New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee must serve two masters

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite always being a unibody vehicle, like many body-on-frame SUVs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been largely shown the door by a raft of new crossovers that have played to consumers looking for improved on-road performance. Oh, back when the current WK model was new for 2005, then-DaimlerChrysler made a splash with a new double-wishbone suspension that was better able to soak up tarmac imperfections, but some hardcore brand loyalists felt betrayed because the improved ride came at the expense of axle articulation. Not wanting to risk offending brand acolytes with their new 2011 model, Jeep faced a pair of seemingly divergent goals: Improve off-road ability while making the vehicle more attractive to a wider, street-oriented mainstream audience. In other words, as Chrysler's vice-president of design Ralph Gilles put it to us, Jeep's mission was to "put the 'Grand' back in Grand Cherokee."



Let's get this out of the way right now: Both domestic and global auto markets have evolved greatly from the late-Nineties salad days when Jeep once managed to shift 300,000 Grand Cherokees. And while last year the GC sold under a third of that total, it remains a linchpin in the company's operation, particularly as the larger three-row Commander model is not scheduled to receive a replacement. The company's fortunes are incredibly shaky right now, but if it is to survive in any form, products like the GC will still need to be able to shoulder a heavy burden. Does the GC have the muscles for the job? Follow the jump to find out.

Jeep's solution to its two-audience conundrum is the model you see before you, and while it shares lots of familiar cues, in the metal it looks at once far more aggressive than the exiting lantern-eyed WK, and ultimately more crossover-like. While it retains iconography like the seven-slot grille, the new headlamps have a meaner look thanks to a furrowed-brow appearance granted by the new hood. Perhaps the most dramatic departure is the profile view, where a new CUV-like tapering greenhouse takes up residence above a dramatically scalloped bodyside graphic. According to Gilles, the door panel indent is so pronounced that the company says they were "one step away from needing a compound hinge" to pull it off. If that profile looks longer to you, that's because it is – the wheelbase has swelled by four-inches, with that extra space dedicated completely to rear-seat passengers (+ three inches) and cargo room (+ one inch). The rear end is all-new as well, with a cleaner license plate surround and more horizontally oriented tail-lamps that emphasize the Grand Cherokee's wider width. Loyalists take note: Your pass-through rear glass has been retained.







So, this new model has a longer wheelbase and a more refined, crossover-like aesthetic. How exactly is that going to appeal to the mudpluggers in the audience? Well, Jeep has added a bounty of new off-road minded technology, in addition to new powertrains and a stiffened structure.



Starting with the engine choices, the volume model is expected to be the company's new flex-fuel "Phoenix" V6. The variable-valve timing equipped 3.6-liter engine nets 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm – a substantial 33% bump in horsepower and an 11% boost in torque over the departing V6. Backed by a carryover five-speed automatic, it is also a more efficient powertrain, with a claimed 11% increase in fuel economy. This new six-cylinder is scheduled to appear in many more products, potentially showing up in seven or eight different applications. Jeep officials expect the V6 to account for more than 50 percent of Grand Cherokee sales, a big switch over the WK GC, which skews more than 75 percent in favor of the V8.







Speaking of which, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 has also been worked on, and it now generates 360 hp and 390 lb/ft of torque. Sizable efficiency gains are also expected, as the variable-valve timed engine will also use the company's cylinder deactivation technology (Multi-Displacement System) more often than in previous incarnations, and the gearbox picks up a sixth cog, as well. Regardless of which engine is selected, total range ought to improve, with Jeep quoting over 500 miles for the V6 thanks to the 24.6-gallon fuel tank (four gallons larger than before).



All of that power is nothing without added control, and to that end, Jeep has taken pains to greatly improve torsional stiffness in the chassis, something that both everyday commuters and off-roaders will appreciate. The new structure (based heavily on the Mercedes-Benz ML) has upwards of 5,400 welds, including 53% more spot welds and 42% more arc welds. There's also a further 38% increase in structural adhesive use. The net-net is a chassis that's 146% stiffer – one that Jeep says bests the Toyota Highlander and BMW X5 for rigidity and allows for a maximum tow rating of 7,400 pounds.



