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2011 Grand Cherokee.

Well it looks like Chrysler is really trying to improve their product. If this is what they are capable of, I cant wait to see the new Charger and 300C. Even the new Dodge Ram is impressive.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/20/2011-jeep-grand-cherokee-first-drive/

The vehicle does look pretty nice...but I'm a bit let down by the "review" of the new V6. That being said, testing a V6 in a 5K lb vehicle isn't really fair. My wife really likes this evolution of the design.

I'd be waiting for the V6 to get the new engine tech from Fiat and the new 8spd transmission.
 
I have an 08 GC Limited 4X4 with the Hemi and it's been great so far. Not many payments left, either. Technically the transmission that you get with the Hemi is a 6 speed, since it has 2 second gears, one for upshifts and one for downshifts.

With the MDS it actually manages respectable economy on the highway if you keep your foot out of it. It will run on 4 cylinders at 80mph on a flat stretch.

You will be able to get the MyGig radio with the new Garmin nav system in the new GC. It will be a nice step up from the nav system in the earlier models.
 
Thicker carpet lines the transmission tunnel, so much of the noise that emanated from the center of the last-gen GC has been completely removed, along with that vehicle's galling amount of tire roar thanks to acoustical wheel liners.

There is none of that in my GC. I do have the optional 18" wheels. It's library quiet inside on the highway.
 
I like it. My fiancee owns a 2002 model and she's always loved that car. One thing she can't get over is all the electrical problems that car has...tail lights go out every couple of months, but I'm sure that was just model-specific because I've seen other Jeeps on the road from that timeframe and they're usually missing tail lights.
 
You will be able to get the MyGig radio with the new Garmin nav system in the new GC. It will be a nice step up from the nav system in the earlier models.

Interesting...so Garmin is now working with Chrysler on new Navigation/in-car software...that is promising.

Neither my wife and I need a new car...but if we decide to replace my truck and I get her car, she would be all over this.
 
I think the blobby styling is a step wayyy back to the 90s. It looks like WJ, which is my least favorite Jeep ever. I had one and I grew to hate the minivan styling. The WK on the other hand looks nice and sharp, plus the platform is really good. I'd love to have one of those, with a 2" lift and bigger tires.

This is a completely different platform. It's based on the Mercedes ML (or whatever) minivan/crossover and has full independent suspension. Not a true SUV at all.
 
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I was at the beach today and I saw one of these parked in the lot with Michigan MFG plates. I kept an eye on it and talked to the guy that eventually came back to open it, he was a chrysler exec and just had it for the weekend. I asked him a few questions about it and he let me sit inside and play around with it for a little bit.

It was the top of the line 4x4 quadra driveII overland model with every single option checked off. I'll have to say the interior is miles and miles ahead of anything Jeep has ever put out, its almost like a Land Rover/VW esque quality to it, seats were very supportive and that new Garmin Navi is ridiculously good to use, about equal to fords Sync system (the voice controls didn't work on this one, it only understood German?)

But yeah, if its not an unreliable heap its a brilliant suv
 
The ad campaign is great as well. This vehicle is miles ahead of anything anyone would expect out of Jeep.

We just have to await word on quality and reliability.

My local Jeep dealer is currently selling 2010's at 50% off sticker...
 
The vehicle does look pretty nice...but I'm a bit let down by the "review" of the new V6. That being said, testing a V6 in a 5K lb vehicle isn't really fair. My wife really likes this evolution of the design.

I'd be waiting for the V6 to get the new engine tech from Fiat and the new 8spd transmission.

More speeds <> better

Unless you need really tall gears, 8 speeds would be too much for a SUV vehicle unless you really tweaked the gearing to your specific uses. I already really dislike most 7-speeds, I can't imagine an 8-speed would be any better.
 
More speeds <> better

Unless you need really tall gears, 8 speeds would be too much for a SUV vehicle unless you really tweaked the gearing to your specific uses. I already really dislike most 7-speeds, I can't imagine an 8-speed would be any better.

