee S Limited includes the following equipment:

• Unique front fascia with body-colour air dam and chrome lower appliqué
• SRT8 grille with a body-colour frame and wire-mesh texture
• Unique side sill mouldings
• Deep tinted windows (where available)
• All-new 18-inch, aluminium Arrowhead wheels with mineral-grey pockets
• Body-colour mirrors
• Rear spoiler
• S Limited exterior name badge

In addition, the roof rack, is deleted and moulding covers are installed for a smooth roof appearance.

“The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the original premium SUV, and it is our best-selling Jeep model year after year,” said Thomas Hausch, Vice President – International Sales, Chrysler LLC. “Compelling offerings like the S Limited continue to increase the value and options that we offer to customers.”

The interior of the Jeep Grand Cherokee S Limited includes the SRT8 steering wheel, shifter knob and aluminium-finish bezels for the centre stack, floor console and front door switches.

Exterior colour choices include Brilliant Black Crystal, Bright Silver and Steel Blue. All interiors are monotone Dark Slate Gray.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee S Limited is available with two engines choices. The thoroughly modern 3.0-litre V-6 CRD engine is fitted with Bosch high-pressure fuel injection (1600+ bar), a variable geometry turbocharger, four valves per cylinder, dual overhead camshafts and Piezo injectors with a 0.1 millisecond response time. Maximum power is 160 kW (218 hp DIN), and peak torque is 510 Nm (376 lb.-ft.) from 1600 to 2400 rpm.

The new 4.7-litre V-8 petrol engine is 5 per cent more fuel efficient while increasing power and torque compared to the previous 4.7-litre engine. The new engine incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler LLC engine to do so, other than the 5.7-litre HEMI), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and revised combustion chamber. It also features revised valvetrain components and a new camshaft profile. The result is 223 kW (303 hp DIN), a 30 per cent increase over the previous 4.7-litre V-8 engine, and 445 Nm (328 lb.-ft.) of torque, an 8 per cent increase.

The new 4.7-litre V-8 engine also offers refinements, primarily from significant revisions to the induction system. Accessory-drive noise has been reduced through lower accessory-drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with a new camshaft design, two spark plugs per cylinder and a revised valve-lash adjuster system.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee S Limited will begin to arrive in European dealerships in the first quarter of 2008.

Recent refinements to all Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles means that all models sold in 2008 will be available with more premium features including the MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System that has full-screen navigation, audio, entertainment and a communications system. MyGIG enables customers to use touch-screen or voice commands to control all of the features, and it includes a 30-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. There is space reserved on the hard drive for approximately 1,600 songs – that’s over 100 hours of music.

Also new on the Jeep Grand Cherokee are High-intensity Discharge (HID), auto-levelling headlamps. These headlamps provide approximately three times the light output of conventional reflector lamps for improved night-time illumination. The auto-levelling feature automatically adjusts the headlamps to the vehicle pitch depending on the load and number of passengers in the vehicle. This feature also benefits oncoming traffic as the system prevents drivers from being distracted by glare from the headlamps. The auto-levelling feature is only available with HID headlamps.

Additional premium features available on Jeep Grand Cherokee include ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera (with or without navigation), ParkSense® Rear Back-up System, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and mirrors and iPod® connectivity (iPod is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries).

[August 9th, 2007 - WKJeeps.com] Jeep® and Dodge brand vehicles have improved in dependability, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study. The study, released this morning, showed that the Jeep brand was the highest ranked brand of The New Chrysler. It had 219 problems per 100 vehicles, improving 45 points in dependability and moving up from 26th in the standings to 15th for one of the most significant improvements in dependability of all the brands studied.

The Dodge brand improved 22 points, but fell one position to 25th in the rankings. The Chrysler brand dropped in the rankings to 28th overall. The Chrysler corporate average improved 8 percent from last year's study. Ten models of The New Chrysler scored better than the industry average compared with three last year. The Lexus and Buick brands tied for first in the study's rankings of dependability. The study reports the number of problems per 100 vehicles at an average of three years in service.

