2007 Grands get a CRD!
Chrysler Group To Announce First Full-size Diesel-powered SUV in U.S. With Introduction of 2007 Jeep® Grand Cherokee CRD
- 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee to run on gas, diesel and E-85
- First full-size sport-utility vehicle with 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel in the U.S.
- Up to 30 percent improvement in fuel economy
- Class-leading towing, torque, driving range
Auburn Hills, Mich, Jun 1, 2006 -
Chrysler Group will announce today its plans to produce the first diesel-powered, full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) to be offered in the United States. The 2007 Jeep® Grand Cherokee with a 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine will arrive at Jeep dealerships in the first quarter of 2007.
“DaimlerChrysler is a leader in automotive diesel applications in Europe, and it makes sense to continue to build on that experience by offering a modern, clean diesel for the U.S. market,” said Craig Love, Vice President—Rear-Wheel-Drive Product Team, Chrysler Group. “The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel will offer consumers increased fuel economy, class-leading torque, towing and driving range.”
The new 3.0-liter CRD engine, built by Mercedes-Benz, produces 215 hp (160 kW) @ 3800 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. torque (510 N•m) @ 1600-2800 rpm and gets an estimated fuel economy of 19 miles city and 23 miles highway. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD offers class-leading torque, outstanding towing capacity (7,400 lbs.), and class-leading driving range of approximately 425 miles. And, clean diesel technology improves fuel economy by up to 30 percent and has up to 20 percent fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The 3.0-liter CRD engine will be available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, Limited and Overland models.
“The 3.0-liter CRD is an efficient, smooth-running, clean engine that delivers fuel economy and performance,” said Bob Lee, Vice President—Power Train Product Team, Chrysler Group. “Advanced diesel technology has improved over the last several years; engines are quieter and cleaner due to electronic controls, higher fuel pressures and advanced after-treatment systems.”
Chrysler Group was the first automotive manufacturer in the United States to offer a mid-size, diesel-powered SUV, the 2005 Jeep Liberty with a 2.8-liter CRD engine. Based on consumer response, the diesel-powered Jeep Liberty exceeded the company’s expectations. More than 11,000 diesel-powered Jeep Liberty vehicles have been sold since production began. The Jeep Liberty diesel continues to be a strong seller, as consumers realize the benefits of diesel technology.
The Jeep brand also announced earlier in the year that the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee would have a flex-fuel capable 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine, which gives customers the ability to use a fuel with an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E-85) in their vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles support renewable sources of fuel and reduce emissions. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues Chrysler Group’s commitment to alternative fuels and technology.
More than 60 percent of Chrysler Group vehicles sold in Western Europe are diesel-powered. Between 2003 and 2007, Chrysler Group will triple the number of diesel offerings outside North America. Of the estimated 20 vehicles available, 12 or more will have the option for a diesel powertrain (up from four in 2003).
The Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD will be manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. The 3.0-liter CRD engine is built at the Mercedes-Benz Berlin Marienfelde Plant in Berlin, Germany. Pricing will be announced closer to availability.
16 Comments so far
Leave a reply
North American expansion to passenger car diesels has been painfully slow, but this is a significant step in the right direction. The engine is Mercedes so it should be of excellent quality. Fuel mileage is a bit lower than I would expect, but having 376 lb*ft available as soon as 1600 rpm’s would probably make one forget about all that. The CRD would be an excellent choice from soccer moms to trail jammers. Give me one in a Wrangler and I’ll really be salivating…
Brandon
When will consumers be abl;e to view the crd Jeep Cherokee?
Reafy to purchase a 2007. When will it be released?
The Jeep Cherokee went out of production in 2001….........
When in HECK will there be a Jeep Hybrid????
If a Jeep Wrangler came out tomorrow and it was a hybrid, I’d be first in line to buy it
The 2007 jeep grand cherokee is a good idea, but, daimler chrysler needs to drop the rear end from 3.73 to 3.55, as it is in the european version. The resulting improvement in gas mileage would be worth it.
I agree with tom loy, at least make a 3.55 an option. And why not a diesel Wrangler?? Also, put a frame back under the Cherokee, and I’ll buy another one! Thank you
Welcome to America! It is about time. Now put it in the Wrangler with a 5 or 6 speed automatic!
I saw the 2007 Jeep grand cherokee with the gas 3.7 is running a 3.07 rear end. Anyone know a reason why the CRD couldn’t run a rear end that low? Of course you’d give up towing, but think of the gas mileage.
I have owned a Grand Cherokee CRD in England for just a year. The performance is similar to the 4.7 v8 in terms of top speed & 0-60 mph but having driven both versions the diesel feels stronger in mid range performance. The UK Government mpg figure is 27.7.overall. I get around 20 in town . The engine is very smooth & so much quieter than diesels of the past. When you get the model next year you are in for a treat!
blockquote cite=”When in HECK will there be a Jeep Hybrid????
If a Jeep Wrangler came out tomorrow and it was a hybrid, I’d be first in line to buy it
“>
You might be the only one!
Great Blog, Deffinitly a bookmark!
Actually, when I get my CRD GC, I’m going to install a 2” to 4” lift kit and larger tires (265/70R17 = 31.8” BFG AT on stock wheels OR comparable diameter tire on 20” SRT8 GC rims) “which will get me to the “higher” 3.55 gearing. I did this on my 2004 GC Overland and it not only looks better and makes this usable off road but keeps me from hitting my head on the rear liftgate when it was stock (I’m 6’-3”). Not only will it look better and make this CRD GC truly off road capable, it should also put the CRD engine right at the “sweet spot” in the Max Torque at Min RPM curve like the Euro CRDs with 3.55 gears.
Now lets hope that Jeep actually makes a 50 state legal CRD next year so I can register one here in Smog Law Stupid California. Hard to believe but the ONLY 2007 diesel passenger car that meets CA smog standards is the Bluetec E-series Mercedes… NO other car in the world meets these standards. This makes absolutely NO sense!
I recently purchased a 2005 GC 3.0 CRD here in New Zealand. Man the engines in these things are sweeet units. They dont sound like a diesel, and have that v6 groan when you plant it. the torque is amazing and a very comfy ride to boot. I get about 11l/100km round town or 8.5-9l/100km open road which equates to damn cheap motoring. get one you wont be disappointed.
i think it will be amazing when they hit the U.S market
they wount be able to keep them in the new car lots when people realize what a difference a diesel SUV will make compared to there old gas hog 4.7 or 5.7L hemi…i can’t wait to find a wrecked one of these new GC’s to put the CRD in my 94 jeep cherokee, that thing will be unstopable off road. i think this will be the best decsion chrysler ever made. eric
Glad to see diesel power moving through the jeep ranks.
BUT SERIOUSLY XJ’S RULE WHEN CAN WE EXPECT A SUITABLE REPLACEMENT
the liberty definately doesn’t fill the old Jeep Cherokee’s Shoes.
The diesel engine in the Grand Cherokee has that V burble at low revs,not sounding like a diesel at all!It gives off a nice growl under spirited acceleration and mine returned 26 mpg on a round trip on country roads last week. The service interval in the U.K.is 12,000 miles.