So... what about that off-road hardware we talked about? During our private walkaround at Chrysler's Auburn Hills headquarters, Scott Kunselman, vice president of Chrysler's Jeep and truck product team was clearly excited to tell us about all of the new off-road gubbins that the company has managed to pack into this new model.



While lower-end models make do with a standard steel springs, there is an all-new Quadra Lift air suspension option that allows the driver to dial up ground clearance of up to 11.1 inches to crawl over boulders and downed tree branches. It's exactly the sort of equipment that helps increase the GC's breakover angle despite having a longer wheelbase (a full complement of skid plates is optional). That air suspension can also be lowered to parking height for easier ingress and egress, and if it's anything like Land Rover's air suspension setup, it figures to offer a more accommodating ride in the bargain.



Another bit of tech that reminds us of those boys from Solihull is Jeep's new Selec-Terrain system, a rotary controller that comes with models spec'd out with the top-shelf Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system. Selec-Terrain enables users to gird the vehicle's various systems (electronic limited-slip differential, traction control, stability control, two-speed hill-descent control, anti-lock, and so on) for various ground conditions, including Sand/Mud, Snow and Rocks. There is also a default automatic setting, and unlike the blokes at Land Rover, there is also a Sport mode that lowers ride height and allows for a bit more hooliganism before the electronic nannies kick in.







Predictably, there are more available creature comforts than ever before, including a much-improved interior with additional space, richer materials, tighter panel gaps, and more available toys. Some of the optional niceties include a mammoth twin-panel panoramic roof, an intelligent remote start (which automatically heats or cools the interior based on outside air temp), a collision warning system, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot/rear cross path detection system.



On the surface, at least, it looks like Jeep has managed an unlikely feat at the most crucial of junctures – it has seemingly imbued the Grand Cherokee with the credentials necessary to simultaneously court a wider roadgoing audience while giving it the goods to finish the job off road. That Chrysler has given this vehicle a 2011 model year designation while others are still introducing their 2010 lineup is not an error – the embattled automaker needs all the hits it can get right now as it seeks further government relief and help from Fiat. Wheeling out the GC well in advance of its debut in showrooms should only help the company build its case for eventual viability... and that thankless task will clearly be the 2011 Grand Cherokee's biggest obstacle to overcome.







PRESS RELEASE:



Jeep® Introduces All-new 2011 Grand Cherokee



Inventor of the SUV Hits the Sweet Spot of Real-world Capability and On-road Refinement



Legendary Jeep Capability

• New Quadra Lift™ air suspension system provides height control and lifts vehicle up to 4.5 inches from park mode to a maximum ride height of 11.1 inches to deliver legendary Jeep off-road capability

• Choice of three 4x4 systems – Quadra-Trac I®, Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive® II with Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD)

• New Selec-Terrain™ system with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II offers five terrain settings: Auto, Sand/Mud, Sport, Snow and Rock to match driving conditions

• First application of company's all-new, flexible fuel 3.6-liter V-6 engine which features Variable-Valve Timing (VVT), 280 hp (209 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 N•m) @ 4,800 rpm – an increase of 33 percent in horsepower, 11 percent in torque over its predecessor and up to an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy

• Available 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 generates 360 hp (268 kW) and 390 lb.-ft. of torque (520 N•m) @ 4,250 rpm – features VVT and fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology with dual exhaust to maximize efficiency

• For international markets, left- and right-hand drive and a choice of diesel and petrol powertrains will be available

• Unsurpassed trailer tow capability of up to 7,400 lbs. on 4x2 models

• Larger fuel tank with 24.6 gallon capacity, compared to 21.6 on current model, combined with improved V-6 fuel economy, delivers range close to 500 miles on one tank of gas



Refinements

World-class Interior

• Premium soft-touch interior materials for all price classes, including leather instrument panel and door uppers on Overland model

• World-class interior features include real wood and leather, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, four-way power lumbar controls, rain-sensitive wipers, Passive Entry/Keyless Go, ParkView rear back-up camera and power tilt/telescoping steering column with memory

• Increased storage areas in instrument panel with larger glove box and covered center-stack storage bin

• Premium packaging delivers enhanced comfort and easy accessibility for up to five passengers and cargo

