New Jeep Grand Cherokee in July..AWD and RWD with 8 @ 9 speed auto.

[csv8]

Rear-wheel-drive Jeep Grand Cherokee is coming
Expect better fuel consumption and a lower start price
To be offered on the Grand Cherokee Laredo diesel and petrol

Jeep is set to add a new rear-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee when the updated model goes on sale in July.

The current Grand Cherokee is only available as an all-wheel-drive proposition, but the facelifted model is expected to be offered in both rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts.

Information ascertained by Drive indicates the new rear-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee will be available with the option of either a 3.0-litre turbo diesel or a 3.6-litre petrol V6.


A new eight-speed automatic transmission will be the standard gearbox across the range, and, combined with the weight savings of the rear-drive layout, should yield significant improvements in fuel consumption over the current models (petrol: 11.0L/100km; diesel: 8.3L/100km).

The rear-drive lineup is expected to be limited to the entry-level Laredo, which currently starts at $45,000 plus on-road costs for the petrol and $50,000 plus on-roads for the diesel. Expect that price to drop by thousands for the RWD models.

While it will lack the renowned off-road ability of the AWD version, the rear-wheel-drive model will still also be able to tow a decent amount, with the petrol rated at 2800 kilograms and the diesel at 3000kg.

The move comes following Jeep’s decision to completely change tack with its all-new Cherokee model, which will have front-wheel-drive models with nine-speed automatic transmissions.

Fiat Chrysler Group director of corporate affairs Karla Leach wouldn’t confirm the addition of a rear-wheel-drive variants, stating that: “variants and pricing will be confirmed at the local launch in early July”.
http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor...501-2isyq.html

My comment ...as if Territory doesn't have enough competition to fight, now.

[Brazen]

I can see this being a popular family truckster, maybe even have a 39,990 start price.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Saw it on drive.com.au last night... Was thinking the same thing re the Territory...

[Motorbreath310]

Looks much better than the leaked pic from a few months back. And you just know it'll be packed full of standard equipment.

[Mitch_]

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

Looks much better than the leaked pic from a few months back. And you just know it'll be packed full of standard equipment.

The pic you're thinking of is a cherokee IIRC - whole different model..

http://www.jeep.com.au/cherokee

[Wretched]

I have driven just about every GC model except the SRT and I have to say they are a brilliant car.
My next car will either be a SUV or a performance wagon.
The GC is on that SUV list.

[fnm17]

Yes and no for competition for the Territory, when I was looking at these two for work car I choose the Territory as the top spec GC was going to be alot more than my top spec Terry, although the tops spec GC has alot more features you cant spec the territory with, like auto tailgate, moon roof, 4 level suspension, etc.
I do think when my diesel terry is due to be replaced next year, it is going to be hard not to pay a little extra for the GC ...... have to wait and see if there is more news on the seven seater Ranger first as with all my new cars, I try to support the Blue oval.

[Road_Warrior]

Dont forget there is an update for the Territory in about 12-18 months which should contain a lot of the features some are so keen on.

[fnm17]

Will have to wait and see ... my Titantium diesel does everything i need it to be doing for the moment.

[Vesper Martini]

The only negative I can see with the JGC is lack of 3rd row seats.
Territory is priced slightly better, but the jeep is a nice bit of Kit
the way I see it Titanium = Limited.
the top model (overland) has more features hence should cost more.
SRT8 is just outrageous value

[Kieron]

Originally Posted by Mitch_

The pic you're thinking of is a cherokee IIRC - whole different model..

http://www.jeep.com.au/cherokee

Correct. The new Cherokee is FWD, based on a Fiat platform.

The GC is a mid size SUV in direct competition to the Territory already and i'm tossing up between the two for my wifes replacement car. When you comparing them, it's not a simple matter of comparing TX - Laredo, TS - Limited, Titanium - Overlander as the spec levels are higher with the GC.

The new GC (which is already available in the US) raises the bar again compared to the Territory and the 2wd is going to knock on the T's door fairly hard. An update with more fruit is really require if they T is to compete, i'm going to wait until early next year and see how it pans out before I buy and I really want to stay with the blue oval.