Welcome to the JeepSpecs.com archived feature of the August 2004 press release of the 2005 WK Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee. Want to feature your Jeep? Please get in touch with us and tell us about it!
2005 Laredo
2005 Limited
For more images of the 2005 Limited see WK world premiere
The All-New 2005 Jeep® Grand Cherokee
Most Capable SUV In The Outback And The Opera
Three New Full-Time 4×4 Systems Designed to Meet Individual Driving Needs
First Time Availability Of 5.7-Liter HEMI® V-8 in a Jeep® Provides Best-In-Class Power
All-New Exterior Design and Improved Interior Refinements Hold True to Jeep Heritage
Auburn Hills, Mich. – Since its introduction in 1992, the Jeep® Grand Cherokee has revolutionized the sport-utility market. With best-in-class tractive capability and best-in-class power, the all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed, engineered and built to master every imaginable day-to-day driving condition, whether on-road or off-road.
The third generation Jeep Grand Cherokee offers improved capability and superior on-road ride and handling in a well-appointed package with a number of new premium amenities. The result is a Jeep that is all-new from the ground up, and all Jeep from the inside out.
“Whether it’s the outback or the opera that your travels lead you to, the all-new Trail-RatedTM Jeep Grand Cherokee cuts a trail no other SUV can follow,” said Jeff Bell, Vice President – Jeep. “Just as it did when it first debuted on the market, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee sets the benchmark for off-road capability and continues to do so for on-road refinement.”
Class-Leading Four-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) – front/center/rear – offering customers the ultimate in off-road capability. ELSD replaces 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 Performance and Power
For the first time ever, the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine is available on a Jeep vehicle to provide best-in-class power. 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. And, the 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine will also continue to be available on Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first 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 generates 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, first 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 by almost 10 percent over the previous generation vehicle, and a tight turning diameter of 37.1 ft. is tighter than the current Jeep Grand Cherokee to provide even more nimble handling.
The new five-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) will be available with the 5.7-liter HEMI engine – a Chrysler Group first application of a hydraulic-controlled active stabilizer system. DHS delivers a high level of driver confidence by significantly reducing body roll, resulting in sportier handling when turning or maneuvering, while providing a smoother ride when traveling straight ahead. DHS will be a late availability offering on the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Also offered for the first time on the Jeep Grand Cherokee is an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which 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 Refinement
An all-new five-speed automatic transmission offers smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy with the 3.7-liter V-6. The 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission used with the 4.7-liter V-8 and 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI has been refined 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 first 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 skid plate group is available, which includes a stamped steel transfer case skid plate that mounts to the transmission cross member and a fuel tank skid plate that provides 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, flanked 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. Helping to achieve a more athletic appearance is a flatter windshield and faster A-pillar. 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 flares. 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 finishes. 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 floor 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 ParkSense™, rear park assist, will be available on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Jeep Trail Rated
The Jeep Trail Rated badge communicates that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: Traction, Ground Clearance, Maneuverability, Articulation and Water Fording.
Jeep Trail Rated is an industry-leading methodology established by the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) and Jeep Engineering to objectively measure and consistently predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles today and into the future. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, as well as computer-simulated environments, Jeep Trail Rated provides a repeatable and consistent measurement of off-road performance for Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.
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 next year at the Magna Steyr assembly plant in Graz, Austria.