[September 1, 2008 - wkbible.com] Since its introduction in 1992, the JeepŽ Grand Cherokee has revolutionized the sport-utility (SUV) market. With its best-in-class traction capability and power, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed, engineered and built to master every imaginable day-to-day driving condition, whether on- or off-road.

New for the 2009 model year, Jeep Grand Cherokee features a new 5.7-liter HEMIŽ, which provides better fuel economy, improved idle quality and overall refinement. With 357 horsepower (266 kW) and 389 lb.-ft. (527 N-m) of torque, this new HEMI engine also delivers an 8.2 percent increase in horsepower and a 3.7 percent increase in torque compared with the previous generation engine. The HEMI's new Variable Valve Timing (VVT) improves fuel economy in two ways. First, it reduces the engine's pumping work by closing the intake valve later. Second, it increases the expansion process of the combustion event, which allows more work to be transferred to the crankshaft instead of being rejected out of the exhaust port as heat. Essentially, VVT improves engine breathing, which improves engine efficiency and power.

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee customers also will benefit from the HEMI engine's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS), which seamlessly shifts to smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and back to V-8 mode when more power is in demand. The MDS system optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.

In addition to the new 5.7-liter HEMIŽ engine, the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee also features new customer amenities.

A new Leather Appearance Group is standard on 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland models. The package includes leather wrap on the upper front- and rear-door bolsters, front-door armrests, the center console armrest/lid, instrument panel cluster brow, as well as the two-piece shift knob.

The 2009 Grand Cherokee Laredo model features a standard soft-touch center armrest cover, leather-wrapped park brake handle, floor mats, interior chrome door handles and audio control buttons.

The vehicle's instrument panel has been upgraded to include modifications to Laredo model Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) warnings in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2009

INTERIOR

Instrument panel upgrades to include Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) System New 9-inch rear DVD screen replaces 8-inch screen iPod interface available with uconnect gps Laredo model features a standard soft-touch center armrest cover, leather-wrapped park brake handle, floor mats, interior chrome door handles and audio control buttons

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS

New 5.7-liter HEMI engine

PACKAGES

Leather Appearance Group standard on Limited and Overland models (which includes: leather wrap on the upper front- and rear-door bolsters, front-door armrests, the center console armrest/lid, instrument panel cluster brow, as well as the two-piece shift knob)

DESIGN

Exterior Ready to Take Action
With its upright and substantial posture, the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee's design offers an athletic and contemporary appearance. The lengthened grille and more circular headlamps give Grand Cherokee a more dominant and expressive front view. Available High-intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, optional on Limited and standard on Overland, include an internal optic lens for the park/turn function. Low fog lamps also offer enhanced performance. Off-road enthusiasts will be pleased with the two-piece front fascia, which allows for the entire lower piece to be removed before hitting the off-road trails.

The body shape is designed to protect the sides of the vehicle from potential road debris. The Grand Cherokee name is integrated into the bodyside molding for a high-quality look and feel. At the side, a proportionately longer hood and greater distance between the center of the front axle and the base of the windshield emphasize the engine compartment and help to achieve a more powerful image.

Interior Design Elegant and Functional

The Jeep Grand Cherokee takes capability and refinement to new levels. 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 tilt and telescoping steering column is standard and features a 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. The Overland model features a real wood rim for added luxury. The instrument cluster features bright LED illumination. Limited and Overland models feature 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 bright silver accents.

Jeep Grand Cherokee's seats are beautifully crafted with contours that are precise, firm and ergonomically friendly. They are purpose-built and designed for long-distance comfort with differing trim styles for each model: the Laredo model features cloth and optional leather; the Limited model features two-tone leather with perforated inserts; and the Overland model features saddle perforated leather seats with accent piping for an even more upscale look. A reversible load-floor panel is carpeted on one side and offers easy-to-clean plastic on the other. The plastic side includes a large shallow tray for additional utility.

