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Dodge has a brand new Durango for 2011
September 2nd, 2010

Dodge Durango 2011 Autodriver blog
Now THIS is more like it!

What you are looking at is the brand new, 2011 Dodge Durango in all its glory. This new Durango is a completely new machine that utilizes the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s bones and power-plants. There is a brand new interior that I am told rivals the excellent interior in the new Jeep Grand Cherokee – and that’s a GOOD thing.

The 2011 Dodge Durango is a stand alone product in the Dodge line as the last generation shared its platform with the Dodge Dakota. This time, the Durango is unique to the brand. It is still a three row SUV, but there is more of a crossover vibe to it and; judging by the superb Grand Cherokee underpinnings, there should be a vast improvement in road behavior.

That front end is far more aggressive looking than anything I’ve seen from the competition. The side profile is sleeker too. That grill is going to be part of the new Dodge look coming in the weeks ahead.

Trust me on this folks; Chrysler Group LLC is not screwing around with their second chance.

Here’s the press release:

Dodge brand product onslaught begins: Introducing the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango, the performance SUV with a soul
Auburn Hills, Mich. , Sep 2, 2010 -
Buckle in and hold tight. Dodge is jumping back into the sport utility (SUV) segment with the 2011 Dodge Durango, a three-row vehicle spacious enough to carry the entire crew and performance-tuned to thrill anyone who truly loves to drive. Durango will lead the Dodge brand’s new product onslaught for 2011.
From its sleek exterior design to its modern, spacious interior, and intelligent, fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, the 2011 Dodge Durango is all-new from the inside out. And the changes are more than skin deep. The Durango’s stiffened unibody structure is engineered with the driving enthusiast in mind. The end result is a vehicle that delivers premium driving performance combined with SUV capability and crossover versatility.

The all-new Durango features two engine options: the standard fuel-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and the available 5.7-liter HEMI engine with fuel-saving, Multi-displacement system (MDS) four-cylinder mode. Both engines feature variable-valve timing (VVT) and are available with all-wheel drive. In addition to great efficiency, the engines provide exceptional V-6 and V-8 towing capability with standard trailer sway control (V-8 – 7,400 lbs. and Best-in-class V-6 – 6,200 lbs.). When equipped with the HEMI® V-8, the all-new Durango can tow more weight than a 24-foot boat and trailer.

The Durango’s all-new interior is a surprise owners always deserved but never expected. Created by the same interior design studio that designed the much-lauded interior in the Ram trucks and the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango’s luxurious interior materials and thoughtful touches will make owners and their crews want to jump in, hunker down and thoroughly enjoy even the longest drive. Everywhere they touch, Durango passengers will feel materials that are refined and soft to the touch. Not only is it a pleasure to behold, it is extremely functional and gives owners a first-class experience, regardless of the trim level. Durango’s interior is also extremely comfortable for all three rows of passengers, and there’s a surprising amount of interior flexibility. With 22 different seating configurations, there’s plenty of room to store and move plenty of people and their gear.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango also offers consumers 45 safety and security features, including standard front seat-mounted side air bags and standard side-curtain air bags that cover passengers in all three rows, as well as all-new standard active head restraints. Electronic Stability Control also is standard. Other available safety and security technologies include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless Enter-n’ Go.

The best part is, consumers will get all of the all-new Durango’s capability, functionality and flexibility and still get excellent fuel efficiency. In fact, drivers can go more than 500 miles, that’s the distance from San Diego to San Francisco or from Detroit to New York City, without having to stop for fuel.

Built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Mich., the new 2011 Dodge Durango arrives in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010.

###

2011 Jeep Wrangler new Interior new Paint
August 19th, 2010

Photos from Chrysler Group LLC

Photos from Chrysler Group LLC

2011 Jeep Wrangler Sahara and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
This is more than some plastic glued onto older components, this is a serious update. The entire interior gets sweet, new materials, better sound deadening material and a new design. I think it’s much better than last year’s interior and shows the positive steps the Chrysler Group LLC’s people are taking in building better vehicles.

Check out the new, body colored Freedom Top – it gives the Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited a completely different character. The other, noteworthy improvements are all of the new colors offered. All in all, the improvements and updates warrant further scrutiny – which is why I added their press release.

