Chrysler President, Jim Presto drove a Fiat Cinquecento on to the stage little bit earlier today. And then Frank Klegon, the head of Product Development in Chrysler, drove this 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both these were brought onto the stage to show the public, the Obama administration and Fiat, "Hey, We're viable!" That Cinquecento could be hitting Chrysler sealers really next year.
Now the Deep Grand Cherokee won't be hitting Chrysler dealers till early next year. It's a little bit early to show a 2011 model year at an auto-show. But they are showing that they've come a long way with this luxury cross-over sport utility. It features the first use of Chrysler's new Phoenix V6 engine family.
The Phoenix V6 engine is a variable valve timing, gas direct injection, engine family. This will the largest in that range of 3.6 liters V6 rated 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. As you can see the sheet metal is all new, it's a much more -- kind of crease more, bold looking, little bit more masculine kind of styling with some of that Chrys Bangle BMW flame surfacing and the side surfacing of the vehicle.
This new vehicle has a load of new optional and standard equipment, kind of safety equipment you expect from Mercedes Benz like Distronic Cruise Control. There are three different versions of all wheel drive and there is a new electronic, limited, slip differential that will be available next year.
The big news probably is the interior. We saw a turn-around in Chrysler interior design with new 2009 Dodge Ramp. Well Ralph Jioz and his team at Chrysler Design, took that a step further with the new Grand Cherokee. It has real wood interior trim, real leather dash-board, when you order a leather interior, and just overall it's a much richer kind of interior.
When Jeep launches this new Grand Cherokee, it'll get rid of the three-row commander. The Grand Cherokee will remain a two-row version. This is a good direction for Jeep if they're around next ye, they'll be heading in the right direction and the kind of products that ought to impress both the federal government and Fiat.
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