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All-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine delivers increased horsepower and torque, improved fuel economy
Refreshed exterior and interior design stays true to its authentic Jeep® character with signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings and attention to rich details and craftsmanship
Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with all-new SIRIUS Backseat TV
Even more innovative, premium amenities are available, including MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System, HID auto-leveling headlamps and heated first- and second-row seats
New soft-touch instrument panel and door panels
Innovative Hill Descent Control that only Jeep® engineers could deliver
New York, Apr 4, 2007 – The Jeep® brand unveiled today the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee that features an all-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine that delivers a 30 percent increase in horsepower, a 10 percent increase in torque and improved fuel economy compared with the engine it replaces. The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee also offers a refreshed interior and exterior design and a host of innovative premium amenities, including one not found on other full-size sport-utility vehicles (SUV) on the road today – SIRIUS Backseat TV. The vehicle will arrive at Jeep dealerships starting this fall.
“With the addition of a Jeep-engineered Hill Descent Control, a choice of five engines, two four-wheel-drive systems and more premium amenities than ever before, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee adds more capability and refinement to the benchmark full-size SUV that created the luxury SUV market when it debuted in 1992,” said John Plecha, Director — Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications.
Only Full-Size SUV with Five Engine Offerings
The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the only vehicle with a choice of five engine offerings:
- Award-winning 3.0-liter common rail diesel V-6 engine – Now available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland
- 3.7-liter V-6 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
- All-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
- 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI® engine – Available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, standard on Overland
- 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
All-new for 2008 is the 4.7-liter V-8 engine that offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter engine, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement.
The new 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 291 horsepower (217kW), a 24 percent increase, and 322 lb.-ft. of torque (437 N-m), a 6 percent increase over the previous 4.7-liter V-8 engine. And, like the engine it replaces, the new 4.7-liter V-8 engine is flex-fuel capable, which gives customers the ability to use up to an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) to fuel their vehicles.
Improvements in the new 4.7-liter V-8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with a new cam design, two spark plugs per cylinder and a valve-lash adjuster system. The new 4.7-liter V-8 also is equipped with electronic throttle control.
First to Offer All-new SIRIUS Backseat TV
The Chrysler Group will be the first and only auto manufacturer to offer SIRIUS Backseat TV in its 2008 model year vehicle lineup, including the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
SIRIUS Backseat TV features three channels of respected children’s TV featuring many of the most well-known kids’ programming, including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. Rear-seat passengers will be able to watch shows such as Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants,” Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana” and Cartoon Network’s “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.”
SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle’s second-row (except minivan: second- and/or third-row) video screen, and channel name, program title and rating will be broadcast and displayed on the screen. For added flexibility, rear-seat passengers can enjoy SIRIUS Backseat TV while front-seat occupants listen to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The system can be operated from either the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit. In addition, when the vehicle is in park, programming can be displayed on the MyGIG screen for front-seat viewing.
Innovative Premium Amenities
Along with SIRIUS Backseat TV, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a variety of premium amenities that are new for 2008, including the new MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System that has a built-in navigation, audio, entertainment and communication system. MyGIG enables customers to use touch-screen or voice commands to control all of the features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. There’s space reserved on the hard drive for approximately 1,600 songs; that’s over 100 hours of music. There also is a voice-memo recorder feature. MyGIG supports real-time traffic information, available through SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and can provide an alternate drive route based on current traffic.
Also new on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee are high-intensity discharge (HID) auto-leveling headlamps. HID auto-leveling headlamps provide approximately three times the light output of conventional reflector lamps for improved nighttime illumination. The auto-leveling feature automatically adjusts the headlamps to the vehicle pitch depending on the load and number of passengers in the vehicle. This feature also benefits oncoming traffic as the system prevents drivers from being distracted by glare from the headlamps. The auto-leveling feature is only available with HID headlamps.
ParkView Rear Back-up Camera (with or without navigation), ParkSense® Rear Back-up System, SmartBeam® headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and mirrors, iPod connectivity and 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels also are part of the vehicle’s available features and options.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee also features three new safety and security technologies for 2008: Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control.
Jeep-engineered Hill Descent Control
Jeep engineering designed the Hill Descent Control system to mimic the downhill control and flexibility afforded by the ultra-low gearing found in a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with its 4:1 ratio transfer case and 6-speed manual transmission. This gearing provides for six speeds of controlled hill descent.
Operational in the 4WD Low position, Hill Descent Control provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed with more precision and smoother operation than simply using the brakes. By means of electronic brake control, Hill Descent Control supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides. Unlike most of its competitors, the new Grand Cherokee with Hill Descent Control offers extremely smooth transitions between speeds and allows the driver to use the throttle and brakes without turning the system off, with a smooth and controlled return to the preset speed after the driver releases the throttle or brakes.
In the Grand Cherokee, once Hill Descent Control is activated with a push of a button in the centre stack, preset speeds can be selected by using the transmission shifter. For ease of operation, after the Hill Descent Control button is engaged, Grand Cherokee’s Hill Descent Control is activated and deactivated automatically, as the system senses changes in topography. The system works whether the vehicle is driven in forward or reverse.
The preset maximum speeds are:
1st gear: 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
2nd gear: 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
3rd gear: 3.75 mph (6 km/h)
4th gear: 5.60 mph (9 km/h)
5th gear or D: 7.5 mph (12 km/h)
Reverse (R): 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
Neutral (N): 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
Hill Descent Control was engineered to provide the smoothest transitions possible, even from a complete stop on extremely steep and slippery surfaces.
