The Jeep Grand Cherokee range has been bolstered today by the addition of an all-new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine.
Developed by Chrysler partner Fiat, the new direct injected V6 powerplant delivers more power and torque with improved fuel efficiency and emissions figures, and allows a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.
The 60-degree vee-configuration engine block is constructed of compressed graphite iron with aluminium cylinder heads and a two-piece structural aluminium oil pan. The use of advanced materials and new construction techniques provides a rigid carrier for the crankshaft which in turn contributes to significant improvements in overall noise, vibration and harshness.
Specification figures see the new mill developing 177kW at 4000rpm and 550Nm between 1800 and 2800rpm. Jeep says this translates to a 10 percent increase in power and an eight per cent increase in torque against the engine it replaces (previously 160kW/510Nm). All grades of the turbodiesel Grand Cherokee are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.
Importantly, fuel economy and CO2 emissions have decreased, thanks to Fiat's MultiJet II technology and the combined cycle average is now 8.3L/100km -39 an improvement of 19 per cent. Carbon dioxide output is reduced by 20 per cent to 218g/km, meeting strict Euro5 emission compliance laws.
The new turbodiesel Grand Cherokee joins the 3.6-litre Pentastar-powered V6 petrol and V8 HEMI petrol engines and is available through three model grades.
"The arrival of the new turbo diesel is icing on the cake of the all-new Grand Cherokee range" said Chrysler Australia's senior marketing manage, Dean Bonthorne.
"It's no secret that Australians love a torquey, fuel-efficient diesel in this category, and just like so many other aspects of the Grand Cherokee, this highly anticipated new powerplant has exceeded all expectations."
The new diesel-powered Grand Cherokee is in showrooms now.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee pricing:
- Grand Cherokee Laredo $45,000 (V6 petrol) / $50,000 (V6 diesel)
- Grand Cherokee Limited $55,000 (V6 petrol) / $60,000 (V6 diesel or V8 petrol)
- Grand Cherokee Limited 70th $58,500 (V6 petrol) / $63,500 (V6 diesel or V8 petrol)
- Grand Cherokee Overland $69,500 (V6 diesel or V8 petrol)
Related reading:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (petrol) road test
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (petrol) local launch
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