ENGINEERING

Four-wheel-drive Systems
Quadra-Trac IŽ
Jeep Grand Cherokee customers who want the assurance of full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull will find that Quadra-Trac IŽ is ideal. The system is available on Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.7-liter V-6 engine and provides smooth operation of the vehicle over a variety of road conditions.

The NV140 transfer case splits torque 48/52 percent (front/rear) for nearly even distribution of engine power. The single-speed transfer case has been designed to rigorous Jeep durability standards while offering smooth and quiet operation. The use of the Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) with the NV140 transfer case makes the 4x4 system extremely competent in most driving situations.

Quadra-Trac IIŽ
The Jeep Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac IIŽ 4x4 system gives customers the benefit of the NV245 two-speed active transfer case and BTCS.

The NV245 transfer case is the same used in the Quadra-Drive IIŽ system. It takes input from a variety of sensors to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and takes corrective action. The system also uses Throttle Anticipate - sensing quick movement in throttle from a stop - and takes steps to maximize traction before tire slippage occurs. When wheel slippage is detected, up to 100 percent of the available 375 lb.-ft. of torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

Torque is transferred to the individual wheels as needed by the BTCS to maintain traction in changing road conditions. When the system senses tire slip, it modulates brake pressure to the slipping wheel, which directs torque to the tires with the best traction.

Quadra-Trac II features an electronic shift mechanism for ease of use. The transfer case offers a low range for off-road situations and includes a neutral position for trouble-free towing behind another vehicle.

Quadra-Drive IIŽ
The Quadra-Drive IIŽ Jeep 4x4 system offers customers the ultimate in off-road capability. It combines the NV245 full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for best-in-class tractive performance. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to the tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will even anticipate low traction and adjust to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

The heart of the system is the NV245 active transfer case. This transfer case includes a center differential coupled with an electronically controlled clutch pack, varying it from a completely open state to completely locked and infinite possibilities in between. The 4-Low gear ratio is 2.72:1.

A key component in the Quadra-Drive II system is the ELSD - an industry-first application front/rear/center and the benchmark for automatic traction differentials. The ELSD uses electronically controlled clutch packs to automatically and instantly vary from slip to lock at each axle. This maximizes traction when needed without any of the on-road drawbacks normally associated with such a robust 4x4 system.

All components of the system work together, continually monitoring needs, to provide smooth and automatic application of the components for best-in-class tractive performance while improving the day-to-day on-road driving experience. For example, the ELSD releases the clutch packs in the front axle during turns to allow differentiation and prevent crow hop.

Engines

3.0-liter Common Rail Turbodiesel
The 3.0-liter common rail turbodiesel (CRD) engine produces 215 horsepower (160 kW) @ 3,800 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. of torque (508 N-m) @ 1,600 rpm. The engine offers up to 30 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with traditional gasoline engines, class-leading torque, outstanding towing capacity (7,400 lbs.) and class-leading driving range (approximately 450 miles). Clean diesel technology also reduces CO2 emissions by an average of 30 percent. Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the available 3.0-liter CRD will be built until November 24, 2008.

3.7-liter SOHC V-6
The 3.7-liter V-6 engine provides the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a powerful standard engine that delivers efficiency, durability and smooth operation. It produces 210 horsepower (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N-m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. A sophisticated Electronic Throttle Control system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions and maintains a consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active. An exhaust gas recirculation valve helps increase fuel economy.

4.7-liter SOHC V-8 (FFV)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee's available Flexible-fuel Vehicle (FFV) 4.7-liter V-8 engine offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous generation 4.7-liter high-output engine. This V-8 engine incorporates electronic throttle control, two spark plugs per cylinder, increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 305 horsepower (227 kW) @ 5,650 rpm, a 30 percent increase, and 334 lb.-ft. (453 N-m) of torque @ 3,950 rpm, a 10 percent increase compared with the previous generation 4.7-liter V-8 engine. It also delivers a more than 5 percent increase in fuel economy. This FFV engine also gives customers the ability to use up to an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) to fuel their vehicles.

