At first, Fiat-Chrysler’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne, had revealed that that the Maserati SUV will be based on the new Grand Cherokee’s platform, which in turn is based on the quite capable Mercedes M-Class. However, Marchionne had also hinted that, like other Maserati models, it may get a Ferrari V8 –a very mouth-watering, and logical, proposal since the two companies belong to the same group.
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The Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology division (SRT for short) equipped the performance SUV with an all-new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that delivers 465 horsepower and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque.
Compared to the outgoing model powered by the 6.1-liter HEMI V8 unit, the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 has an extra 45HP and 45 lb-ft (61 Nm) of torque. About 90 percent of peak torque is available between 2,800 and 6,000 rpm. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 can do 0-100-0 mph in the mid-16 second range and has a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
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The new V6 diesel engine is built by VM Motori and has been developed together with Fiat Powertrain, which is a subsidiary of the Fiat Group. The 3.0-liter unit features Fiat's MultiJet II system which enables up to eight injections per cycle, with the possibility of managing the two main injections in a single modular profile (IRS – Injection Rate Shaping). It is also fitted with a single Garrett VGT 2056 turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.
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“It's time we gave the market an upper-scale Grand Wagoneer,” said Marchionne. “You'll see it in January 2013.”
As expected, reporters asked Marchionne how the Grand Wagoneer would differ from the seven-seat Jeep Commander, which Chrysler killed last year. The CEO's answer was piercingly honest: “That car was unfit for human consumption. We sold some. But I don't know why people bought them.”
Marchionne also said that the group plans to kill one of the group's two traditional minivans (either the Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Town & Country) for the next generation. It is believed that the Dodge model has more chances to remain in production. The firm's CEO added the brand that loses the minivan will most likely get some kind of "people mover", possibly without sliding rear doors.
The Chrysler Group is also close to making a decision on a successor for the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty SUVs. “It's the most significant hole in our product portfolio,” said Marchionne, adding that the Nitro needs to be replaced but not necessarily by a Dodge-branded model as Chrysler could also be up to the task. “Give us about 40 days” to make a decision, he said.
Last but not least for the Chrysler brand's fans, Marchionne re-confirmed the group's commitment to the V8 engine. “We need to continue to invest in the Hemi," he said.
Source: Autonews [Sub. Req.]
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“As part of our celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Jeep brand, we are creating stunning, premium special-edition models of each vehicle in our lineup that pay homage to the history of the legendary Jeep brand,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep.
The 70th Anniversary Edition lineup includes the 2011 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler, all of which are distinguished by certain unique features such as specific alloy wheels and trim options, and will all be available in a special Bronze Star exterior paint, in addition to Bright Silver and Black. The special edition models are scheduled to arrive in Jeep showrooms in the first quarter of 2011.
More details as well as pricing for each model can be found in the press release below.
PRESS RELEASE
2011 Jeep Compass 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the Jeep Compass 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $24,270 (plus $700 destination). It is available on Compass Limited models. Features include:
- Unique, 18-inch aluminum wheel
- 70th Anniversary badge
- Dark Slate seats with perforated leather inserts embossed with Jeep logo and Chestnut accent stitching and piping
- Berber floor mats and cargo area with Chestnut binding
- Unique dark green cluster overlay
- Chestnut stitching in steering wheel
- 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition is $35,770 (plus $780 destination). It is available on Grand Cherokee Laredo X models. Features include:
- Unique, polished 20-inch aluminum wheel with Mineral Gray pockets
- 70th Anniversary badge
- Dark Olive leather seats with perforated inserts with Chestnut accent stitching and piping
- Black/Dark Olive with Chestnut accents is also available
- Door bolster and armrest in Dark Olive and wrapped with Chestnut accent stitching
- Center console in Dark Olive perforated leather wrapped with Chestnut accent stitching
- Black leather wrapped steering wheel with Chestnut accent stitching
- Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding
- New satin chrome-plated, graphite anodized paint and Black Lacewood interior finish
- Unique cluster overlay and needles
- 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen
2011 Jeep Liberty 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Liberty 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $24,770 (plus $745 destination). It is available on Liberty Sport or Limited models. Features include:
- Unique 18-inch Mopar wheel with polished face and painted pockets (optional on Sport)
- 70th Anniversary badge
- Bright body-side moldings, roof rails and license plate brow