This is an exciting time for Jeep and the Chrysler Group. You will see several improvements throughout the entire line of products AND the addition of spunky FIATs very soon. It’s all good people!

Here’s the press release:

Coming Soon From Jeep®: New Version of the Iconic Wrangler

New 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Feature All-new Interior and Premium, Body-color, Removable Hard Top
August 19, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich.

Chrysler Group LLC released images today of the new 2011 Jeep® Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining its legendary, benchmark capability with an all-new interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of an all-new body-color hard top for the popular Sahara model.

“The iconic Jeep Wrangler keeps getting better,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “While retaining unmatched, legendary capability, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler boasts an all-new interior that delivers a host of comfort, convenience and versatility features. In addition, Sahara models now feature a stunning, all-new body-color hard top, for customers looking for a Jeep Wrangler with a more premium appearance.”

New 2011 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a redesigned instrument panel and new storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A new lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are now available, and drivers and passengers will enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of larger rear windows.

All-new steering-wheel controls allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel. A new USB device interface connects to storage devices (thumb drives and most MP3 players) for use with the vehicle’s Media Center, which now includes streaming Bluetooth audio. Twelve-volt accessory outlets have been added and a new 110-volt outlet is available to provide power similar to AC outlets in the home.
In line with traditional Jeep design, hex-head bolts are utilized throughout the interior, and are used to mount a “Jeep, Since 1941” inlay onto the new passenger grab handle.

Jeep engineers increased acoustical treatment in the 2011 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, resulting in significantly reduced interior noise.

To provide a more premium appearance, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models boast an all-new, premium, body-color hard top.

Several new Jeep Wrangler colors are available for 2011, including Detonator Yellow, Deep Cherry Red, Sahara Tan, Cosmos Blue and Bright White.

Production of the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited began earlier this week at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Driving Impressions
August 5th, 2010

11 VW Jetta Autodriver Blog

I know Autodriver is a young site, but we are growing rapidly and will soon have full auto-reviews in a separate section. Why do I mention this? Well, I determined that after my press event ride in a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, that I would definitely do a complete review of this car ASAP. So, for now, I’ll give you the basics.

I had a chance to ride with automotive journalist David E. Davis Jr. We spent the better half of the day enjoying the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta’s ride. For those of you who don’t know, David E. Davis Jr. has influenced just about all of the automotive community since – oh I don’t know – perhaps the rise of the Berlin Wall. So, some of this evaluation was extra special.
We got our hands on a silver 170 horsepower, 2.5-liter 5-cylinder that made a meaty 177 lbs of torque at about 4,200 rpm.
This is a larger car inside with more room available in every direction. Gone are the days when I had to assume the dying-lotus-yoga-position just to be a passenger. More important to many buyers is the (much) lower bottom line. These Jettas base at about $17,000 and hover around $24,000 for a well equipped model. Mind you, this is not a cut-rate vehicle or some sort of rental-car fodder. Nope – this is honest to goodness German driving on the cheap.

The whole point was to compete (primarily) with the Honda Civic. That’s a tall order given the impressive reputation of the Civic. Still, there are shortcomings in the best that Japan can offer and these were the places where Volkswagen concentrated their attack. The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta goes toe to toe with the current Honda Civic in most areas and only falters with the grade of internal materials. In order to save some coin, Volkswagen used some cheap plastics that are foreign to what was once the best made interior in its bracket.

Power, price and room seem to be dominated by the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. If I had to choose a small car (the pricy and super-fast Honda Civic Si not included) I would say the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5, manual with the “Sport” package would be my choice.

It’s NOT a discounted Audi A3/A4 that some critics (who have yet to see it much less drive it) say it is, for it is something else. It is an American small car. You heard me, an AMERICAN car. You see, this vehicle is poised for our market and for our larger-than-most asses. There is some German sophistication in the running gear and overall road behavior, but this is no Audi – and that’s okay.

We Americans will not miss the sophisticated (and expensive) multilink rear suspension as Volkswagen replaced it with a semi independent, torsion-beam type that’s cheaper and (I believe) lighter. Many Americans will be fine with the over-use of harder, thinner, cheaper plastics – as opposed to the pricy stuff that used to be in the Jetta.

