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The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee will be released in Australia in January 2011. The announcement of the long-awaited new model came as the Chrysler Group released the first images of the luxury off-roader in the United States. The vehicle was described as an American icon and symbol of the new Chrysler, following Chrysler's take-over by Italian giant, Fiat, last year.
A Chrysler spokesman said the 2011 model offered Grand Cherokee's timeless design linked with new technology to provide off-road capability and improved on-road refinement. Capability highlights include a choice of three four wheel drive systems including an air-suspension called Jeep Quadra-Lift.
This system joins the two Selec-Terrain 4X4 systems. Towing capability has increased to 3300 kg. The vehicle's on-road performance has been improved with new independent front and rear suspension systems along with a new body that increases torsional stiffness – a necessity for good handling and ride.
The new Grand Cherokee will run Chrysler's new 3.6 litre Pentastar V6 power plant that reduces fuel use by 11 per cent and returns 10.2 litres/100 km. Chrysler claim this will result in more than 800 kilometres from a tank of petrol.
The vehicle has been completely re-designed with a sleeker, sculpted body giving it a more aggressive road stance. There's a panoramic dual-pane sun roof and the interior gains a soft-touch interior finish.
Production is due to start on May 21 of the left hand drive models for the US market. A Chrysler Australia spokesman said the vehicle will be launched here in January next year. It is being built at the company's Jefferson North plant in Detroit. Pricing an Australian specifications will be released at a later date. International markets like Australia will also get a diesel option in addition to the new 3.6 litre petrol V6.
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