• Larger front- and rear-door openings (78 degrees) for improved ingress/egress compared to current model (67 degrees)

• More than 4 inches of increased rear-seat knee and leg room (38.6 inches) compared to previous model with reclining second-row seats

• Larger cargo volume (36.3 cubic feet) provides 17 percent more room for gear compared to current model (31 cubic feet)

• A fold-flat front passenger seat provides improved cargo carrying capability (Laredo models)

• Well-appointed cargo compartment with removable dual storage bins inside the spare tire compartment



Exterior

• All-new sculpted body and athletic profile define a sleek exterior with aerodynamic finesse

• All-new dual-pane panoramic sun roof (CommandView®) extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. Comprised of two glass panels with power open/close sun shade

• Effortless power rear liftgate for remote up/down convenience (Grand Cherokee first)

• New 20-inch wheels available on Limited and Overland models

• Bi-Xenon High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps standard on Limited and Overland models

• Segment-exclusive SmartBeam® headlamps adjust to ambient light and oncoming traffic to deliver maximum lighting



Ride and Handling



• All-new independent front and rear suspension systems deliver premium on-road manners with isolated front and rear suspension cradles and variable-rate rear springs that combine to enhance on-road character and ride comfort

• All-new body structure's torsional stiffness is 146 percent stiffer than current model and stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander for improved durability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)

• Stiffness achieved with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. This marks

a 53 percent increase in spot welds, a 42 percent increase in arc welds and a

38 percent increase in structural adhesive

More than 45 Safety and Security Features

• Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) includes Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill-Start Assist, Trailer-Sway Control and available Hill-Descent Control

• Standard full-length side-curtain air bags extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers

• Standard seat-mounted side thorax air bags enhance protection of the driver

and front passenger

• Standard Jeep-first active head restraints deploy in the event of a rear collision

to minimize the gap between the head restraint and occupant's head

• ParkSense® Park Assist System assists at low speeds to detect stationary objects. Warnings include audible chimes and display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)

• Blind-spot/Rear cross-path detection system notifies driver of vehicle(s) in blind spots with illuminated icons on side-view mirrors and/or an audible chime

• Adaptive cruise control decreases vehicle's pre-set cruise-control speed when closing in on another vehicle or when another vehicle pulls into same lane

(late availability)

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system detects when the vehicle may be approaching another vehicle too rapidly and alerts driver (late availability)

• Remote Start (standard on Overland (available on Limited) starts engine and activates comfort settings based on ambient conditions by using the key fob while maintaining vehicle security



Connectivity and Infotainment



• uconnect guardian standard on all models and includes: Automatic Crash Notification, Emergency Call, Roadside Assistance Call, Remote Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance

• uconnect tunes wireless Bluetooth® connection for cell phones (and future

MP3 players), enabling streaming music, and new USB connection with digital technology, enabling voice search by song title and artist for iPod devices

• uconnect nav featuring all-new Garmin navigation and uconnect studios featuring SIRIUS Backseat TV

• Premium Alpine audio system with nine speakers, surround sound and a

506-watt sub woofer



Nearly 18 years ago, Jeep invented the premium SUV segment with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. More than 4 million sales later, Jeep improves the formula and hits the sweet spot of real-world capability and on-road refinement with the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.



The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand's legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. It also offers improved fuel economy (up to

11 percent) and a world-class interior cabin.



"We listened carefully to our customers and the market," said Scott Kunselman,

Vice President – Jeep/Truck Product Team, Chrysler LLC. "Our all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee hits the sweet spot of premium on-road performance and legendary

class-leading Jeep capability."



The all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension system delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability along with the new Selec-Terrain system that allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road driving conditions. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver premium on-road handling and comfort.



The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is built on a proven rear-wheel-drive unibody platform sharing the same underpinnings as the Mercedes-Benz ML.



"Jeep invented the SUV segment and our all-new Grand Cherokee is the next step in the evolution of the SUV," said Mike Accavitti, Director – Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge Brands. "Jeep innovations including Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain traction control separate us from the crowd."



