The Hemi is revered amongst performance engines, with a history dating back more than 50 years, on and off the race track. Nothing else performs quite like a Hemi and nothing else sounds quite like a Hemi.
With 240kW (326bhp) of raw power and a huge 500Nm of torque under its bonnet, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is bristling with muscle. This particular Hemi however, has something that other V8’s don’t. Multi-Displacement System (MDS) engine technology.
Multi Displacement System de-activates half the 5.7-litre Hemi’s eight cylinders when they’re not needed, for example, when the Grand Cherokee is cruising or under light throttle. This technology reduces overall fuel consumption by up to 20%. New Grand Cherokee owners won’t even notice when the engine moves from eight to four cylinders and back, as the sophistcated technology makes the shift imperceptable.
The clever Hemi engine is just one of the stand-out features of the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Others include:
• New larger body that provides more space and comfort
• New Electronic Stability Program, improving on-road driving pleasure and raising safety levels with special anti roll-over technology
• New intelligent Quadra Drive II 4WD system improves off-road driving and makes this Jeep more capable than ever.
• New sequential shift transmission
• New high-tech 3-litre V6 CRD diesel engine due later this year
And these are only a few of the highlights that contribute to making the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee the best ever Jeep, and with a starting price of $73,900 for the Power Tech 4.7L V8, and $78,900 for the 5.7L HEMI model, surely the most desirable.
The styling of the new Grand Cherokee is a logical progression from the previous model, retaining hallmarks like the famous Jeep seven-slot grille, whilst beefing up its masculine lines. Body length has grown by 139mm, with 90mm added to the wheelbase, which significantly improves front and rear legroom, as well as luggage capacity. Width has increased 12mm and the track has grown some 64mm to give the Jeep a wider stance, along with improved stability. The bodyshell itself is 60% stiffer, yet vehicle weight is little changed, thanks to advancements like the aluminium bonnet.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is now in its third generation, with more than 3.5million sold worldwide. As the flagship of the Jeep range it is more luxurious and well equipped than ever before. Just one model specification is available, the Limited. The Limited range features elegant leather upholstery, dual zone climate air conditioning, premium 276Watt Boston Acoustics CD sound system, power windows and folding wing mirrors, remote locking with engine immobiliser, heated electric front seats, an auto dimming rear view mirror, rear park assist sensors, rain-sensing auto wipers and a vehicle information centre that even monitors tyre pressure.
Until the V6 CRD diesel engine arrives, the Grand Cherokee is currently available with two V8 engines options. The 4.7-litre V8 from, the previous model, but updated to deliver 170kW (231hp DIN) @ 4500rpm and 410Nm or torque at 3600rpm.
Topping the range is the new 5.7-litre V8 Hemi engine, which produces 240kW (326hp DIN) @ 5000rpm and 500Nm of torque at 4000rpm – significantly more torque than the BMW X5, VW Toureg and Volvo 90 V8 engines. The Hemi uses the famous hemispherical combustion chamber design to unleash incredible performance, rocketing the Jeep from 0-100km/h in just over 7 seconds. The delivery of torque however, has benefited the most from modern technology, providing the Grand Cherokee with superb pulling power - reflected in the 3500kg towing figure. Jeep is the first to incoporate the MDS system in a modern engine and it works so well that it has gained a place in the respected Ward’s Ten Best Engines of 2005.
An upgraded five-speed sequential transmission now provides the driver with the option of fully automatic changes or clutchless manual shifts.
Added to the equation are a completely new suspension system and variable rack and pionion steering, designed to improve the on-road handling and safety of the new Grand Cherokee. Up front is a short/long arm independent suspension layout, complemented by a five-link system at the rear, with gas shocks all-round and anti-roll bars. This system is further enhanced by the latest Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), which works with the anti-lock brakes (ABS) to help the driver retain control. ESP also incorporates a ‘roll-over mitigation system’.
Other standard safety features include front and side curtain airbags, the tyre pressure monitoring system, and the new bake-hardened steel that are used in all four doors to add toughness to the bodyshell. Confirming the Grand Cherokee’s safety, a 5-star rating has just been awarded by the NHTSA in the United States.
Being a Jeep, considerable emphasis is placed on four-wheel-drive capability in the Grand Cherokee, which has the latest Quadra-Drive II system as standard. This provides full-time four-wheel-drive to benefit the driver during marginal conditions on-road, as well as off-road.
The new system incorporates electronic limited slip technology in both axles and in the transfer case. These activate even faster to direct power to the wheel or wheels with the most traction. Plus, there’s 10% more wheel travel at the front and good ground clearance and entry/exit angles. The result is enhanced four-wheel-drive ability in a vehicle that was already considered to be the off-road king.
Like any true off-road capable Jeep, the Grand Cherokee had to pass the sternest test of all before it was signed off – driving the famed Rubicon Trail.
Above all, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is about quality. Significant investment in new production systems has further improved the fit and finish of this vehicle, to the point where even the switches had to ‘sound’ right and all materials used in the cabin met the highest standards.
Since going on sale in the US, the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee has won numerous awards, not just for its ability to drive off-road, but also for its sophistication and on-road driving pleasure.