• The New Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty – the first from an OEM and the longest in the industry – is a statement of confidence in the reliability of Chrysler products
• Warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair covered powertrain components – engine, transmission and drive system
• Provides worry-free ownership for new Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge owners

[WKJeeps.com, July 26, 2007] Chrysler today announced that the Company would extend its powertrain warranty from the 3-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty to a new Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. The new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty applies to most new Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles purchased from dealer inventory and delivered on or after July 26, 2007.

The Lifetime Powertrain Warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair covered powertrain components – engine, transmission and drive system. The new powertrain warranty is limited to the first registered owner or retail lessee. Customers should contact dealers for details on vehicle selection.

“This new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty is a statement of confidence to our customers to the reliability of their powertrain. It’s peace-of-mind reassurance for as long as they own the vehicle,” said Steven Landry, Executive Vice President – North America, Sales and Marketing, Service and Parts, Chrysler Group.

To continue warranty coverage, the owner must have a powertrain inspection performed by an authorized Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealer once every 5 years. This inspection will be performed at no charge. The inspection must be made within 60 days of each 5-year anniversary of the warranty start date of the vehicle.

Landry added, “The new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty underscores our focus on quality and customer satisfaction. It demonstrates our commitment to customers and the confidence we have in our ability to produce quality, reliable and durable vehicles. That’s why we put ‘lifetime’ on it.”

Customers may visit Chrysler.com, Jeep.com and Dodge.com for more information. A warranty promotion – print, radio, television and Internet – begins Friday, July 27.

2008Jeep® Grand Cherokee debuts in Europe

The New Jeep® Grand Cherokee debuts in Europe with More Innovative Technology, Restyled Interior and Exterior, an Improved Engine and More Premium Amenities

- Innovative Hill Descent Control that only Jeep® engineers could deliver

- Improved 4.7-litre V-8 petrol engine delivers improved fuel economy; increased horsepower and torque

- Restyled exterior and interior design stays true to its authentic Jeep character

- Even more innovative, premium amenities including MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, HID auto-levelling headlamps and heated first- and second-row seats

[WKJeeps.com] Making its European debut, the new Jeep® Grand Cherokee was shown in France to media and brand enthusiasts during the 2007 Euro Camp Jeep event. The Grand Cherokee offers an extremely advanced and flexible Hill Descent Control for greatly improved control in off-road situations. A new Hill Start Assist holds the vehicle automatically on steep hills for a smooth and controlled drive away from a stop. Trailer Sway Control minimizes trailer sway during towing. The new Grand Cherokee also features a new 4.7-litre V-8 engine that delivers an improvement in fuel economy of more than 5 per cent, with a 30 per cent increase in horsepower and a 10 per cent increase in torque. The interior and exterior design is restyled and the new Grand Cherokee also features a host of innovative, premium amenities.

“With the addition of a Jeep-engineered Hill Descent Control, a choice of five engines, two four-wheel-drive systems and more premium amenities than ever before, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee adds more capability and refinement to the benchmark full-size SUV that created the luxury SUV market when it debuted in 1992,” said Thomas Hausch, Vice President, International Sales – Chrysler Group.

[WKJeeps.com, July 16, 2007]  Jefferson North Assembly Plant launched production today of the refreshed 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander models. A summary of features is listed below. We have added additional details as well as a few interior photos to our 2008 Grand Cherokee page.

Summary of interior changes:

Fully Redesigned Instrument Panel with soft-touch surfaces
All New Clusters, Bezels, and Door Trim Panels
New Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel with Integrated EVIC Controls
Integrated 2nd Row Headrests
Heated 2nd Row Seats
Leather-wrapped parking brake handle
New Radios, including MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System
SIRIUS Backseat TV with 8-inch DVD Screen
Glove Box i-Pod Interface to U-Connect
115V Power Outlet
ParkView Rear Back-up Camera now available without Navigation
SIRIUS Satellite Radio now standard on Laredo, Limited, and Overland
New Dark Slate Gray interior color for SRT8 models
New Dark Slate Gray perforated leather seats with accent piping for Overland models