Most importantly, Americans will not miss the premium costs that used to push the Jetta into Camry/Accord/Maxima/Mazda6 territory. Oh, it can easily catch up with the bigger boys’ asking price, but with a substantial amount of kit added in. Besides, despite what the Volkswagen folks say, this car is closer in feel to the larger models – even the Volkswagen Passat.

So, is it good? Yes it is.

Is it fun? It can be very fun when properly equipped.

Is it frugal? Yes – it’s that too.

Is it comfortable? Well, it is – with the only exception being the hard plastic that bookend the rear seat.

Will it compete with the Civic? Yes and in some cases, it’s better.

Should I test-drive one? Yes, but you have to wait until October.

Psssst – a hybrid is in the works too…

Automatics Suck
July 29th, 2010

I am not one who pitches for the competition, nor do I find most of our car magazines worth the price of admission. Car and Driver has made strides in the right direction, most notably with the “Save the Manuals” campaign. It may be a laugh for some, but there is a serious message buried deep within.

First of all – YES, you can go as fast (if not faster) using a dual-clutch automatic with flappy-paddles. Nowadays, the weight gain of modern automatics is negligible and they are easy tech for builders given the surge in demand. It’s easier for an automaker to slap in one transmission than have a cheaper to build (manuals are STILL easier to build) second choice eating up man hours.

Let me put it another way: nearly every super-car built has an automatic transmission with NO manual option.

So, automakers think drivers are so stupid; we can’t have control of the cogs. Having the ability to separate gears, move a clutch and select various forward gears is (mostly) in the hands of a computer. The days of enjoying the feeling of moving machinery around at your whim are nearly over.

Don’t you think it’s a bit sad to forfeit something that made driving fun?

I do.

One final note: how much control are you willing to give up before you put all your faith in technology? Haven’t we seen some of the negative effects of that already? AND – why do bed-wetters prefer automatics?

Seriously, I am sad just thinking about the end.

Enjoy the video.

2011 Ford Explorer Sneak Peek
July 26th, 2010

 

Ford Explorer 2011 Autodriver

Ford has yet to rest on their laurels when it comes to innovative, new products. This 2011 Ford Explorer is ALL new – from the ground up.

How new? How about the entire platform is a unibody as opposed to a heavy body on frame setup? How about a front wheel drive biased drive train with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine?

Now I’ve got your attention. 

Instead of a rehashed Explorer – Ford opted to do something completely new.

A new 2.0-liter, single turbocharger EcoBoost 4-cylinder puts out 237 horsepower and 250 lbs of torque. Ford added a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 290 horsepower and 255 lbs of torque. Both engines are all aluminum and use a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Only the V6 can work with the 4WD option. 

There are only a handful of people who truly bang the crap out of their Explorers off road and Ford knew this. So, rather than a locking differential and/or selecting a separate transfer case, Ford went to an intelligent 4WD system. I have yet to test this system, but Ford sounds fairly optimistic that this system can take the 2011 Ford Explorer well off the beaten path.

A rotating knob located between the front seats controls the 4WD system with 4 off road modes (normal, mud/ruts, sand and snow).  A button on the knob activates the hill decent control system. The 4WD system essentially allows for a more or less aggressive shift schedule working in conjunction with the traction control. Something similar to this 4WD system works like a wizard in some Land Rover vehicles.

The interior looks excellent with a nifty, all digital display and a dash design that wraps around the cabin. Seating is for 6 or 7 people, depending on the model. Needing to prove they are thinking “green” Ford has introduced soy-based seating foam in the 2011 Ford Explorer. Inflating rear seatbelts and “My Ford Touch” multimode infotainment system are but a few innovations. 

Towing for the 2.0 liter maxes out at 2,000 lbs. The beefier V6 can tow up to 5,000 lbs. All models get 4-wheel disc brakes, measure 197.1 inches in length and look a lot like a mix between the Ford Taurus and Ford Edge.

Can’t wait to drive one!

