What Is Quadra-Lift - An Explaination From Jeep

Quadra-Lift: 
The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the new Quadra-Lift air suspension system that provides a total of 104mm of lift adjustment. Quadra-Lift operates automatically or may be controlled manually via console controls.

Quadra-Lift is supported by four-corner air springs featuring five height settings for optimum ride performance:
− Normal Ride Height (NRH): 205mm of clearance offers improved fuel consumption and improved aerodynamics during on-road driving
– Off Road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional 33mm to 238mm for added height in clearing obstacles
– Off Road 2: Delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability and provides an additional 66mm over NRH for 271mm of ground clearance
– Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 38mm from NRH for easy ingress/egress and roof rack loading. NRH and Park mode are driver-selectable, giving the driver control over vehicle ride height
– Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle 13mm from NRH. Aero Mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel consumption
With the front air dam removed and the available Quadra-Lift air suspension set to Off Road 2 mode, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 34.3-degree approach angle, a 27.3-degree (to rear recovery tow hook) departure angle and a 23.1-degree breakover angle.

Jeep 2011 Grand Cherokee Pricing Announced

As we reported a last week Jeep have just released the New Grand Cherokee at a much lower price than the previous model.
"Arguably one of the most impressive factors around the launch of the all-new Grand Cherokee is the value story. Starting at $45,000, the pricing is thousands below that of the outgoing model, despite the significant lift in features, equipment and quality. This is set to make the Jeep Grand Cherokee a major contender in Australia’s SUV sector."

Pricing is as follows;
Base Vehicle Price (BVP) excludes Government charges and Dealer Delivery
Grand Cherokee Laredo
 $45,000 3.6L V6 5-speed automatic
 Premium Paint $450
 Quadra-Lift air suspension $2,500
Grand Cherokee Limited
 $55,000 3.6L V6 5-speed automatic
 $60,000 5.7L V8 5-speed automatic
 Premium Paint $495
 Quadra-Lift air suspension $3,250
 Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof $3,250
 Luxury Group $3,250
 Power liftgate & heated steering wheel
 Off-Road Adventure Group $1,950
 (18” alloys, Quadra-Drive II, Skid Plate group)
Grand Cherokee Overland
 $69,500 5.7L V8 5-speed automatic
 Premium Paint $495
 Rear DVD Entertainment centre $3,250
 Deletes dual pane sunroof
 Off-Road Adventure Group $650
 18” alloys, Quadra-Drive II, Skid Plate group

These prices are at a much lower level than the  previous WH series although you must remember that most of those were CRD Turbo Diesel.
Overland models are still a few months away along with the diesels expected mid year.
More information to follow soon

Wrangler Diesel and Pick Up News

Mike Manley Talks Wrangler Pickup and Diesel For US Markets

In a recent interview with the Toledo Blade Mike Manley discussed the likelyhood of a Wrangler Pickup and possible Wrangler Diesel versions for the US market. A diesel in USA means that the Rubicon is finally eligable to be fitted with this desirable high torque engine. It is hoped that the Pickup gets the go button pressed also as there is a swelling demand for this vehicle. Every time there is a poll or article about these two Wrangler versions enthusiasts go week at the knees and and want to order thier dream Wrangler now.

Mike Manley said "Wrangler is so beloved in the organization that we have a wealth of ideas that continue to bubble up. Some of those ideas have a lot more merit — we've talked about a Wrangler pickup and we've talked about diesel in Wrangler."

If a Wrangler-based pickup is green-lighted, Mr. Manley said there would be room to make it on the Wrangler line in Chrysler's Toledo Assembly complex. "Today, that plant's running two shifts; there are opportunities to add further shifts to that if necessary. The demand isn't there yet," he said.

He said he continues to study a business case for a diesel-engined Wrangler for North America. Thus far, he said, different emissions standards for Europe and North America have kept diesels overseas, even as Jeep enthusiasts in the United States clamor for diesel's higher torque and extended durability in their Wranglers.