Summary of exterior changes:

New 4.7L FFV V8 with improved horsepower/torque/fuel efficiency
New longer grille
2 piece front fascia with removable lower piece for offroading
More rounded headlamps
HID headlamps
All new wheels including an 18” wheel standard on Overland & optional on Limited
Hill Decent Control
Hill Start Assist
ParkView & ParkSense are now standard on the Limited
Trailer Sway Control

2008 Introductory MSRP pricing (including destination):

Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2........$29,115
Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2........$36,660
Grand Cherokee Overland 4x2.....$40,700
Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4........$31,085
Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4........$39,250
Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4.....$44,135
Grand Cherokee SRT8 4x4..........$41,220

[WKJeeps.com, June 21, 2007]  The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee will join the 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty as Chrysler Group’s 50-state, clean-diesel BLUETEC vehicles.

BLUETEC brings together a host of technologies for diesel passenger vehicles, beginning with completely modern, efficient diesel engines and a focus on “denoxing” to reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases. The result is clean-diesel technology in vehicles that meet 50-state emissions standards for 2010. For further information see Grand Cherokee BLUETEC.

As exclusively first reported in our Future Jeeps section earlier this year, Jeep will also debut an all-new 2nd generation 5.7L MDS Hemi for the 2009 model year. The new Hemi will feature Variable Valve Timing technology and other new advancements, resulting in notable gains in fuel efficiency, refinement, power and torque. Specifications will not be announced until sometime next year. The new 5.7 will be Standard on the 2009 Grand Cherokee and Commander Overland models, and will be optional on the Limited models.

The second all-new Hemi engine will be a 6.4L powerhouse that will supposedly put out more than 500 hp. While not officially announced, the new engine is slated for 2009-2010 SRT8 models of the Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger, the new Dodge Challenger, and one or two other Chrysler/Dodge vehicles.

Production of the 2009 model Jeeps will start in July of 2008. As always, we'll have additional exclusive information on the upcoming Grand Cherokee models before anyone else, stay tuned.

• All-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine delivers increased horsepower and torque, improved fuel economy
• Refreshed exterior and interior design stays true to its authentic Jeep® character with signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings and attention to rich details and craftsmanship
• Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with all-new SIRIUS Backseat TV™
• Even more innovative, premium amenities are available, including MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, HID auto-leveling headlamps and heated first- and second-row seats

[WKJeeps.com, April 1, 2007] – The Jeep® brand on Wednesday will unveil the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee that features an all-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine that delivers a 24 percent increase in horsepower, a 6 percent increase in torque and improved fuel economy compared with the engine it replaces. The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee also offers a refreshed interior and exterior design and a host of innovative premium amenities, including one not found on other full-size sport-utility vehicles (SUV) on the road today -- SIRIUS Backseat TV™. The vehicle will arrive at Jeep dealerships starting this fall.

"With a choice of five engines, three four-wheel-drive systems and more premium amenities than ever before, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee sets the benchmark for full-size SUVs just as it did when it debuted in 1992," said John Plecha, Director -- Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications. "Now available with SIRIUS Backseat TV, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee just made road trips or short trips with kids even more enjoyable."

Only Full-Size SUV with Five Engine Offerings

The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the only vehicle with a choice of five engine offerings:

• Award-winning 3.0-liter common rail diesel V-6 engine – Now available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland
• 3.7-liter V-6 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
• All-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
• 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI® engine – Available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, standard on Overland
• 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

All-new for 2008 is the 4.7-liter V-8 engine that offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter engine, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement.

The new 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 291 horsepower (217kW), a 24 percent increase, and 322 lb.-ft. of torque (437 N•m), a 6 percent increase over the previous 4.7-liter V-8 engine. And, like the engine it replaces, the new 4.7-liter V-8 engine is flex-fuel capable, which gives customers the ability to use up to an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) to fuel their vehicles.

