Currently heading for dealerships near you is the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It's a stretch of the Wrangler platform aimed as meeting customer demand for a rugged off-road vehicle that can comfortably seat 4-passengers. Starting with a standard Wrangler, Jeep engineers added 10 inches to the wheelbase and 5 inches to the rear overhang to create a vehicle that was 15 inches longer, had two additional inches of rear-seat room, and double the cargo capacity. Unlimited will come in soft- and hard-top models and is only available with the 6-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. Despite the fact that the vehicle is scheduled to go on sale next month, prices were unavailable. At the end of the press conference, Jeep executives hinted that an all-new Grand Cherokee would be available next year.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/e...ure23#wrangler

Currently heading for dealerships near you is the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It's a stretch of the Wrangler platform aimed as meeting customer demand for a rugged off-road vehicle that can comfortably seat 4-passengers. Starting with a standard Wrangler, Jeep engineers added 10 inches to the wheelbase and 5 inches to the rear overhang to create a vehicle that was 15 inches longer, had two additional inches of rear-seat room, and double the cargo capacity. Unlimited will come in soft- and hard-top models and is only available with the 6-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. Despite the fact that the vehicle is scheduled to go on sale next month, prices were unavailable. At the end of the press conference, Jeep executives hinted that an all-new Grand Cherokee would be available next year.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/e...ure23#wrangler

De plane! De plane!


S&B Member Since 2003

All they are doing is trying to keep some news on them by re-doing current models. The liberty was a joke, I think they are learning some lessons and realize that they have to come up with something innovative to get the interest in the Jeep heritage back. At least, one would think.

I can see how Jeep would look desperate, but the changes to Jeep have been long in coming. the Unlimited was just one of many versions being looked at, the Eygption military ordered a bunch that have 22" extra added to the wheel base & they use the NV diesel. I don't know whats going to be next for Jeep, but don't be suprized if its not a Hummer look alike.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Yetti:
I can see how Jeep would look desperate, but the changes to Jeep have been long in coming. the Unlimited was just one of many versions being looked at, the Eygption military ordered a bunch that have 22" extra added to the wheel base & they use the NV diesel. I don't know whats going to be next for Jeep, but don't be suprized if its not a Hummer look alike. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>You are right that the changes are long in coming and I don't think we have seen the "major" change yet. Adding the Unlimited is biding some time until they come out with a whole new wrangler. Like Phil said they are also considering competing directly with Hummer by showing us the Rescue.

Jeep has been virtually unchallenged for a good while, it's time that they have to start innovating more. We'll see if MB is a good thing or not.

All-New 2005 Jeep® Grand Cherokee: The Next Generation

Inside and Outside, the Grand Cherokee Cuts a Trail No Other SUV Can Follow
Innovative 4 X 4 Systems Continue to Set the Benchmark for Off-road Capability and On-road Refinement
Available 5.7-Liter HEMI® V-8 Engine Takes Grand Cherokee Performance to a New Level
New York, Apr 07, 2004 -The all-new 2005 Jeep® Grand Cherokee raises the performance bar to a new level by offering improved capability and superior on-road ride and handling in a well-appointed package with a number of premium amenities.

With best-in-class tractive capability and best-in-class power, the newest generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed, engineered and built to master every imaginable day-to-day driving condition, whether on paved or unpaved surfaces.

“The Jeep Brand continues to be the only American brand dedicated solely to the sport-utility market,” said Jeff Bell, Chrysler Group Vice President – Jeep. “Customers expect every Jeep to set the standard for off-road capability, and the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee will not disappoint. What is unexpected is that the Jeep Grand Cherokee will also be the leader in on-road performance excitement.”

Class Leading 4-Wheel Drive Capabilities
Three new full-time four-wheel-drive systems are available on Grand Cherokee.

Quadra-Trac® I utilizes the NV140 single-speed transfer case to provide convenient full-time four-wheel drive with no transfer case lever to shift or driver interaction required.

Offering a single-speed transfer case attracts a new group of buyers to the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup and builds on the capable, entry-level, two-wheel drive versions, which currently account for approximately 25 percent of Jeep vehicle sales.

Quadra-Trac® II incorporates the new NV245 transfer case that provides full-time active four-wheel drive, which anticipates and prevents wheel slip for optimum traction during a wide range of conditions. The NV245 also includes electronic shift with a true low-range gear and neutral for towing Grand Cherokee behind another vehicle.

Quadra-Drive® II takes unparalleled Jeep capability to an even higher plateau using Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) to give customers the ultimate in off-road capability. ELSD replace the Vari-Lock progressive axles used on the Quadra-Drive system from previous generation Jeep vehicles for even quicker response to changing conditions and greater torque capacity.

New Engines Delivering Superior Performance
For the ?rst time ever, the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine is available on a Jeep vehicle to provide best-in-class power. Also, the 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 will replace and deliver even more peak power than the previous 4.0-liter I-6 engine in the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup. The 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine will also continue to be available on Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is the ?rst sport-utility vehicle to offer the Multi-Displacement System (MDS). MDS deactivates half the cylinders of the 5.7-liter HEMI during cruising and light acceleration to increase fuel economy by up to 20 percent, depending on driving conditions. Ninety percent of peak torque is available from 2400 to 5100 rpm for excellent performance while trailer towing, traveling off-road as well as city and highway driving. A sophisticated Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions, and maintains more consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active than the former mechanical throttle control system.