He said he hopes a new VM diesel being installed in European-bound (and Australian ed.) Wranglers will meet U.S. standards. "I think what [common emissions standards] gives us in the future, and I'm not suggesting we're there yet, is an economy of scale that we haven't had in the past. If that happens, that helps the overall business case for diesel," Mr. Manley said.

Lets hope the Jeep decision makers get it right this time.

New 2011 Jeep Compass Heading Our Way

Word is that the newly updated 2011 Jeep Compass is heading our way to Australia soon.
The Compass has not been imported for nearly 2 years now but the newly updated "Grand Cherokee Look) small SUV is on its way and is expected to be a pivotal vehicle in the plan to increase global sales this year.

'The SUV, updated to resemble the larger and higher-priced Jeep Grand Cherokee, should appeal to non-U.S. drivers who prefer smaller vehicles, said Mike Manley, head of the Jeep brand and Chrysler’s international organization. The new Compass made its auto-show debut in Detroit on Jan. 10.

Chrysler has said it wants to more than double its sales in Europe and South America to almost 200,000 this year, in part by taking advantage of Fiat’s distribution network. Jeep accounts for half of Chrysler’s deliveries outside of North America and sold 13,050 Compasses in those markets last year, a 26 percent gain from 2009, said Todd Goyer, a Chrysler spokesman.

The Compass “will really fuel growth for us in the international markets, coming in underneath, hopefully, an equally strong reception for the Grand Cherokee,” Manley said in an interview late last year.


It looks like they are expecting big things of the new Compass, it certainly needed a new look as the previous model did not sell well against its' sister vehicle the Jeep Patriot.
See the US version here

New Aussie Bull Bar Released

A new locally produced Bullbar has been released on to the Australian market for the Jeep JK Wrangler.  Double Black Offroad have done all the design and development of this new Bullbar with both tourer and extreme off roaders in mind. The Double Black Offroad modular Bullbar is a versatile winch bar that can change with you and your jeep.

 Features:
Constructed out of 3.2mm and 5mm Xtra Form 400 grade steel which is 80% stronger than mild steel it's lighter and stronger than the competition.
Being modular the outer wings and top hoop are removable for that stubby bar look, serious rock crawling or simply fitting 37"+ tyres.
Alternative wing designs are also on offer.
The top hoop is made from 5mm thick 6061 aluminium tube that is strong and saves weight.  The top tube is offered
in satin black powder coat or fully polished.
The rest of the bar is offered in satin black powder coat.
ADR compliance has been achieved and tested with energy absorption brackets integrated into the mounting system which do not effect your jeeps airbag functioning or the strength of the bar.
Heavy duty offroad recovery hooks are also supplied as well as high lift jacking points.
If you are keen on competing there is a separate winch plate that allows the use of a warn high mount winch, otherwise most low mount winches will fit directly on.
Check it out at http://www.doubleblackoffroad.com/

AMAZING LOW PRICE FOR 2011 GRAND CHEROKEE

Rumors of a very low launch price for Grand Cherokee in Australia have proven to be true. Apparently all the range will be priced much lower than expected and Chrysler Australia will be very aggressive in the market for the Jeep brand. They are calling it 'The Year of The Jeep' and have a whole new marketing strategy planned for launch.

The pricing was announced yesterday at the dealer launch and the New 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with the Pentastar V6 3.6L will start at just $45000 plus dealer delivery and on road costs. This will make it around $49000 drive away which is amazingly low for such a high quality vehicle.
Obviously the strong Aussie dollar helps and a new product price and marketing strategy to go with it. At these sort of prices expect to see lots of the new Jeep driving around - competitors will be shaking in their boots for such a low price for the 4x4 of the Year winner. Expect more details to follow soon!

Cattle Re-Enter Victoria's High Country for Fuel Reduction Grazing

Mountain Cattleman have started droving cattle into especially selected areas of Victorias High Country for a fuel reduction grazing trial. Jeepers who visit the High Country will welcome this news as the grazing will reduce the build up of fuel that causes increased intensity of bush fires in the Alps.