- Dark Olive/Dark Slate leather seats with Chestnut accent stitching and piping
- Door armrest and center console in Dark Olive with Chestnut accent
- Leather steering wheel with Chestnut accent
- New interior satin chrome accents and bezels in anodized Silver and Black Lacewood finish
- Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding
- Unique cluster overlay and needles
- 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen
- Mopar stainless steel sill plates
2011 Jeep Patriot 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Patriot 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $22,170 (plus $700 destination). It is available on Patriot Latitude X models. Features include:
- 17-inch aluminum wheel
- 70th Anniversary badge
- Dark Slate seats with perforated leather inserts embossed with Jeep logo and Chestnut accent stitching and piping
- Berber floor mats and cargo area with Chestnut binding
- Unique dark green cluster overlay
- Chestnut stitching in steering wheel
- 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen
2011 Jeep Wrangler 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Wrangler 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $28,670 (plus $750 destination) for 2-door models and $31,370 (plus $750 destination) for Unlimited models. It is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models. Features include:
- Unique 18-inch wheel
- 70th Anniversary badge
- Dark Olive seats with perforated leather inserts and Chestnut accent stitching and piping
- Satin chrome HVAC rings, front doorpulls and grab handle
- Automatic shift knob with satin chrome cap and bezel
- Door armrest and center console in Dark Olive with Chestnut accent
- Leather steering wheel with Chestnut accent
- Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding
- Unique cluster overlay and needles
- 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen
- Mopar brushed aluminum sill plates
2011 Jeep vehicle lineup
Jeep builds on its tradition of providing unique, iconic, versatile and capable vehicles for 2011, with its next-generation, premium flagship vehicle – the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – and with significant changes across the Jeep vehicle lineup.With the greatest range of SUVs under one brand, the Jeep vehicle portfolio consists of:
- Compass: A compact SUV with a new sophisticated, premium design for 2011, the Jeep Compass delivers unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy, freedom, utility, and Jeep 4x4 cachet and capability, all at a terrific value
- Grand Cherokee: The most capable and luxurious Grand Cherokee ever, balancing legendary Jeep capability with sophistication to deliver a premium driving experience for all adventures
- Liberty: The mid-size SUV from Jeep that offers Jeep Trail Rated® 4x4 capability combined with on-road refinement and numerous innovative features, including the industry-exclusive full-length Sky Slider® open canvas roof
- Patriot: A compact SUV delivering the fun, adventure and value only Jeep can offer, with unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy and segment leading capability
- Wrangler: The icon of the Jeep brand, it remains true to its heritage as the original fun-and-freedom machine. For 2011, it boasts an all-new interior, and an available premium body color hardtop for Sahara models
- Wrangler Unlimited: The only four-door convertible SUV on the market with room for five adult passengers, Wrangler Unlimited receives an all-new interior for 2011 and an available premium body color hardtop for Sahara models
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Aside from the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 and RedLine Charger, and Fiat 500 that we've already told you about in previous posts, it's worth mentioning that Mopar is reading a luxed-up version of the 2011 Dodge Durango called "Black and Tan" as well as an "Off-Road Edition" of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The 3.6-liter V6 unit will be offered with different levels of output, the most powerful [for now] iteration being the one fitted on the upcoming 2011 Dodge Challenger, which will be rated at 305 bhp at 6,350 rpm and 268 lb.ft. at 4,800 rpm, representing a 55 horsepower increase over the previous 3.5-liter V6.
Vilner, a Bulgarian tuner, has crafted this über-luxurious interior for the SRT600 Grand Cherokee. The Bulgarian tuner says the car has a "Vortech" turbo system (likely a Hennessey unit, as it's an SRT600) and, as you can see for yourself, a sea of grey leather and Alcantara highlighted by carbon fiber trim.
Other than that, there isn't much to say. Enjoy the pics below and don't forget to take a look at the press release which includes some hit catch phrases such as "your chances to sit in this car are close to zero" and "it smells like a LOT (and) expensive leather".
Being that the new Durango is heavily based on the 2011 Grand Cherokee, it comes to no surprise that -for the most part- the cockpit design is almost identical to that of Jeep's flagship model.
There are changes to the color schemes and trim, new steering wheel hub and instrument panel gauge designs, while certain switchgear such as the rotatable knob for the headlamps are unique to the Durango.
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Naturally, Jeep won't be bringing anything new models to the Parisian table, but the diesel engines are here in order to help entice European buyers into giving the American Commando brand a closer look.
We've added a full set of images from the site after the jump, but for a better look of the SUV, click here for a completely uncloaked 2011 Durango snagged in the factory and here for a very accurate rendering based on the official patent drawings.