Legendary Capability



The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the new Quadra-Lift air suspension system. The Quadra-Lift system features five height settings for optimum ride performance:



• Normal Ride Height (NRH): 8.1 inches of clearance offers improved fuel economy and improved aerodynamics during on-road driving

• Off-road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional 1.5 inches for added height in clearing obstacles (9.6 inches)

• Off-road 2: Delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability and provides an additional 3 inches of height for 11.1 inches of ground clearance

• Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 1.5 inches from NRH for easy ingress/egress. NRH and Park mode are driver-selectable giving the driver control over vehicle ride height

• Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle .6 inches from NRH. Aero Mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel economy



Quadra-Lift adds up to 4.5 inches of lift span that is supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console controls.



In addition to the Quadra-Lift air suspension, the all-new Selec-Terrain™ traction control system lets customers choose the off-road setting for the optimum experience on all terrains. This feature electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).



The Selec-Terrain's control dial allows the driver to choose from five driving conditions

in order to achieve the best driving experience on all terrains:



• Sand/Mud: Traction control and Quadra-Lift operate with sensitive response to wheel spin, and torque is tuned for optimal performance

• Sport: Provides enhanced on-road "fun-to-drive" capability

• Auto: Automatically adapts to any on- or off-road situation

• Snow: Vehicle traction and Quadra-Lift adjust for ultimate performance over snow-covered roads

• Rock: Quadra-Lift suspension raises to maximum height (11.1 inches) and the transfer case, differentials, and throttle coordinate to provide low-speed control



Selec-Terrain, coupled with the all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension, offers drivers an adjustable suspension span that delivers legendary Trail Rated® performance.



With the front air dam removed, and the available Quadra-Lift air suspension, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 35.9-degree approach angle, (compared to 32.3 on current model), a 29.2-degree departure angle (compared to 27.5 on current model) and 25.1-degree breakover angle (compared to 20.4 on current model).



The all-new independent front and rear suspension features isolated front and rear suspension cradles. Variable-rate rear springs deliver improved on-road handling and comfort that complements the vehicle's off-road capability. The new rear suspension allows the spare tire to be stored inside the vehicle as opposed to underneath.



Go-Anywhere 4x4 Systems

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers three 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I®,

Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive® II).



Quadra Trac I delivers full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull. The system provides smooth operation over a variety of road conditions. This light-weight single-speed case is both proven and highly efficient for enhanced fuel economy.



Quadra Trac II's two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order

to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.



Quadra Drive II, with a rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD), delivers industry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.



Selec-Terrain is standard with Quadra Trac II and Quadra Drive II.



Jeep Trail Rated®



All 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with either the off-road or the Quadra-Lift group are Trail Rated®. The Jeep Trail Rated badge on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee indicates that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging

off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.



Jeep Trail Rated is a unique methodology used by Jeep Engineering to measure and predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, Jeep Trail Rated provides a consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.



Powertrains

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with two leading engine options

for North American markets.



The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's standard engine is an all-new flexible fuel 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is an all-new design featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration. It features Variable-Valve Timing (VVT) and delivers 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 N•m) @ 4,800 rpm. This all-new V-6 engine improves fuel economy up to 11 percent compared to the previous Grand Cherokee equipped with a V-6. It is coupled with the proven W5A580, a five-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy. The five-speed W5A580 transmission includes adaptive electronic control or Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver-interactive manual control and an electronically modulated torque converter clutch.



The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's larger fuel tank, with a 24.6 gallon capacity, combined with the V-6 engine's improved fuel economy, delivers a range of approximately 500 miles on one tank of gas.



The available legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine delivers 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 390 lb.-ft. of torque (520 N•m) @ 4,250 rpm. The HEMI also features VVT, which delivers performance and towing capability, as well as fuel efficiency with the fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS). The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is mated to the 545RFE multi-speed automatic transmission.



The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers unsurpassed trailer tow capability of up

to 7,400 lbs. on 4x2 models when equipped with the HEMI V-8 engine.



For international markets, the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available

in left- and right-hand drive with either diesel or petrol powertrains.



World-class Interior Refinement

The all-new interior is elevated to that of its European competition and features rich materials and elegant appointments, as well as more room for both passengers and cargo.