The cattle were banned from the high country with much controversy in 2005 by the previous Victorian Labor Government after much pressure from environmental groups. The new Liberal Government in Victoria have a policy to re introduce cattle grazing during summer months to assist with fuel reduction by grazing the cattle in selected areas. The huge build up of fuel in the mountains since grazing stopped has been blamed for some the high intensity bushfires seen in recent years in the Alps. These fires cause massive environmental dammage to streams, vegetation and kill thousands of animals and wildlife. The impact of these fires is still seen when travelling the four wheel drive trails of the high country. More information at Mountain Cattlemans Association

Australian Dealers To Attend Launch of New Grand Cherokee

Autralian Jeep Dealers are to attend the official launch of the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee this weekend 22nd and 23rd January 2011. To be held at the Crowne Plaza in Torquay Victoria the  dealers and sales staff will be viewing and driving the new Grand Cherokee which has just won 4x4 Australia Magazines Four Wheel Drive of the Year award.
The new model will be available in 3 versions

• Laredo V6 Pentastar 3.6L
• Limited V6 Pentastar 3.6L
• Limited V8 Hemi 5.7L
• Overland V8 Hemi 5.7L
• Quadralift Adjustable Suspension is an option

Turbo Diesel versions will be available mid year and will be powered by a VM Motori 3.0L V6 Common Rail Diesel
Pricing is not yet known but the Laredo is expected to be around $50,000
2011 Grand Cherokee

Bull Bars Under Threat? Have Your Say

BULL BARS UNDER THREAT

The Federal Government is right now, considering regulations which will significantly affect the type of Bull Bars that can be fitted to motor vehicles. The 4WD Industry Council firmly believes that the Bullbar is an important safety product for motor vehicle and passenger safety, particularly in Australia’s regional and rural areas.

In preparing our submission to the Federal Government the 4WD Industry Council is collecting information on animal strike incidents, many of which are not reported, because they do not involve an insurance claim.

Please take a few minutes to click on the survey link below and tell us about your experiences in your 4WD, Light Commercial or Passenger Vehicle.

If you are unable to complete the survey in a single session, use the save bar (top) and complete the survey before the end February 2011.

Thank you for contributing to this significant issue for regional and rural motorists.

Australian 4WD Industry Council

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE

NSW VSI 50 Vehicle Modifications Update

December 2010 - NSW VSI 50 draft to Federal Body for consideration
Following determination by the NSW Minister for Transport in July 2009 that consultation be undertaken to examine and review the July 2009 vsn of VSI 50, a Working Party was established which included representatives from the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association/4WD Industry Council; the 4WD NSW/ACT (Representing Users Groups); MTA NSW and NSW RTA. 


The Working Party met a number of times during the last 18 months and through a series of ‘final drafts’ has arrived at a Draft Document dated September 2010.  In  September, AAAA/4WD Council representatives gave conditional agreement to that document.  Conditions included that 4WD NSW/ACT concerns regarding possible registration restrictions on vehicles with suspension lifts +50mm to +150mm be settled, with Industry representatives supporting 4WD NSW/ACT position that no restrictions should apply once vehicles were required to be engineer certified when over +50mm vehicle lift.

In late October, amid considerable Internet forum discussion (some ill-informed and misleading), Industry representatives were invited to meet with the NSW Minister for Transport and RTA officials to discuss the content of the VSI 50 Document to which Industry had agreed.  That meeting was cancelled at short notice and the Minister for Roads has asked that the VSI 50 policy we have agreed to date be referred to the appropriate national body with the intent of achieving an agreed national position on raising and lowering vehicles.  That body is expected to be the Federal Standing Committee on Transport.

The AAAA/4WD Industry Council are extremely concerned at this interruption to the Working Party process whilst the review is still incomplete.  We are pursuing the matter with NSW Government to understand reasons for this action by the Minister, in the light of the very progressive nature of the working Party process. 