2011 Subaru WRX STI
July 19th, 2010

11 WRX autodriver blog 111 WRX autodriver blog 2

Just when every reviewer (including me) was voicing displeasure at some of the 2010 Subaru WRX STI’s performance idiosyncrasies, Subaru goes and fixes most of the issues for 2011! I mean, come on – what the hell can we bitch about now?The 2011 WRX STI  looks pretty much the same as last year’s with the notable exceptions of new (lighter) wheels and a few, interesting colors. Performance from the 305 horsepower, 290 lbs of torque (at 4,000 rpm) remains about the same and most of the STI’s motivating mechanicals remain the same.

It’s the suspension that’s most noteworthy – because it KICKS ASS!

In one year, with serious research towards handling improvement and better adhesion, Subaru has taken serious steps to make the WRX STI handle MUCH better. The key to this improved suspension is the new pillow-type rear bushings located in the forged aluminum alloy, lower L-arms. The bushing in the L-arm is much stiffer making for more stability, less buffeting and better feel.

This significantly helps with turn-in while bettering rotational speed and feel in the steering wheel. While flying down the track or burning up back roads in Aspen, Colorado – the control of the new WRX STI is astonishing; especially when compared with the 2010 model (which Subaru had on hand at the race track for comparison).

Are there any issues?

Well, some automotive journalists don’t like the looks of the new 4-door WRX STI – but they tend to suck thumbs and overindulge in verbal masturbation. I like the new look; it makes for a better looking vehicle than the current generation Impreza. The rear wing (on the 4-door) does cut through the rear view enough to cut off the tops of vehicles. This is the same issue the EVO has as it HIDES the roof-mounted light-bar of cop cars.

The 6-speed manual is good, but it could be great.

I think more people will look at the 2011 WRX over the WRX STI as it now looks like an STI (read: better) while having enough mechanical improvements to blur the reasoning for spending about $10,000 more. The 2011 WRX has a base price of $25,495 for 4 and 5-door models. The WRX STI 4-door bases at $33,995 while the 5-door has a base price of $35,995 – lightweight BBS wheels are included with that higher price.

For folks who truly need a track car that is daily driver, the STI makes a lot of sense – especially after these new upgrades. For the folks who want a fun daily driver that can occasionally run on a track day – the 2011 Subaru WRX makes more sense.

Either way, you get a vehicle that rocks out with it —- out!

Monster Sport SX4 Hill Climb Special at Pikes Peak 2010
June 23rd, 2010

Monster Suzuki Pikes Peak II
Howdy folks! If you are thinking about coming to the Rocky Mountain area – consider coming at the end of June. Specifically, June 27th for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb!

It’s an all out assault on a dangerous peak with some of the most outrageous cars and drivers.

Suzuki has held the record for nearly two decades with their mighty racer Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima at the helm. To say this race is a challenge would be an understatement. Think of it this way: imagine trying to steer a rocket on wheels while rolling around in oil. Oh, and if you screw up, you will fly off the road thousands of feet and die in a burning ruin.

That’s MY type of racing baby!

Here’s the press release:

The World’s most demanding hill climb course located at Pikes Peak in the picturesque Rocky Mountains of Colorado in the USA, currently has a course record time of 10 minutes and 1.408 seconds; set by ”Monster Tajima” in 2007 after breaking the old record which had stood for 14 years.
Team News can be found on the official site for my ” Team Monster Sport with BC”
http://www.monster-sport.com/ppihc/

In a magnificent test against the extremes of nature and changing course conditions, the foremost challenge for the team in 2010 is to break the legendary 10 minute barrier. For almost 20 years “Monster Tajima” has been challenging Pikes Peak – at this level he knows the mountain better than anyone else.

The race car for 2010 is the “ Monster Sport SX4 Hill Climb Special ”. Based upon a Low drag and High down force concept developed for the 2009 event and following exhaustive tests in the Monster Sport (Japan) wind tunnel facility, the 2010 race car has undergone extensive aerodynamic changes to adapt better to the further modified road surface which now consists of more smooth tarmac and less gravel than was present in 2009. Monster Sport has also further developed the 3100cc Twin Turbo Monster Special V6 powerplant, now boasting 910hp and 90.5kg-m of torque in an 1100kg body able to accelerate easily to speeds above 200km/h in a matter of seconds.