Hill Descent Control is standard on all Grand Cherokee models except SRT8.
Hill Start Assist
The Hill Start Assist system provides the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver’s release of the brake pedal. The Hill Start Assist system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch. This system is extremely helpful when driving in urban as well as off-road areas with steep hills.
Hill Start Assist is standard on all Jeep Grand Cherokee models except SRT8.
Trailer Sway Control
Trailer Sway Control minimizes trailer sway (an alternating yaw of the vehicle) and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic, provides trailer stability and increases towing safety.
Sensors monitor the vehicle’s movement relative to the driver’s intended path. The vehicle yaw sensor recognizes sway. Once the system determines the sway is increasing and is not a result of the driver’s steering input, Trailer Sway Control applies brake pressure on one front wheel to counteract the yaw induced by the trailer and smoothly applies brake pressure to the other wheels to slow the vehicle. As the trailer sways to the other side of the vehicle, Trailer Sway Control will increase pressure to the opposite side of the vehicle. The technology will continue to apply alternating brake pressure and reduce engine torque until the trailer sway is under control.
Trailer Sway Control is included with the optional Trailer Tow Group.
Refreshed Exterior and Interior
With its upright and substantial posture, the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s design offers an athletic and contemporary appearance. The grille has been lengthened, and the headlamps are more circular for a more dominant and expressive front view. A new HID headlamp, optional on Limited and standard on Overland, includes an internal optic lens for the park/turn function. Fog lamps also have also been lowered for enhanced performance. Off-road enthusiasts will be pleased with the new two-piece front fascia, allowing for the entire lower piece to be removed before hitting the off-road trails.
On the inside, the vehicle’s two-tone instrument panel features a new level of refinement with bright accents, a soft-touch surface and updated styling. A new tilt and telescoping steering column is standard, with a new steering wheel that includes bright accent bezels, which house the electronic vehicle information center’s switches. The Limited model’s steering wheel adds two-tone leather and bright chrome accent rings, and the Overland features a real wood rim for added luxury. Also new is the updated line of instrument clusters that feature new brighter LED illumination, with the Limited and Overland models receiving a modern and elegant treatment where, when the vehicle is started, the dark-tinted lens fades to reveal chrome-ringed black gauges that are surrounded by a bright silver accent field. The new floor console has improved cup holders and a new leather-wrapped and chrome-accented parking brake handle. The door panels have new armrests for improved ergonomics and comfort. New for the Overland model are the new saddle perforated leather seats that feature accent piping for an even more upscale look.
Front end comparison between the 2005 and 2008 Grand Cherokee
Summary of New Features and Options for 2008
EXTERIOR
– High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
– Integrated headlamps with park/turn lens
– Refreshed front fascia and grille
– 17-inch aluminum wheels – standard on Laredo
– 17-inch machined-faced aluminum wheels – standard on Limited, optional on Overland
– 18-inch chrome-clad wheels – standard on Overland, optional on Limited
INTERIOR
– Center console, cup holders and armrests
– Four-gauge instrument cluster with LED illumination features black gauges surrounded with white pointers, silver accent field on Limited and Overland models
– Fuel Saver Mode display on vehicles equipped with 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI engine and electronic vehicle information center (EVIC)
– Heated first-and second-row seats – standard on Limited and Overland
– MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System – optional on Laredo and Limited, standard on Overland
– Remote start with 3.0-Liter CRD engine – standard on Limited and Overland
– SIRIUS Backseat TV – optional on Limited and Overland
– Soft-touch on upper instrument panel
– Tilt and telescoping steering column with integrated Electronic Vehicle Information Center controls on steering wheel
– iPod interface – optional on Laredo, standard on Limited
– Eight-inch DVD screen with rear video entertainment system – optional on Laredo, Limited and Overland
– 115V power outlet – optional on Laredo, standard on Limited and Overland
– Integrated second-row headrests
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
– 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) (not available in Maine, NY, Vt., Mass., Calif.) – standard on Limited
SAFETY AND SECURITY
– Hill Descent Control System – optional on Laredo, standard on Limited and Overland
– Hill Start Assist – optional on Laredo, standard on Limited and Overland
– ParkView Rear Back-up Camera – available without navigation system – optional Laredo, standard on Limited and Overland
– Trailer Sway Control system – optional on Laredo and Limited, standard on Overland
PACKAGES
– Sun & Sound Group: Power sun roof, AM/FM/six-CD
– Premium Audio Group: Boston Acoustics premium audio, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Rear 12V Power Outlet
– Trailer Tow Group: Class II receiver, four-pin wiring harness
– Trailer Tow Group: Class IV receiver, seven- and four-pin wiring harness, heavy duty engine cooling (4.7L only), trailer sway damping, includes full-size spare
– Popular Equipment Group: Heated seats, remote start, adjustable pedals, roof side rails, adjustable roof rail crossbars, cargo compartment cover, 115V power outlet, fog lamps
– Quadra-Drive II 4×4 Group: (only available w/ 4.7L ” 5.7L) Quadra-Drive II, skid plates, tow hooks
– Rear Backup Camera Group: CD/DVD Audio, 6.5-in. touch screen, USB port, music management database, hard drive, backup camera, ParkSense
– Rear Backup Camera/Rear DVD Group: DVD, rear backup camera group
– Rear DVD Entertainment System Group: DVD rear entertainment system
– 18-inch Chrome-Clad Wheel Group: Chrome clad over aluminum, OWL over BSW
– Navigation/Rear Backup Camera Group: MyGIG, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, rear backup camera, ParkSense.