The AAAA/4WD Council strongly support regulatory activities promoting safer vehicles; however we will stand against unreasonable restrictions, particularly where there has been a lack of practical consultation with stakeholders.

Until this issue is resolved, the NSW requirements for vehicle height modifications currently remain as they were, before the announcement of VSI 50 in July 2009.

For mor information visit http://www.aaaa.com.au/4wd/

Aussie 2011 Wrangler Details

Australian Spec 2011 Wrangler Model and Feature Changes
• All new redesigned interior
– Redesigned dash and instrument panel
– Modified centre stack now with silver painted A/C outlet rings, passenger grab handle with embossed logos
– New front door trim with soft touch armrests and ergonomic door handles
– Reversible load floor mat with Jeep logo
– Larger in-floor rear cargo area storage
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) now packaged with automatic transmissions
• Power heated mirrors added
• New Jeep brand corporate leather-wrapped steering wheel including cruise control and audio controls
• W5A580 transmission replaces 545RFE on diesel vehicles
• Standard axle ratio for diesel models with an automatic transmission now a 3.21 (formerly 3.73)
• Automatic headlamps now standard on Rubicon
• Black monotone cloth trim replaces Dark Slate Grey/ Medium Slate Grey cloth trim
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) now standard with Diesel variant
• 2.8L CRD turbo diesel now compliant with Euro V emissions standards
• New Stop-Start technology added for 2.8L CRD Turbo Diesel manual transmissions; vehicle shuts off when stopped and shifter is in neutral and the clutch is released, restarts when clutch is depressed
• Hard top now features larger quarter glass and larger CHMSL
• Bright White, Cosmo Blue, Deep Cherry Red, Detonator Yellow and Mango Tango paint added
• Deep Water Blue, Red Rock Crystal, and Stone White paint removed.
Groups
• Connectivity Group option available on all models which includes EVIC, Uconnect Voice Command w/Bluetooth and leather-wrapped steering wheel (standard on Diesel manual)
• Off Road Group no longer available

Celebrating 70 Years of Jeep in 2011

Jeep is celebrating 70 years in 2011 and Jeep are producing a series of 70th anniversary editions. No doubt we will get some of these here in Australia. Details will be here as soon as confirmation of Australian specification is known.

Jeep KK Cherokee (Liberty in US) shown in 70th Anniversary spec. wheels are different from usual type.

More Jeep Rumors - 7 Seat Grand Cherokee!

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler, has reportedly just announced his plans to bring an old American nameplate back to life. According to Automotive News, in two years time, Jeep will roll out a seven-seat SUV and its badge will read: Grand Wagoneer. According to Marchionne, it will be an upscale, seven-seat sport utility vehicle built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is slated to make its first appearance in January 2013, though whether that will be in conceptual or production form, we're not yet sure. - Source autoblog


This is re-assuring but way too slow for the market that the Commander tried to appeal to. By 2013/14 most owners of Commanders still requiring 7 seats will have purchased a different brand.

Jeep Pick Up Coming? More Rumors!

More Rumors Heard Of Jeep Pick Up!
Autoblog are saying that 'During a roundtable meeting in Detroit, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that Jeep will be getting a new model in the near future, one that he's classifying as a "multipurpose" vehicle fitted with "a truck bed."
Although Marchionne stopped short of calling the Jeep a pickup, he did reference the 2005 Gladiator concept (above) and said "there's better than a 50% chance that you'll get one."
Just as intriguing, the perpetually sweatered-CEO told the assembled media that the cargo-hauling Jeep will come to market whether the Ram brand likes it or not, saying, "They're totally peeved off at the fact that we're going to have anything that looks like a pickup truck with a Jeep badge on it. I actually think there's space for it."
Jeep Australia have been pushing for this vehicle for years; lets hope we get it soon!

New Jeep Slide Show Photos Added

Have just added two Slide Show Galleries which will be updated regularly. Talking Jeep Oz Slide Show is showing various examples of Jeep models from Jeep Jamboree Show and Shines and general Jeep Photos. The Jeep Oz In action will show all model Jeeps in various modes of Jeeping.