"Following in the footsteps of our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram, our all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is another proud graduate of our Advanced Interior Design Studio," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Design. "We achieved a world-class interior by using fine materials and maintaining a laser-attention to details."



An available all-new CommandView® dual-pane sun roof provides twice as much glass surface than a standard sun roof and extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. The front panel can be opened rearward, providing additional light and fresh air to first-row passengers. The rear panel, which is fixed, allows light and open viewing for second-row passengers and comes standard with a power sun shade.



Right-sized Packaging



The vehicle's 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than the model it replaces and contributes to an overall vehicle length that is 1.8 inches longer than the prior model. The longer wheelbase creates more interior room and gives passengers an additional 4 inches of rear-seat knee and leg room. The vehicle also is 3 inches wider for improved handling and packaging.



Larger front door openings (1.9 inches wider; 2 inches higher) and rear doors open 78 degrees compared to current models (67 degrees) for better access to the interior.



Inside, premium seating includes room for five passengers. An available fold-flat

front-passenger seat provides improved cargo storage room (Laredo models).



For added passenger comfort, rear seats recline 12 degrees. There also is a 12-degree forward angle to allow 24 degrees of variation.



Cargo volume behind the second-row provides an additional 6.8 cubic feet of room (36.3 cubic feet total) compared to the previous model. The well-appointed rear cargo area includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and new and improved grocery hooks on both sides. The spare tire compartment includes removable dual storage bins for secure storage of muddy gear or other items.



An all-new power rear liftgate is available for effortless remote up/down convenience.



Classic Exterior Design



Every surface of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and treated for aerodynamics. This improves fuel efficiency and puts more fluidity into the design while delivering a 7- percent improvement in drag compared with the current model. The all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee Cd is approximately 0.37 compared with the 2009 Cd of 0.404.



"Our all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is much more refined, focused and sportier than the model it replaces," said Gilles. "It has classic Jeep Grand Cherokee styling

with sculpted athletic exterior refinements for 2011."



The front includes Jeep's classic seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel arches. The removable lower front fascia delivers improved fuel economy, on-road performance and off-road capability. The lower front fascia features a large chromed appliqué (Limited and Overland models) that showcases available tow hooks.



From the side, Jeep Grand Cherokee features an athletic, muscular profile. Black appliqués on B-pillars give the day-light opening (DLO) an aerodynamic, modern appearance and a sleek profile. Available chromed mirrors and door handles add to the profile and complement the full-chromed DLO surround on all models.



Seventeen-inch wheels are standard and deliver off-road capability, with optional 18-inch and all-new to Jeep, 20-inch wheels for 2011.



Taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle and create a solid form which achieves more of an upscale appearance. The treatment complements the front-end design and resonates with the rest of the exterior.



Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with a HEMI V-8 engine have 3.5-inch dual chromed exhaust tips, and those with the V-6 engine have a 3-inch single exhaust.





Premium Performance



Continuing to build on the Jeep brand's legendary off-road capability, the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee adds premium on-road performance to complete the package.



The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's premium SUV on-road manners and legendary Jeep ruggedness is achieved with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. Torsional stiffness is 146 percent more than the current Grand Cherokee and stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander for improved durability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).



With more than 3,700 mm of arc welding and 100 m of structural adhesive to augment welding, this marks a 53-percent increase in spot welds, a 42-percent increase in arc welds and a 38-percent increase in structural adhesive.



More than 45 Safety and Security Features

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes more than 45 safety and

security features.



Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection, four-wheel Brake Traction Control System (BTCS), Passive Entry/Keyless Go, Remote keyless entry, express up/down windows for driver and front-seat passenger, seat-belt pretensioners, Trailer-Sway Control and Remote-Start which is standard on Overland and available on Limited.



Other standard safety features include full-length side-curtain air bags which extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger and active head restraints which deploy in the event of a rear collision.



The body structure is all new and designed to achieve expected safety performance

in global markets (new roof-crush standards, side-impact standards and Euro

pedestrian impact).