Improvements in the new 4.7-liter V-8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with a new cam design, two spark plugs per cylinder and a valve-lash adjuster system. The new 4.7-liter V-8 also is equipped with electronic throttle control.

First to Offer All-new SIRIUS Backseat TV The Chrysler Group will be the first and only auto manufacturer to offer SIRIUS Backseat TV in its 2008 model year vehicle lineup, including the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

SIRIUS Backseat TV features three channels of respected children's TV featuring many of the most well-known kids' programming, including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. Rear-seat passengers will be able to watch shows such as Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants," Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana" and Cartoon Network's "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends."

SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle's second-row (except minivan: second- and/or third-row) video screen, and channel name, program title and rating will be broadcast and displayed on the screen. For added flexibility, rear-seat passengers can enjoy SIRIUS Backseat TV while front-seat occupants listen to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The system can be operated from either the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit. In addition, when the vehicle is in park, programming can be displayed on the MyGIG screen for front-seat viewing.

Innovative Premium Amenities

Along with SIRIUS Backseat TV, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a variety of premium amenities that are new for 2008, including the new MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System that has a built-in navigation, audio, entertainment and communication system. MyGIG enables customers to use touch-screen or voice commands to control all of the features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. There's space reserved on the hard drive for approximately 1,600 songs; that's over 100 hours of music. There also is a voice-memo recorder feature. MyGIG supports real-time traffic information, available through SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and can provide an alternate drive route based on current traffic.

Also new on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee are high-intensity discharge (HID) auto-leveling headlamps. HID auto-leveling headlamps provide approximately three times the light output of conventional reflector lamps for improved nighttime illumination. The auto-leveling feature automatically adjusts the headlamps to the vehicle pitch depending on the load and number of passengers in the vehicle. This feature also benefits oncoming traffic as the system prevents drivers from being distracted by glare from the headlamps. The auto-leveling feature is only available with HID headlamps.

ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera (with or without navigation), ParkSense® Rear Back-up System, SmartBeam® headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and mirrors, iPod connectivity and 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels also are part of the vehicle's available features and options.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee also features three new safety and security technologies for 2008: Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control.

Hill Descent Control (HDC) is standard on Grand Cherokee 4x4 models. Operational in the "4WD Low" position, HDC provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed. By means of electronic brake control, HDC supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides. For ease of operation, Grand Cherokee's HDC is activated and deactivated automatically, after the HDC button is engaged, as the system senses changes in topography. The system works whether the vehicle is in forward or reverse.

The available Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver's release of the brake pedal. The ABS system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch.

Trailer Sway Control is optional on all Grand Cherokee models. This system reduces trailer sway and provides improved trailer stability and increased towing safety.

Refreshed Exterior and Interior

With its upright and substantial posture, the Jeep Grand Cherokee's design offers an athletic and contemporary appearance. The grille has been lengthened, and the headlamps are more circular for a more dominant and expressive front view. A new HID headlamp, optional on Limited and standard on Overland, includes an internal optic lens for the park/turn function. Fog lamps also have also been lowered for enhanced performance. Off-road enthusiasts will be pleased with the new two-piece front fascia, allowing for the entire lower piece to be removed before hitting the off-road trails.

On the inside, the vehicle's two-tone instrument panel features a new level of refinement with bright accents, a soft-touch surface and updated styling. A new tilt and telescoping steering column is standard, with a new steering wheel that includes bright accent bezels, which house the electronic vehicle information center's switches. The Limited model's steering wheel adds two-tone leather and bright chrome accent rings, and the Overland features a real wood rim for added luxury. Also new is the updated line of instrument clusters that feature new brighter LED illumination, with the Limited and Overland models receiving a modern and elegant treatment where, when the vehicle is started, the dark-tinted lens fades to reveal chrome-ringed black gauges that are surrounded by a bright silver accent field. The new floor console has improved cup holders and a new leather-wrapped and chrome-accented parking brake handle. The door panels have new armrests for improved ergonomics and comfort. New for the Overland model are the new saddle perforated leather seats that feature accent piping for an even more upscale look.