Grand Cherokee '4x4 of the year' How did it do it?

4x4 Australia Magazine really put the contenders to the test. The Jeep won on so many segments it was only Bushability where the Challenger was a clear leader. The Jeep even did well in fuel economy with the new Pentastar V6 engine up against all the other Turbo Diesel contenders.
You can see the full test results in the latest edition of 4x4 Australia Magazine - I will publish some excerpts here shortly.

Camp Coffs Is Getting Closer

 Camp Coffs is on the 21st to the 26th of April 2011. The annual Jeep Get Together is held each year at Easter near Coffs Harbour in NSW and is organised by Jeep Action Australia Magazine. If you are a subscriber you probably already know about it but if you want to go check out the details at www.jeepaction.com.au

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WINS ‘4X4 OF THE YEAR’ AWARD

The all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee has claimed the prestigious 4x4 of the Year title in the annual test held by 4x4 Australia magazine.
The flagship model for the Jeep brand proved unbeatable against some stiff competition. New from the ground up, the Grand Cherokee set the standard with its combination of on and off-road prowess, while still providing a luxurious ride for passengers with its refined interior and amenities.
The newest entrants to the Australian 4x4 scene were pushed to the limit over four days on a range of rigorous terrains including on- and off-road, dirt roads and mountain highlands. Each vehicle was judged on the following criteria: value for money, breaking ground (technology advances), toughness, doing the job and ‘bushability’. The new Grand Cherokee was outright or equal first in four of the five categories and rated second in the fifth. With an anticipated $50,000 price tag, the Grand Cherokee Laredo V6 scored top marks for value, quoted as being “a hell of a lot of 4x4 wagon for not a lot of money. It’s high-tech, high-spec, high-end at low buck price”. The new Jeep also received the highest score on the test for breaking ground, with the all-new Pentastar V6 engine being a hit with the judges due to its smooth, quiet power delivery and excellent fuel economy. Other exciting new technology advances also impressed, such as Selec-TerrainTM system, Quadra Lift® adjustable air suspension and class leading Hill Descent Control described as being “the best HDC system we’ve tried”. The Grand Cherokee also led the field in ‘toughness’, plus scored strongly in ‘bushability’, with unibody construction and suspension that has been “beefed up to suit the more off-road lifestyle of the Jeep”. However it also set the benchmark on sealed roads. Combined with the new V6, judges were impressed, stating that “its performance makes it rewarding on-road and it works well with the stiff chassis and adjustable suspension to provide a real driver’s car”. This contributed to the Jeep also receiving the highest score for ‘doing the job’.
This Australian award is sure to be the first of many local accolades for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, having already picked up a swag of honours in its home market in the USA, where it has been on sale since mid- 2010. The announcement was made on the Today Show this morning, and all the details of the Award are available in the February issue of 4x4 Australia, on sale today. See the Nine Today Show Clip Here
http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/winner-of-4x4-of-the-year/xt0f6yn

Breaking News! New 2011 Grand Cherokee Wins Australian 4x4 Of The Year

Just announced this morning; The New 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has just won the prestigious 4x4 Australia Magazines 'Four Wheel Drive of the Year' award!
The all new Jeep is being launched this month in Australia and what a great way to launch a new model winning the most highly regarded award in Australia. Expect to see it win many other awards in the next few weeks.

Good News For Jeep Sales In US

With Jeep gearing up for a huge sales growth in Australia this year The US parent posted a 49% increase for December with Grand Cherokee sales tripling last December’s number. The iconic Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Patriot both posted double-digit percentage sales increases in December. For the year, Jeep brand sales were up 26% versus sales in 2009.
Source Allpar.com

Check Out Our New Pages

Have a look at the new pages that are slowly appearing here, We have added a new page that will include some rare historic Jeep articles and the Jeep Links are being constantly updated. I also want to show the more unusual photos and video so if you have an item you would like to see here please email talkingjeepoz@gmail.com