New 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel to debut in Detroit

In a recent discussion with Ward’s Auto, Jeep brand CEO Mike Manley explained that the new diesel powered variant of the popular Jeep Grand Cherokee will make its formal debut in January at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit with those models hitting dealer lots during the first quarter of 2013.

There have been rumors for quite some time now that the Chrysler Group was planning to reintroduce the diesel engine to the Jeep lineup and with a variety of Common Rail Diesel (CRD) Grand Cherokee test vehicles caught running around the Metro Detroit area (shown on the right), many have been holding their breath for this new efficient-yet-powerful diesel Jeep. Thanks to Mike Manley, we know now that those buyers who have been clamoring for a diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee will get to check out their next new vehicle at the 2013 NAIAS in Detroit’s Cobo Hall.

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel models will pack a turbocharged 3.0L V6 that churns out 237 horsepower and a whopping 406lb-ft of torque – 16 more pound-feet than the mighty 5.7L Hemi V8 currently offered in the range topping Jeep. That power will be channeled to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission and we can expect that the diesel-powered Grand Cherokee will feature the same high tech four wheel drive system options as the other Grand Cherokee’s in the lineup. Many have speculated that the expensive diesel engine option will be available only with higher end trimlines which will allow the company to price appropriately without causing massive sticker shock. In other words, an engine option that raises the price by 10% rather than 15% - even when the actual increase amount is the same – is less likely to turn away customers.

Spyshots have indicated that the Chrysler Group is working on a facelift for the Jeep Grand Cherokee so along with the new 3.0L turbodisel V6 engine, the 2013 NAIAS in Detroit may also introduce the world to the new face of the top of the line Jeep SUV. We can expect the vehicle to remain largely unchanged with the exception of the front end – where a new set of thin HID headlights featuring LED trim will join a slimmer grille with a surround that incorporates the headlights and air opening into one big area. We can also expect new, larger LED tail lights to arrive on the refreshed 2014 Grand Cherokee.

The Chrysler Group is frequently petitioned by prospective buyers for a diesel powered model and, at times, the company has been willing to oblige with models like the previous Grand Cherokee and Liberty CRD models. Those models saw relatively low take rates, which help account for the short availability of these diesel models but with the constant requests from the consumer market, Chrysler is making the move to get a new oil burner in their range topping Grand Cherokee. We can expect that these models wont be lining the parking lot of your local golf course or shopping mall but for those folks who want a cleaner, greener and still powerful engine option in their new Grand Cherokee – there should be a diesel model available at your local Chrysler Group dealership no later this the Spring of 2013.

Source: Ward’s Auto