2011 Grand Cherokee Debuts with Details and Photos

One of the iconic vehicles to the SUV segment, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, now in its 18th year of existence got a new addition to the line-up at the 2009 New York Auto Show, as Chrysler unveiled the 2011 model year of the Cherokee. The 2011 Cherokee's most important innovation is the employment of Chrysler's new Pentastar engine.

The 3.6l V6 powerplant, praised by the manufacturer as being "part of the company’s overall $3 billion powertrain offensive" on fuel efficiency, features double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60 degree configuration.

Built using variable valve timing technology (VVT), Pentastar delivers 280 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. The engine mated to a five speed automatic transmission (W5A580) that includes Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver-interactive manual control and an electronically modulated torque converter clutch. Thanks to it all, the 2011 Grand Cherokee delivers improved fuel efficiency by 11 percent compared to the previous version.

The other engine used for the 2011 Cherokee is the 5.7l HEMI V8, a 360 horsepower 520 Nm of torque powerplant which also features VVT. The unit is controlled via the 545RFE multi-speed automatic transmission.

Visually, the front boasts Jeep’s classic seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel arches. The removable lower front fascia delivers improved fuel economy, on-road performance and off-road capability and features a large chromed applique that showcases available tow hooks.

The Cherokee's side features include black appliques on the B-pillars chromed mirrors and door handles and fully-chromed daylight opening surround. At the back, tail lamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle.

The SUV brings a wide array (some 45 different systems) of safety and security features. They include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection, four-wheel Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) and Trailer Sway Control and Remote Start.

The 2011 Grand Cherokee will enter production at the Jefferson North Assembly plant. Pricing for the new Jeep has not been yet set. For the international markets, the new Jeep will come with both diesel and gasoline powered engines.