New 5.7-liter HEMIŽ V-8
The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee's new 5.7-liter HEMI engine produces 357 horsepower (266 kW) and 389 lb.-ft. (527 N-m) of torque, providing better fuel economy, improved idle quality and overall refinement. The HEMI's new Variable Valve Timing (VVT) improves fuel economy in two ways. First, it reduces the engine's pumping work by closing the intake valve later. Second, it increases the expansion process of the combustion event. This allows more work to be transferred to the crankshaft instead of being rejected out of the exhaust port as heat. Essentially, VVT improves engine breathing, which improves engine efficiency and power.

The HEMIŽ engine's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.

Suspension Steering Systems and Transmissions
The short- and long-arm (SLA) independent front suspension on Grand Cherokee gives the driver a greater sense of precision and control and more precise steering, while also reducing vehicle weight and head toss, all without compromising the vehicle's off-road performance. The five-link rear-suspension geometry, including a track bar, improves lateral stiffness to match that of the front suspension for optimum handling.

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee's standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), helps the driver maintain vehicle directional stability in severe maneuvers on any type of surface. Signals from sensors throughout the vehicle determine the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments which give the vehicle directional stability. Rack-and-pinion steering gives the driver more precise steering, providing quick response during all types of maneuvers.

Available with the 3.7-liter V-6 engine is the W5A580, a five-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy. The 3.0-liter CRD engine is mated to the W5J400 five-speed automatic transmission. The 4.7-liter V-8 and the 5.7-liter HEMIŽ V-8 engines are mated to the 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission. The W5J400 and the W5A580 have been refined for higher-quality shifts while giving Grand Cherokee class-leading towing capacity of 7,400 lbs. All transmissions feature Electronic Range Select driver interactive shift control. The shifter provides fully automated shifting when in the 'drive' position. The driver also 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 requirement.

Jeep Trail RatedŽ
The Jeep Grand Cherokee's four-wheel-drive systems are Trail RatedŽ. The Jeep Trail Rated badge on the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee shows 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 a unique methodology used by Jeep Engineering to measure and predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles today and into the future. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, Jeep Trail Rated provides a consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues a tradition of Jeep innovation with new technologies, sophisticated Jeep design, on-road refinement and off-road capability
• Exterior design features authentic Jeep character with signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel openings, and includes an added level of sophistication for a distinctively Jeep design statement that easily transitions from on-road to off-road
• Interior focuses on attention to rich details and craftsmanship, giving customers more comfort and more premium features than ever before
• The Jeep Grand Cherokee revolutionized the sport-utility market when it debuted in 1992

Class-leading four-wheel-drive capabilities

• Choice of three 4x4 systems – Quadra-Trac I®, Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive II®
• The Quadra-Drive II Jeep 4x4 system gives customers the ultimate in off-road capability by combining the NV245 full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (front/rear/center) for best-in-class tractive performance
• Staying true to its legendary 4x4 heritage, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is Trail Rated®

Command and control of the road

•  Independent front and five-link rear suspension systems and rack-and-pinion steering offer superior on-road ride, handling and performance
• Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Electronic Roll Mitigation maintain vehicle stability in a variety of road surface and weather conditions
• Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control deliver off-road and towing capability

Four leading engine options deliver performance and improved fuel economy

• New 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine features Variable Valve Timing, which delivers better fuel economy, improved idle quality and overall refinement than the engine it replaces
• Award-winning 3.0-liter CRD is a smooth-running diesel engine that delivers up to 30 percent improved fuel economy compared with gasoline engines without sacrificing performance, best-in-class horsepower, towing (7,400 lbs.) torque and driving range. Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the available 3.0-liter CRD will be built until the end of the 2008 calendar year
• Proven 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 standard engine delivers efficiency, durability and smooth operation
• Available 4.7-liter SOHC Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFC) V-8 engine offers 30 percent increased horsepower and 10 percent improved torque and improved fuel economy (more than 5 percent) than the previous generation engine