As in 2009, the official team name will be “Team Monster with BC”, the ‘BC’ standing for Japans top selling “BEST CAR” magazine, technically supported by highly experienced World Championship level engineers and technicians from both Monster Sport Japan and Australia and also with valuable tyre technology and support from FALKEN tyres USA.

After extensive local testing and development in Japan, the car and team will move to Colorado Springs mid June and following 3 days of sectional practice and qualifying on the hillclimb course, will attack for the record on race day; Sunday 27th June 2010.

Please look forward with us to our MOUNTAINOUS challenge for the record!

New Cars driven at the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience (RMDE) ‘pt 1’
June 11th, 2010
2010 Corvette Grand Sport at RMDE 2010

2010 Corvette Grand Sport at RMDE 2010

The Rocky Mountain Driving Experience is a press event held near Denver, Colorado for regional automotive journalist to drive several automaker’s cars on the race track, on the road and (if properly equipped) off-road. I mention that ‘properly equipped’ part because I am just the guy who’s stupid enough to take a machine like the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport on a rally course.

I became a bit obsessive over the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport and threatened to bite the face off of anyone who cut in front of me when waiting my turn. The 6.2 Liter 430hp LS3 V8 engine was outstanding. It is the best all around Corvette mill I’ve experienced. I know the monster ZR1 is altogether more impressive on paper, but the LS3 is a sweetheart no matter where it’s driven. With the added ‘KA-POW’ of the ZR1’s wider panels, tires and components along with the cool, dual side scoops – this Corvette blew us (the automotive press) away.

The grip is SO good without being the slightest bit harsh. Power is smooth rater than explosive, yet – few cars can match the Corvette Grand Sport’s sub 4-second 0 to 60 time (about 3.9 seconds). Having 424 pounds of torque pounce at 4,600 rpm in a car that weighs just 3,311 lbs is handy when launching out of a corner.

Let me put it another way: I would absolutely consider an everyday drivable super-car like the Corvette Grand Sport over the ZR1 – - or just about ANY other sports car.

Why?

Dude, for one thing – it’s FAST! No – not hyper-car, speed-metal, hypothalamus-sucked-out-of-the-base-of-your-cranium “fast.” I mean, “FAST” like, useable power, torque and handling for us mere mortals. “FAST” as in, “Wholly S—! You mean I MADE it through THAT corner!?” FAST.

The other reason is that it can be driven by a putz like me successfully and smoothly.

As for the ZR1?

Hell – I nearly died driving that thing. Besides, the ZR1 is truly a track machine that will shake loose your testicles (if you had them) whereas the Grand Spot provides a silky smooth operator that (at least) matches the ZR1’s cornering ability. I know, I know – - it lacks the afterburning supercharger… but I did not miss it at all.

Look – even the friggin’ exhaust note sounds better in the Grand Sport!

Yup – even the almost Ferrari red paint with the Corvette Grand Sport stripes looked cool – and I HATE red on a car!

Here’s the bottom line on my ass-kissing Corvette love folks – it costs about $55,000!

Sure, that’s the entry price and there are some issues, mainly the mediocre looking interior and lack of subtly – - but WHO CARES!? This car is a friggin’ performance bargain with one of the best American warranties in the business! Oh, and for you thumb-suckers who carp about bad gas mileage: there’s NO gas guzzler tax ‘caus the Grand Sport gets up to 26 mph on the highway!

It’s THAT good folks… ya’ dig?

Stay tuned for part II!

AutoDriver’s (AD’s) Quick Review – 2011 Mercedes Benz E350 Cabriolet
June 1st, 2010

IMG_1328

What it is: It is a stunning to look at, comfortable to ride in, gizmo-laden grand touring machine. This is a machine worth more than the sum of its parts. To a discerning, grand-touring connoisseur of easy driving, this is their convertible.

What it is not: The 2011 Mercedes Benz E350 Cabriolet is not a sports car. It’s not cheap and it’s not offered with a hardtop convertible. It’s a higher brow, elegant machine that is capable of good performance, but would rather you didn’t.

