We recently showed you spy shots of the new Grand Cherokee, but now Chrysler has spilled (most of) the beans. Included in the viability plan just submitted by the automaker to the U.S. government was a rendering of the Grand Cherokee’s new look—as well as one of the next-generation 2010 Chrysler 300.
If the rendering is to be believed, the next Grand Cherokee will sport a flatter face with Jeep’s seven-slat grille gaining wider chrome bars. The headlight clusters shrink to create a look that’s much more modern and aggressive than the old quad bug-eye design. The lower intake moves to the bottom of the smoother front fascia, further reducing the visual chunkiness of its predecessor. The squared-off fender flares of the old GC become more subtle, and smaller door handles add to a sleeker overall shape. The glass portion of the rear liftgate appears to be more upright.
The Jeep looks as if it will carry its newfound exterior refinement to the inside. A simple-looking gauge cluster and center stack will greet the driver. Wrap-around wood trim lines the dash and doors, and we expect higher-quality and softer materials to be found throughout the cabin. Given the three-row Commander’s impending demise, we wouldn’t be shocked if the new Cherokee were to grow to allow for an optional third row of seats.
Under the Surface
Although the 2010 Grand Cherokee’s mechanical details remain secret, we do know that it was developed alongside the current Mercedes-Benz M-class, so expect a lot of the Jeep’s underpinnings to be shared with the Benz. Jeep will likely continue to offer the Hemi V-8—with more power and increased fuel economy, we’d expect—along with an all-new fuel-efficient V-6 that will be shared with the 300 and Dodge Charger sedans. An output figure for the six hasn’t been revealed, but with other companies offering sixes that deliver as much as 300 hp, we would expect Chrysler to stay competitive in the power department. Speaking of power, it is unclear if Jeep plans to continue its 425-hp SRT8 performance variant, but we doubt that such a niche vehicle could find a place in the struggling automaker’s plans right now.
Look for the Grand Cherokee to debut as early as the New York auto show this April and be available for purchase in the first quarter of 2010.
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