It's not necessarily a bad thing either...especially with automatics. Of course proper gearing and calibration makes all the difference. The hope is that a properly implemented 8spd would be best...especially if the V6 has a fairly narrow torque band. The extra gearing isn't even making these things heavier. The latest ZF 8spd transmission that is going into BMW/Audi's soon is actually lighter than the 6spd before it. And don't forget, we're talking about moving from a 5spd automatic in the GC...so the change to 8spd should have a nice % gain on efficiency in the end.
 
It's not necessarily a bad thing either...especially with automatics. Of course proper gearing and calibration makes all the difference. The hope is that a properly implemented 8spd would be best...especially if the V6 has a fairly narrow torque band. The extra gearing isn't even making these things heavier. The latest ZF 8spd transmission that is going into BMW/Audi's soon is actually lighter than the 6spd before it. And don't forget, we're talking about moving from a 5spd automatic in the GC...so the change to 8spd should have a nice % gain on efficiency in the end.

The funny thing is that (like someone already mentioned) the 545RFE is a 6 speed. If they wanted more gears for efficiency, they could have gotten rid of the dual 2nd gears.

What's also funny is that on 1999 and 2000 WJs, it was programmed to only function as a 4 speed, with the top overdrive disabled. This was apparently because of some software bugs. Seriously?

I got my 1999 flashed at the dealer to enable the top gear.
 
I've got the 2004 WJ and I really like this one. I don't know if I'll be able to get one but I would be interested in a Hemi 2009/2010 at a hefty discount....
 
My main worry with an 8 speed in a jeep is durability. I'd rather have a 5 speed that is robust enough to be used offroad than a fragile 8 speed that is more complicated and more likely to break. If they can build an 8 speed that's just as strong I'm all for it but I'd be wary of it until they can show it's not going to break the first time you take it off road.
 
First time I see this. Damn, that is a great looking Cherokee.
Good vehicle to publicize.. Cherokees have always had a good reptuation as least as far as Chryco vehicles go. I know Chrysler has big things in the works. I really hope it works for them. My favorite (in years past) of the big 3. Would love a good turnaround like '93-94.
 
More speeds <> better

Unless you need really tall gears, 8 speeds would be too much for a SUV vehicle unless you really tweaked the gearing to your specific uses. I already really dislike most 7-speeds, I can't imagine an 8-speed would be any better.

even 6-speed autos seem like they are always shifting in casual driving...really shitastic at low speeds
 
Why do they call it WK2? It's a whole new generation. Hell, it's a whole new BRAND. This one isn't even a Jeep, it's a Mercedes with Jeep bodywork.

My 08 has lots of Mercedes in it.

Logically for 2011 it would be a WL, but I have only heard 2011 WK.

It was originally going to feature the debut of Uconnect Guardian, Chrysler's version of OnStar, but that disappeared from the briefs and literature just before it debuted.

Similar to the excellent DHS system which made the GC really handle, but never appeared in production.

http://www.wkjeeps.com/wk_suspension.htm#DHS

I presume Guardian will actually appear, though.

We will apparently have the BT music streaming with the Garmin Nav MyGig. Not sure about the voice command of your iPod.

Here's an original blurb on Guardian:

uconnect guardian

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee features uconnect guardian as standard on all models (services provided by Hughes Telematics).

uconnect guardian provides customers with the top-five requested security features in their vehicles. uconnect guardian customers may access the following features:


Automatic Crash Notification – In the event of an accident, a call is placed and a request for assistance is dispatched to the vehicle’s location
Emergency Call – With a push of the emergency button, customers are placed in contact with a trained emergency response specialist during an emergency situation
Road-side Assistance Call – Connects customers to a uconnect customer care specialist who can connect them to Chrysler’s roadside assistance for unexpected needs including towing or jump starts
Remote Door Unlock – Remotely unlocks vehicle’s doors through a simple customer phone call
Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance – Works with local authorities via on-demand tracking to provide the current location of the vehicle if it is stolen
“The addition of uconnect guardian to the uconnect family of technologies gives customers another layer of security in Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles,” said Zenios.

Jeep Grand Cherokee customers will receive a complimentary subscription for the first year of service. Following the first year, a nominal subscription fee will apply. In the 2011 model year, uconnect guardian will be standard on a majority of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.
 
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