Legendary Grand Cherokee size, styling and comfort

• The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee preserves the right-size package that is critical for off-road use while also providing nimble handling on-road
• The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers premium amenities such as uconnect studios, uconnect gps, touch screen, hard drive, and real-time traffic updates, heated first- and second-row seats, ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera with non-navigation radio, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System, uconnect phone, tilt and telescoping steering wheel column, SmartBeam® headlamps, HID headlamps, rear DVD with 9-inch video screen, iPod connectivity, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and mirrors, and 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, the most luxurious Grand Cherokee ever, offers many premium features including heated first- and second-row seats, HID headlamps, ParkSense, navigation system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, leather-trimmed seats with accent piping, real wood interior accents, chrome exterior accents and roof rack, 18-inch chrome-clad premium wheels, standard 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with Quadra-Drive II (4x4 vehicles) and available 3.0-liter diesel engine

MODEL LINEUP

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
Standard Features

• 3.7-liter V-6 SOHC engine
• Five-speed automatic transmission
• Side-curtain air bags with roll detection system
• Electronic Stability Program
• Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Brake Assist
• Brake Traction Control
• Rack-and-pinion steering
• Four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) System with Warning Indicator
• One-touch up/down front windows
• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel with integrated electronic vehicle information center controls
• Air conditioning
• P245/65R17 Goodyear Fortera all-terrain tires
• Eight-way power driver seat with driver adjustable lumbar support
• Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
• 60/40 split/folding rear seat with integrated outboard head restraint and retractable cup holders in seat cushions
• Sentry Key® engine immobilizer
• Remote keyless entry
• Cargo storage with reversible load-floor and water-resistant storage compartment
• AM/FM stereo with CD player
• Auxiliary input jack
• Roof rack
• Floor mat

Optional Features

• 4.7-liter FFV V-8 engine
• 3.0-liter CRD engine with remote start (available until end of 2008 calendar year)
• Quadra-Trac II
• Quadra-Drive II
• AM/FM six-disc MP3 radio
• ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System
• Power sun roof
• Power adjustable pedals
• Heated seats
• Remote start
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Trailer Tow Group with Trailer Sway Control system
• Two-tone leather seats
• uconnect gps with iPod interface
• 115-volt power outlet
• Engine block heater

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Standard Features
In addition to the standard features on the Grand Cherokee Laredo, the Limited model includes:

• 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 FFV engine
• Five-speed automatic transmission
• Quadra-Trac II
• 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels
• Remote start
• Leather interior trim
• Heated first- and second-row seats
• Power adjustable pedals with memory
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• SmartBeam® headlamps
• Hill Start Assist (4x4 models)
• Hill Descent Control (4x4 models)
• TPM System with warning indicator
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
• ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Automatic-dimming rearview mirror
• Eight-way power driver and four-way power front-passenger seats
• AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 stereo with 30-gigabyte hard drive and touch screen
• Boston Acoustics six-speaker premium sound system with 276-watt digital amplifier
• HomeLink universal garage door opener
• uconnect gps

Optional Features

• Quadra-Drive II
•  5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine
• 3.0-liter CRD engine with remote start
• 18-inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels
• HID auto-leveling headlamps
• Rear DVD entertainment system
• uconnect studios (packaged with rear entertainment system)
• Trailer Tow Group
• Engine block heater

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
Standard Features
In addition to the standard features on the Grand Cherokee Limited, the Overland model includes:

• 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine
• Unique chrome accents and details
• HID auto-leveling headlamps
• Quadra-Drive II, including tow hooks and skid plates (4x4 models)
• 18-inch chrome-clad wheels
• Trailer Tow Group

