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The Chrysler Group announced on June 1st, 2006 its plans to produce its 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.” 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.
Electrically actuated intake-port swirl valves modifies the turbulence of the intake air as it enters the cylinders, optimizing the combustion process with the aim of further reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The new electronic control unit (ECU) manages all the engine functions – from the quick-start glow system and automatic start function to control of the high-pressure fuel pump. The turbocharger, a Variable Geometry Turbine (VGT) with electrically adjustable blades, acts like a small turbocharger under launch conditions, but has the desirable characteristics of a larger turbocharger at higher engine speeds. The benefit to customers is enhanced response at low engine speeds.
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