Jeep introduces murdered-out limited-edition Altitude Grand Cherokee, Compass, Patriot

In 2011, Jeep sales jumped 44 percent in the United States – with each Jeep model up more than 30 percent – while industry sales rose 11 percent. Jeep is now trying to keep that momentum going with special-edition versions of its lineup. Following a overwhelmingly positive response to the recently introduced stealthy looking Jeep Grand Cherokee Concept at the 2012 Houston Auto Show, the company has introduced a new limited-edition line called ‘Altitude.’ The murdered out modifications offered by Altitude will be coming to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot models.

During the debut of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Concept, the brand launched a ‘Name My Ride’ contest, which received over 100,000 entries.

“The fact that well over 100,000 consumers entered our ‘Name My Ride’ contest reinforces the passion behind the Jeep brand, and its position as one of the most recognizable and popular brands in the world,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The extraordinary response to both the concept and the contest resulted in an easy decision to produce ‘blacked-out’ editions of the Grand Cherokee – and the Compass and Patriot. These new Jeep Altitude editions will clearly have a broad appeal among consumers, especially those looking for something distinctive, edgy, and just plain cool.”

Sales of the limited-edition Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models will arrive in Jeep showrooms in May.

Check out the description on each model after the jump.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude: The Grand Cherokee Altitude edition combines a variety of exterior design changes to create a unique model with an aggressive chrome and ‘blacked-out’ look. The vehicle’s grille surround appears in black gloss, and mesh grille texture in platinum chrome. A platinum chrome lower fascia applique completes the unique front-end appearance. Black headlamp bezels and a black liftgate light bar continue the “blacked-out” theme throughout the vehicle’s exterior. The Grand Cherokee Altitude rides on 20-inch tires that surround black-gloss aluminum wheels.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude model includes standard leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 9-speaker 506-watt amp sound system with subwoofer, iPod/MP3 connectivity, Parkview rear back-up camera, ParkSense rear-park assist system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Chrysler Group’s Uconnect hands-free communications system, and more than 50 advanced safety and security features.

Available in Deep Cherry Red, Brilliant Black, Mineral Gray, Bright Silver Metallic, Maximum Steel Metallic and Stone White, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude starts at $35,595 for 4×2 models and $37,595 for 4×4 models.

Jeep Compass Altitude: The new limited-edition Compass Altitude continues the ‘from-the-factory’ customized look first seen in the Grand Cherokee concept shown in January. A distinctive black gloss finish surrounds Compass’ trademark seven-slot Jeep grille and headlamps, and the treatment continues with black roof rails and a black step pad. The Compass Altitude rides on exclusive 18-inch black gloss aluminum wheels wearing Firestone BSW all-season performance tires.

The Jeep Compass Altitude model is available in three drivetrain configurations (including available Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II Off-Road packages), and features power heated exterior mirrors and heated seats, remote start, continuously variable automatic transaxle, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and includes numerous safety and security features, such as electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist (with manual transmission), and side-curtain air bags that cover all rows.

Available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Mineral Gray and Bright White, the Jeep Compass Altitude’s price starts at $22,190 for 4×2 models and $23,940 for 4×4 models.

Jeep Patriot Altitude: The Jeep Patriot Altitude continues the ‘blacked-out’ theme found on Grand Cherokee and Compass versions, but features more chrome and polished steel than its Compass sibling. Riding on 17-inch high-gloss black aluminum wheels and Firestone BSW all-season touring tires, the Jeep Patriot Altitude boasts a bright chrome lower fascia and rear step pad appliques, and bright polished steel roof rails.

The Patriot Altitude edition is available in three drivetrain configurations (including available Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II Off-Road packages), and features power heated exterior mirrors and heated seats, power windows (driver one-touch) and locks, continuously variable automatic transaxle, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and includes numerous safety and security features, such as electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist (with manual transmission), and side-curtain air bags that cover all rows.

Available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Mineral Gray and Bright White, the Jeep Patriot Altitude’s price starts at  $20,240 for 4×2 models and $23,275 for 4×4 models.

– By: Omar Rana