Connectivity and Infotainment Features

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will feature uconnect guardian as a standard feature on all models (services provided by Hughes Telematics).



uconnect guardian provides customers with the top five requested security features. uconnect guardian customers can access the following:



• Automatic Crash Notification – In the event of an accident, a call is placed and a request for assistance is dispatched to the vehicle's location

• Emergency Call – With a push of the emergency button, customers are placed in contact with a trained emergency response specialist during an emergency situation

• Roadside Assistance Call – Connects customers to a uconnect customer care specialist who can connect them to Chrysler's road-side assistance for towing or jump starts

• Remote Door Unlock – Remotely unlocks doors with a simple phone call

• Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance – Works with local authorities via on-demand tracking to provide the current location of the vehicle if it is stolen



Manufacturing



The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be built at the 2.7-million-square-foot Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit, which has been the site of Grand Cherokee production since its introduction in 1992.



In preparation for production of the all-new Grand Cherokee, Jefferson North Assembly is undergoing a 285,000-square-foot expansion to replace the existing body shop, which is part of Chrysler's investment of approximately $1.8 billion in new vehicle programs. In addition, changes throughout paint and assembly operations will give the facility an all-new level of manufacturing flexibility for multiple product capability.



JNAP was built in 1991 and was expanded in 1999.



Jeep Brand

Staying true to its values and character, the Jeep® brand is purpose-built for adventurous lifestyles. With 68 years of legendary 4x4 capability, the Jeep brand continues to fulfill promises of adventure, liberation and independence for those who embrace life, whether traveling on- or off-road. The ruggedness and responsiveness of Jeep vehicles provide owners with a sense of security to handle any situation with confidence.



For 2009, the brand's legendary Go Anywhere, Do Anything™ heritage is maintained with the addition of more interior refinement, comfort and technology in the widest range of sport-utility vehicles under one brand. The Jeep product line includes the brand icon, the Jeep Wrangler; the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited; the popular mid-size Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America); the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee; the seven-passenger Jeep Commander; and the Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass with

all-new redesigned interiors and fuel economy of 28 mpg.

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Preparing for Passover 2009 and the Blessing of the Sun in New York

The Blessing of the Sun, Birchat haChama, is celebrated only once every 28 years, which means that it is an event that is experienced only a few times in anyone’s lifetime! This year it will be marked on the morning of April 8, 2009. The sun will rise at 6:28 DST in New York City.

It is an opportunity for expressing appreciation at the beauty and wonder of the world. It is also an opportunity to think back 28 years (if you can) and forward 28 years (may you have many more), and try for some special perspective.

Also, if you give this a little thought and planning, you may be able to have a quick breakfast with friends before the start of Passover that evening. The service can start anytime within 3 hours after sunrise but many are planning to meet at sunrise, which is much more dramatic than starting at say, 9 am.

In New York City, people have arranged to meet and have the Birchat HaChama service in many places including: at the observation deck of the Empire State Building, the roof of the Manhattan JCC, and on the rooftop of many congregations of all and every type, other buildings and in the Central Park Band Shell.

This desire to get hundreds of feet closer to the sun expresses the New Yorkers love of tall buildings, unique events, as well as loving an opportunity to step outside of their daily routine. The weather prediction is for a chilly and mostly sunny morning. Ok, the weather forecast said partly cloudy, but I am an optimist. Bring your hot coffee or tea. If you need any more details, write to me.

Some notes about Passover: I have heard 2 complaints about preparing for Passover on the Upper West Side: the high price of foods that are always Kosher for Passover being jacked up higher for the holiday shopping for no understandable reason other than to perhaps feed the ugly monster of greed. The other complaint is how crowded their favorite stores become at this time, especially Fairway -which is always very crowded before any holiday of any type- even before Groundhogs Day. These are the same complaints we all hear each year.

Remember to give donations to the local food pantries, and fulfil the mitzvah of feeding the hungry. The pantries are very low on supplies this year- there are more people in need. They welcome cash, but food is appreciated too.

Instead of burning your Chametz, why not scatter the crumbs for the birds returning on their Spring migration. They may eat chametz any time.

Chag Pesach Sameach= Have a Happy Passover

source

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Adam Lambert's Mad World: Here's the YouTube video

Adam Lambert's Mad World: Here's the YouTube video

Adam Lambert gave a stunning performance of "Mad World" tonight on American Idol that resulted in Simon giving him a standing ovation. Unfortunately, the live show ran more than 5 minutes over on the East Coast.