With approximately seven percent less displacement, the 3.7-liter V-6 produces more peak power than the 4.0-liter I-6 engine it replaces, while producing comparable torque. The engine also provides smoother, quieter operation, added durability, and contributes to better packaging. This engine, ?rst introduced on Jeep Liberty and Dodge Ram models, shares many design features with the 4.7-liter Power Tech V-8 engine.

All-New Suspension and Steering System Provides Best-in-Class Ride and Handling
An all-new independent front suspension provides the driver with a greater sense of precision and control, more precise steering, and reduces vehicle weight and head toss. Front suspension wheel travel is increased 13 percent over the previous generation vehicle, and a tight turning diameter of 37.1 ft. is improved over the current Jeep Grand Cherokee to provide even more nimble handling.

The new ?ve-link rear suspension geometry, including a track bar, also improves lateral stiffness to match that of the front suspension for optimum handling.

The innovative Dynamic Handling System (DHS) is standard with the 5.7-liter HEMI engine – a Chrysler Group ?rst application of a hydraulic-controlled active stabilizer system. DHS delivers a high level of driver con?dence by signi?cantly reducing body roll, resulting in sportier handling when turning or maneuvering, while providing a smoother ride when traveling straight ahead.

Also offered for the ?rst time, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe driving maneuvers on any type of surface. Using signals from sensors throughout the vehicle, the system determines the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments for directional stability of the vehicle.

Grand Cherokee’s new rack-and-pinion steering system imparts a more precise steering feel translated to the driver through fewer linkages than a recirculating ball steering system. Even with the 2.5-inch increase in track, Grand Cherokee’s nimbleness and tight turning diameter are maintained with the new steering system.

All-New Five-Speed Automatic Offers Premium Re?nement
An all-new ?ve-speed automatic transmission offers smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy with the 3.7-liter V-6. The carryover 545RFE ?ve-speed automatic transmission used with the 4.7-liter V-8 and 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI has been re?ned for higher-quality shifts while increasing the Grand Cherokee’s maximum towing capacity.

Both transmissions feature Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver interactive shift control for the ?rst time on Grand Cherokee. The shifter provides fully-automated shifting when in the “drive” position, or the driver can manually select each gear by simply moving the shifter left and right from the “drive” position. This gives the driver control to precisely match any on-road or off-road driving requirement.

A new stamped steel transfer case skid plate mounts to the transmission cross member and fuel tank skidplate to provide off-road protection to the transfer case.

Legendary Grand Cherokee Size, Styling and Comfort
Grand Cherokee’s new design provides a contemporary return of an athletic appearance. Up front, the signature seven-slot grille ?anked by the functional round appearance high-performance halogen headlamps boldly dominates the design statement. These round headlamps unify the unmistakable front-end appearance of the entire Jeep lineup. A proportionally longer hood and greater distance between the center of the front axle and base of the windshield visually communicates a more powerful image. A ?atter windshield and faster A-pillar achieves a more athletic appearance. The overall design also helps to improve vehicle aerodynamics and vehicle fuel economy. The body is shrink-wrapped to the package, enabling designers to emphasize the powerful wheel ?ares. Larger taillamps in the rear feature red and clear lenses for an upscale appearance. Overall, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee preserves the right-size package that is critical for off-road use and provides nimble on-road handling.

All-New Interior Provides Next Generation Sophistication
Grand Cherokee’s new interior is rich and inviting with a two-tone instrument panel, door trim and new ?nishes. Seat contours are precise and ergonomic with increased seat track travel. Increased headroom adds a feeling of even more spaciousness to the interior. The dramatic and elegant instrument panel design offers a high degree of precision and control. In the cargo area, features such as a reversible load ?oor panel enhance versatility and storage. New premium amenities – including GPS Navigation radio, rear seat DVD, Boston Acoustics audio, UConnect™ hands-free communication system, Smart Beam® and Rear-Park Assist – will be available on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee as well.

The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be produced at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, starting in the third quarter of 2004. Assembly for markets outside North America will begin in the ?rst quarter of 2005 at the Magna Steyr assembly plant in Graz, Austria.

I think the Jeeps will do fine, the market they take up is narrow,and the groups that are loyal to them is vast. when the WK comes out this Aug. it should be something the public will want, its going to be a Five star rated vehicle for crash test, and its going to be a very nice change in style.

As a Canadian, I don't mind being one of the rare few to have an H2.

I hope MB comes out punching.

Unlimited looks like a Defender 90 kinda when you look at it.

Paragon - They have been in Central Florida for 45 to 60 days. The ride is the same as a Wrangler. I have had Wranglers on and off for 15 years. I have a Wrangler Sahara right now with a hard top. I think Jeeps are a waist except for off road!

I hope the folks who have drove & owned the older Wranglers will take the time to check out the new ones, even if you don't like Jeep you can always use it as a comparison.

ps, the 10" the added to the wheelbase should really help on the highway