The Jeep Grand Cherokee is another one of the domestic automakers icons. While its design has changed its story remains the same.
It is still a burly truck that can go offroad and tow if you'd like but with all of this capabilities comes one major downfall, fuel efficiency. That doesn't happen to be the Grand Cherokee's strongest suit. Given that many consumers are buying vehicles SOLELY on mpgs these days, Jeep needs to do something.
But, will it be enough?
Or, will a hybrid or diesel powerplant need to make its way stateside? The diesel is currently on sale in Europe.
Jeep has confirmed plans to equip the new Grand Cherokee with a ZF-supplied eight-speed gearbox – and has also revealed it is investigating using a nine-speed ZF gearbox in its future models.
The new Grand Cherokee 3.0 V6 CRD that’s recently gone on sale in the UK is currently only available with a five-speed Mercedes-supplied automatic that’s been carried over from its forgettable predecessor.
The new eight-speed offering will be launched next year across the Grand Cherokee’s entire V6 and V8 engine range, with Jeep Europe chief Joe Veltri confirming that the gearbox could handle the torque outputs of all engines in the line-up.
The gearbox will help Jeep lower its CO2 emissions and it’s also available with hybrid applications, something Jeep is looking into, as disclosed to Autocar by CEO Mike Manley...
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