Which means a lot of people who recorded it missed seeing it and wound up screaming at their TV.

 

-Click here for photos of all of Adam Lambert's different looks on American Idol this season

No worries, Fox will have to rerun the performance Wednesday night during the results show, I think. And Ryan's going to be getting ripped for not policing the show better and keeping things moving. That is, after all, his primary job!

Fox -- get a clue and post the videos on your Web site after the West Coast show airs! Until then:

1) Click here for photos of all of the finalists singing on stage

2) Vote in our poll for your favorite finalist

3) See photos from inside the after-party for the 13 "American Idol" finalists

4) Check out the other entries, conversations and latest news on our "American Idol" blog

Read more...

Maryland DWI Laws for Juveniles

If you are under the age of 21 and are convicted of a DWI in the state of Maryland, you stand to face rather harsh penalties. Recently, Maryland revised its DWI laws to increase the severity of consequences for juvenile drivers (under age 21).

This change to the DWI laws is part of a larger crack down on underage drinking that has been going on throughout the state. Due to lack of maturity and inexperience on the road, juvenile drivers are responsible for a large number of auto accidents. When alcohol is added to the equation, this risk is substantially higher.

Impact of a DWI on a Juvenile

The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) treats juveniles differently than adults, since there are restrictions placed on your driver’s license until you turn 21. Therefore, juveniles face the following consequences for a DWI:

• Automatic suspension of license for refusing or failing a breath test
• Possible jail time
• Up to 6 month license suspension if convicted
• Hefty fines

Probation Before Judgment

In the state of Maryland, the judge has the right to grant a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in DWI cases. With a PBJ, your case is resolved without a trial or conviction. If the judge accepts a PBJ plea, you will be placed on probation for a specified amount of time, and if you complete the probationary period without any further marks on your record, your charge is completely dismissed.

The primary benefit of a PBJ plea is that your DWI will not be on your permanent record. You will not receive any points on your license, you will not lose your license, and your insurance will not find out about the infraction, which will save you a great deal of money on your insurance premiums. More importantly, you will not have to disclose your DWI to potential employers.

However, if you are under 21, judges will not grant you a Probation Before Judgment. Therefore, you will be unable to avoid the many penalties associated with a DWI conviction. At best, you can only hope for a reduction in penalties. However, your DWI will remain on your permanent record. Clearly, this is less than ideal.

DWI Defense

Due to the seriousness of the charges and the major impact a DWI will have on all areas of your life, it is important to hire an experienced DWI lawyer to represent you. The stakes are simply too high to defend yourself. You are much more likely to receive a lenient sentence if you are represented by a skilled DWI lawyer. If you are a juvenile, it is even more important to secure proper representation since the consequences are more severe when you are under 21.

If you have been charged with a DWI in the Baltimore, Maryland area, please contact the Law Offices of Jimeno & Gray, P.A. today to schedule a consultation.

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Pulte Homes and Centex To Merge in Billion Dollar Deal

Centex and Pulte Homes are the first home builder mega merger to come through, but odds are it will not be the last.

The 1.3 billion dollar stock swap is being done while both companies are hemorrhaging money in the housing downturn. The merging of assets, valued at a combined 7.2 billion dollar enterprise value should provide enough protection to make it through till the markets turn around.

The Pulte Homes name will be the new name of the company and the headquarters will remain in Bloomington Hills, Michigan. So, it looks like Pulte management will be the dominant force in the merger.
Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the deal. The combined company will use the Pulte name and will be based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., where Pulte is based. The company plans to maintain a significant presence in Dallas, where Centex has its headquarters.

Under the agreement, Centex shareholders will receive 0.975 shares of Pulte stock for each share of Centex they own. Based on the $10.77 closing price of Pulte stock on Tuesday, the transaction has a value of $10.50 a Centex share, a 37 percent premium over Centex closing price of $7.62 on Tuesday.

Upon closing, Pulte shareholders will own about 68 percent of the combined company, and Centex shareholders will own about 32 percent. NYTimes.com.

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