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New on the outside, new on the inside – that’s the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee from Chrysler for you. The new standard 4.7-liter V8 engine promises a 24% increase in horsepower, improved fuel economy and 6% increase in torque.
This new Cherokee comes with five engine offerings – a choice indeed – from the 3.0-liter common rail diesel V6 and the 3.7-liter V6 (standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo) to the 4.7-liter V8 (standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited), the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi (available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, standard on Overland) and the 6.1-liter Hemi V8 (standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8).
The Grand Cherokee is expected to be on the road in the fall. There are a whole lot of features that are new and inviting. It has a Sirius Backseat TV and a MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System.
The HID or high-intensity discharge auto-leveling headlamps promise thrice the light from conventional lamps so you can count on night time illumination that is much better. Based on the number of people in the vehicle and the load, the headlights get adjusted so the angle of the light is at the optimum. This is great for the person driving as well as oncoming traffic as the glare does not go straight into their eyes. You can get this auto-leveling feature only in HID lamps.
Add to this rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and mirrors, ParkSense Rear Back-up System, ParkView Rear Back-up Camera, iPod connectivity and 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and you’ll understand why this is going to be a very popular vehicle.
There are very sound safety features in the Jeep Grand Cherokee – you have the Hill Start Assist, the Hill Descent Control and the Trailer Sway Control. The Hill Start Assist means the driver has time to transition from brake to throttle on a grade in order to achieve a smooth launch.
The Hill Descent Control ensures a controlled rate of speed while driving downhill. The Trailer Sway Control is an optional feature and it improves trailer stability and decreases trailer sway.
In the standard 4.7 liter engine, there have been significant improvements in the piston/rod assembly, in the induction system and in the accessory drive noise. Thanks to a new cam design, the engine is smooth while idling.
This engine also has an electronic throttle control. There is also a valve-lash adjuster system and each cylinder has two spark plugs.