Chrysler may be teetering on bankruptcy, but product development soldiers on, as evidenced by these spy shots of the successor to one of the company’s most popular and successful models, the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Clearly visible is the new model’s significantly longer wheelbase and rear overhang, suggesting that it has grown a bunch and may accommodate a third-row seat. According to our shooter’s sources, the styling looks a bit like the way-cool Jeep Trailhawk Concept from the 2007 NAIAS, sans the T-bar roof and with normal-sized windows and wheels. Through the camo we can see quad headlamps, a leaning seven-slat grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches, as well as a slick dashboard with a mix of materials and an instrument cluster that more than recalls the Mercedes-Benz ML-class/GL-class. In fact, this prototype’s proportions and stance also recall those former corporate cousins, vehicles with which the Grand Cherokee will share much of its architecture. Oh, and don’t believe that squared-off rear greenhouse prop; the rear window will remain more like a steep slope than a cliff.
As for what’s under the hood, there’s not a lot we can share with you, but we do expect whatever’s under the hood to be more fuel efficient while remaining powerful enough to move the vehicle with enthusiasm. Expect V-6 and HEMI V-8 engines to continue to be offered, and a diesel option could reemerge, as well. (The diesel was quietly discontinued for 2009.) Also look for a Hemi-based hybrid Grand Cherokee for the first time. As for another Grand Cherokee SRT8? It’s not likely, at least at first.
The new Grand Cherokee will be launched as a 2010 model but is not a 2009 NAIAS debut. Rather, we expect to see it either at the Chicago Auto Show in February or at the New York International Auto Show in April, at which point we’ll bring you much more information.
Clearly visible is the new model’s significantly longer wheelbase and rear overhang, suggesting that it has grown a bunch and may accommodate a third-row seat. According to our shooter’s sources, the styling looks a bit like the way-cool Jeep Trailhawk Concept from the 2007 NAIAS, sans the T-bar roof and with normal-sized windows and wheels. Through the camo we can see quad headlamps, a leaning seven-slat grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches, as well as a slick dashboard with a mix of materials and an instrument cluster that more than recalls the Mercedes-Benz ML-class/GL-class. In fact, this prototype’s proportions and stance also recall those former corporate cousins, vehicles with which the Grand Cherokee will share much of its architecture. Oh, and don’t believe that squared-off rear greenhouse prop; the rear window will remain more like a steep slope than a cliff.
As for what’s under the hood, there’s not a lot we can share with you, but we do expect whatever’s under the hood to be more fuel efficient while remaining powerful enough to move the vehicle with enthusiasm. Expect V-6 and HEMI V-8 engines to continue to be offered, and a diesel option could reemerge, as well. (The diesel was quietly discontinued for 2009.) Also look for a Hemi-based hybrid Grand Cherokee for the first time. As for another Grand Cherokee SRT8? It’s not likely, at least at first.
The new Grand Cherokee will be launched as a 2010 model but is not a 2009 NAIAS debut. Rather, we expect to see it either at the Chicago Auto Show in February or at the New York International Auto Show in April, at which point we’ll bring you much more information.
