NEW MODEL JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE "OVERLAND" FITTED WITH HIGH OUTPUT V8 ENGINE
-SAVES ON FUEL AND REDUCES NOISE-
February 8 2002
Melbourne, Australia - the Jeep Grand Cherokee now expands the strength of its line-up providing better response performance, increased highway fuel economy and reduced engine noise at highway speeds with the launch of the new top-of-the range "Overland" model.
Equipped with a high output 4.7-litre engine that accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds - compared with 9.0 seconds on the standard 4.7-litre Grand Cherokee - Judy Wheeler, Managing Director Chrysler Jeep Australia, said "the new Grand Cherokee Overland continues to revolutionise how customers think of 4 x 4 vehicles by offering customers features they would expect to find in luxury cars with all the utility and capability of a Jeep vehicle".
Producing 190 kW - 16 per cent more power than the highly acclaimed standard 4.7-litre V8 - and 425 Nm torque - an eight per cent increase over standard - this engine provides the Grand Cherokee Overland with a top speed of 207 km/h. This compares with the 200 km/h top speed of the standard 4.7-litre V8.
The 4.7-litre HO engine is mated to the new Jeep five-speed 545RFE automatic transmission. This transmission provides a second overdrive gear which offers key highway driving benefits in fuel economy and noise reduction.
To produce the extra power and torque, Jeep engineers at the Chrysler Group's Mack Avenue Engine Plant in Detroit, Michigan, began by adding symmetric pop-up-style pistons to the standard Grand Cherokee 4.7-litre PowerTech V8 petrol engine, raising its compression ratio. Next, they modified and fine-tuned the cylinder heads, connecting rods, crankshaft and intake manifold. Stereo knock sensors were also added.
Grand Cherokee Overland is distinguished by unique machined-rim five spoke 17 x 7.5 aluminium alloy wheels, body-colour exterior fascia panels, a body colour grille, rock rails to protect the sills and a bright finished exhaust pipe.
Inside, equipment includes a power sunroof, a unique suede and leather seat trim, embroidered "Overland" floor mats, 10-way powered and heated front seats, and real red wood trim on the instrument panel, centre console, upper door trims and upper part of the steering wheel.
The acclaimed Quadra Drive four wheel drive system featuring Vari-lok progressive front & rear axles is standard and allows the vehicle to maintain traction even if only one wheel has grip. For optimum off-road performance, Overland is also fitted with a standard skid plate set to protect the fuel tank, transfer case and front suspension.
Also standard are side curtain airbags to provide head protection for both front and rear outboard occupants in the event of a side collision, increased height headrests and the introduction of a centre shoulder seat belt and headrest on the rear seat. Standard multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags are designed to deploy at different levels depending on the severity of the impact and whether the occupant is wearing a seat belt.
The Overland has a rain sensitive windscreen wiper system, utilising a rain sensor attached to the windshield. When the front windshield wiper control is turned to "AUTO," the wiper system automatically activates when it rains.
Air conditioning is improved by five-to-ten degrees with the addition of the thermal expansion valve to the evaporator.
Available in five colours - Patriot Blue Pearl Coat, Graphite Metallic Clear Coat, Onyx Green Pearl Coat, Silverstone Pearl Coat and Black Clear Coat - Overland goes on sale by early March with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $75,490 plus onroad and dealer's costs.
8/2/02
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