Optional Features

• 3.0-liter CRD engine with remote start
• Rear DVD entertainment system
• uconnect studios (packaged with rear entertainment system)
• Engine block heater

2009 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE SAFETY AND SECURITY FEATURES

Please refer to the Safety and Security Glossary in the Safety and Technology section for descriptions of the following available features:

• Active Turn Signals
• Adjustable Pedals
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• ABS with Rough-road Detection
• Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
• BeltAlert
• Brake Assist
• LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tethers for CHildren)
• Digressive Load-limiting Seat Belt Retractors
• Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Electronic Stability Program
• Energy-absorbing Steering Wheel and Column
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
• Express Up/Down Front-door Windows
• Four-wheel Brake Traction Control System
• Head Restraints in All Outboard Seating Positions
• Knee Bolsters
• ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System
• ParkViewTM Rear Back-up Camera
• Rain-sensing Wipers
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer Theft-deterrent System
• Side-curtain Air Bags with Roll Detection System
• SmartBeam® Headlamps
• Three-point Belts in All Seating Positions
• TPM System with Warning Indicator
• uconnect phone

COLOR AVAILABILITY

• Jeep Green Metallic Clear Coat
• Light Graystone Pearl Coat
• Olive Green Metalllic Clear Coat
• Red Rock Crystal Pearl Coat
• Modern Blue Pearl Coat
• Stone White Clear Coat
• Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat
• Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat

MANUFACTURING INFORMATION

• 2009 model year production start: July 2008
• Production location: Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit
• 3.0-liter CRD V-6 engine: Berlin Marienfelde Plant, Berlin, Germany (Mercedes-Benz)
• 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine: Mack Avenue Engine Complex in Detroit
• 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 FFV engine: Mack Avenue Engine Complex in Detroit
• 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine: Saltillo Engine Plant in Saltillo, Mexico
• Five-speed automatic transmission (W5J400): Hedelfingen Transmission Plant in Germany (Mercedes-Benz)
• Five-speed automatic transmission (W5A580): Indiana Transmission Plant II in Kokomo, Ind.
• Five-speed automatic transmission (545RFE): Indiana Transmission Plant II in Kokomo, Ind.

MARKET POSITION

Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers a sporty and sophisticated driving experience with superior on-road ride and handling, best-in-class 4x4 capability and technological innovations in a well-appointed package.


MARKET ADVANTAGES

Overland delivers the most advanced, luxurious Grand Cherokee to date

• Unique exterior styling cues including wheels, chrome accents and body-color exterior mirrors
• Real wood and premium leather seating surround the occupants with rich luxury
• A long list of standard features including 5.7-liter HEMI®, 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, uconnect tunes and ParkView Rear Back-up Camera

Grand Cherokee delivers luxury, comfort and convenience

• Nimble and easy to maneuver; right size
• Four engines and three 4x4 systems – the most options of any full-size SUV
• Contemporary style with premium amenities including uconnect gps, SmartBeam HID headlamps, memory seats and mirrors

Grand Cherokee delivers class-leading on- and off-road capability and control

• Quadra-Drive II – the next great four-wheel-drive innovation from Jeep
• Standard Electronic Stability Program with Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Jeep-engineered steering and suspension systems provide great on-road manners

3.0-liter CRD engine – an advanced common-rail direct injection clean diesel powertrain

• Chrysler Group’s first diesel in the U.S. full-size SUV segment adds unique capability in support of the Jeep brand’s continued push for innovation and market leadership
• Up to 30 percent improvement in fuel economy
• Outstanding towing capacity at 7,400 lbs, 376 lb.-ft. of torque
• Class-leading driving range (450 miles)
• Jeep Trail Rated capability
• Now available with Remote Start
• Available through the end of the 2008 calendar year

DEMOGRAPHICS

• Gender: 58 percent male/41 percent female
• Median Age: 51 years old
• Median Annual Household Income: $95,000
• Education: 60 percent undergraduate/graduate degrees
• Household: 71 percent married/22 percent families