Specifications:

 Weight: about 4,000 lbs
 Length: 185 inches
 Width: 70.3 inches
 4-passenger soft-top convertible,
 Rear drive

Drivetrain: DOHC 24 valve, 268 horsepower producing 258 lbs of torque 3.5 liter V6; 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters

Performance:

 0 to 60: 6.5 seconds (measured at over 5,200 feet elevation)
 My overall economy: 20 mpg combined
 Grip: good
 Ride: fantastic
 Brakes: good

Driving Characteristics: I am not a country gentleman – actually, I’m a bit of a punk. But, I like the image and have seen the real thing – so I can (at the very least) pretend. This is exactly the car to do that in. Cold day or hot, you can drive top-down in complete comfort. Extend the ‘Aircap’ (a two inch wing that extends from the top of the windshield, pushing air over the passenger compartment at speed), fire up the ‘Airscarf’ (which blows hot or cold air on to your neck from the headrest), keep the windows up and you can drive hot or cold in the lap of luxury.

This is not a performance machine. The 2011 Mercedes Benz E350 Cabriolet can carve corners and make for a fun driving experience, but it is a heavy machine that is there to provide riding comfort rather than driving exhilaration. Steering feel is light, suspension feel is dialed in more for comfort than sport and acceleration is linear, without being too terribly exciting.
Knowing the mission of this vehicle was to make me feel good, rather than overcook my synapse with ground trembling performance, I fully appreciated the cushy perch as did my passengers. This is classic Mercedes at its best.

Changes for 2010/2011: Like the E350 Coupe, the Cabriolet’s bones are shared with the C Class. Otherwise, this is a completely new vehicle.

Observations: There was some cowl-shake, although it was seen and rarely felt. Back seat passengers will be fairly comfortable so long as the people in front are not too tall. The trunk space is one of the best in class at 14 cubic feet top up and 11 cubic feet top down (this is one of the benefits of having a space saving soft top). That’s good enough for some small golf bags. There is a pass-through for long items – like skis.

Driving locations: Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder and Echo Mountain, Colorado.

Vehicle’s Musical Essence: Minuet in G Major (J.S. Bach)

Approximate Price: $63,000 + (with some options and extras); Base is $56,850

JNAP in Detroit to build the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
May 22nd, 2010

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

I’ve always been a big Jeep fan, even when my old Comanche tried to cook me (caught fire – my fault) or when I flipped in my buddy’s Wrangler (to be fair – we were driving on the dunes psychotically). Nothing built today comes close to the images one imagines the minute they see “Jeep” on the grill.

This brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee promises to be something special. After reading the specifications and performance information, it’s obvious to me that Jeep is gunning for higher end vehicle like Rover. It is a pivotal vehicle for Jeep and Chrysler Group LLC as it shows the public what this reborn company is capable of producing.

I can’t wait to sample one!

Here’s the press release (and links to more information)

Auburn Hills, Mich., May 19, 2010 – Chrysler Group LLC released images today of the all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee, an American icon and symbol of the new Chrysler. Offering timeless design and innovative engineering, the all-new Grand Cherokee redefines the SUV industry, delivering true duality: ultimate Jeep off-road capability and on-road refinement for a premium driving experience.

Capability highlights include a choice of three 4×4 systems, new Jeep Quadra-Lift™ Air Suspension and Selec-Terrain™ systems and towing capability of 7,400 lbs. On-road dynamics are improved courtesy of new independent front and rear suspension systems and a new body structure that dramatically increases torsional stiffness. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee features Chrysler Group’s all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that boasts an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy and delivers up to 23 mpg and more than 500 miles on one tank of gas.

Completely reengineered and redesigned for 2011 – with a new sculpted body, athletic profile, panoramic dual-pane sun roof and world-class interior with premium soft-touch materials – the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4×2 models start at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $30,995 – $495 lower than the outgoing model. Grand Cherokee Laredo 4×4 models start at $32,995 – $465 lower than the outgoing model. Also available in Limited and Overland models, the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee arrives in Jeep showrooms next month.

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Try this site for more information and photos: (http://www.examiner.com/x-2102-Denver-Autos-Examiner~y2010m5d20-Official-new-photos-of-the-2011-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee)

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