Jeep has just announced that its new, epic and popular fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee will get a price reduction for the 2012 model year. Additionally, both the V6 and the V8 get some minor tweaks to help optimize fuel economy while the Jeep Wrangler receives the new Pentastar V6 without a change in price.

When sales for the 2012 models begin next month, the base Laredo trim’s starting price will begin at $26,995, $3,220 less than the original price. Reasons for the decrease in price weren’t exactly specified, but from just pure observation, the eight-way power driver’s seat was dropped for the 2012 whereas it was standard on the 2011 model. Also, the options and packages for the Grand Cherokee seemed to have climbed a little in price as well.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In terms of the minor tweaks, the 5.7L V8 Grand Cherokee gets a new six-speed automatic transmission. For the V6, a new electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering system is equipped to take some of the load off of the engine, thus boosting fuel economy.

The new ratings for the V6 are a gain of one city mile for 17/23 city/highway for the rear-wheel drive model while the four-wheel drive V6 model gets a boost of one mpg for the highway. New fuel economy figures for the V8 have yet to be released.

As for the Wrangler, the new Pentastar V6 gives the Wrangler a much better 290hp to work with, however the automatic transmission still only has five cogs. The updated Wrangler fuel economy ratings are 17/21 city/highway. Both power and fuel economy figures are significant improvements from the last V6-powered Wrangler. The base price for the Wrangler remains $22,045.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Cars.com

Seen on page 133 and 137 of Chrysler’s Restructuring Plan for Long-Term Viability Plan submitted to the U.S. Treasury earlier today, are sketches of the next-generation Chrysler 300 and Jeep Gran Cherokee.

In it’s plan Chrysler says that “revenue in the in the near term will get a boost with the debut of a redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee.” It said that the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be “built in the United States and will feature improved fuel economy and a best-in-class interior.” Fuel-economy of the next-generation Grand Cherokee will be improved by 19 percent.

As for the 2010 Chrysler 300, Chrysler LLC says the next-generation model will feature a “stylish new exterior and interior designs, improved fuel efficiency and unprecedented uconnect connectivity.” Powertrain options will include an all-new fuel-efficient 6-cylinder engine along with a V8 HEMI. The HEMI will feature Chrysler’s Multiple Displacement System (MDS) that automatically deactivates engine cylinders for enhanced fuel economy which will be improved by 22 percent.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Click through for more images.

2010 Chrysler 300 and 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee Sketches:

 Source: Chrysler (via KickingTires)

Chrysler LLC, which reported a 55 percent decline in January 2009 sales, shut down three assembly plants after reopening them just two weeks ago.

According to Automotive News, Chrysler will shutdown the plants that make the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander and the Dodge Ram 1500 and Dakota pickups. The factories resumed production on Jan. 20 after an extended holiday shutdown.

“It’s always about managing product and dealer inventory,” Chrysler spokesman Dave Elshoff told Automotive News. “If dealer inventory is high, we’re not going to build on inventory.”

Chrysler said it finished last month with 359,980 vehicles in stock, or a 151-day supply.

The Chrysler Employee Pricing Plus Plus incentive program kicked off exactly a week ago and Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep have finally listed their offers online. Of Course the offers are provided with the participating dealers in your region so you’ll have to head over to the web sites of the three brand and enter your zip code to see the incentives.

Approved customers will be eligible for cash discounts of up to $3,500 for 2009 models and up to $6,000 on 2008 models. Zero percent financing is available for up to 48 months.

And yes – the 2009 Dodge Challenger is also getting incentives including the SRT8 models.

Visit the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep web sites to view the offers.

Source: KickingTires

Chrysler showed up to Detroit last week with five electric-drive concepts – none of which it has a concrete plan to build. According to Automotive News, Chrysler hopes to put at least one into production next year but the automaker is facing major obstacles.

Unlike its rival General Motors, Chrysler has not confirmed who will supply the lithium-ion battery for its electric-vehicles nor has it set a firm production date.

President of Chrysler’s ENVI division Lou Rhodes said that the company has already decided which one of the five vehicles it plans on producing next year but declined to identify it. He said that Chrysler is testing a total of 100 plug-in hybrids in commercial fleets this year.

Including the Chrysler Town & Country EV and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV, Chrysler unveiled a new Jeep Patriot EV, a mid-sized Chrysler 200C EV and the Lotus based Dodge Circuit EV.

Chrysler 200C EV:

Dodge Circuit EV:

Jeep Patriot EV:

Update: Chrysler dropped us a short e-mail saying:

“Chrysler Vice Chairman and President denied reports and rumors that the Company is in discussions to sell its brands or plants. LaSorda, in a conference call with reporters this morning, also addressed rumors regarding deals with specific companies.” 

——

According to sources familiar with the matter, Chrysler is once again in talks with Nissan/Renault and supplier Magna to sell key assets. Chrysler and Renault/Nissan were in contact last year before Chrysler headed to Congress to ask the U.S. government for federal loans.

Sources are now saying that the talks are once again gaining momentum and include discussions about a deal to sell Chrysler’s Jeep brand.

At the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli said that it is not looking for a buyer or a merger. He said he would like to pursue more alliances like the ones the company has with Nissan and Volkswagen.

Follow the jump from a video from Reuters.

Tomorrow at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chrysler’s ENVI department will be showing off a number of electric-vehicles and EREVs (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle). Joining the Jeep EV, Chrysler EV and the Dodge EV will be the Jeep Patriot EV.

As an EREV, the Jeep Patriot EV uses an electric-motor that is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and a small gasoline engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the system when needed. The front-wheel-drive 5-passenger SUV produces a total of 150 kW (200-hp) from motor power and an additional 45 kW (60-hp) on continuous electric-power. The Jeep Patriot EV has a range of 400 miles, including 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation. 0 to 60 mph comes in approximately 8 seconds with a top speed of 100 mph.

The Jeep Patriot EV features a new ENVI Green Pearl exterior with a prominent “EV” graphics. Of course, this is just a concept and Chrysler has not yet said anything about when or if it will enter production.

Jeep Patriot EV:

At last year’s Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler threw a major press event outside Cobo center for the launch if it’s 2009 Dodge Ram pickup. Now, a year later, Chrysler is going to try something different and will show off the latest versions of the three electric vehicles it unveiled in September.

In September, Chrysler showed a gasoline-electric version of the Town & Country minivan known as the Chrysler EV; a gasoline-electric version of the Wrangler known as the Jeep EV; and an all-electric sports car based on Lotus carrying a Dodge EV badge.

According to Automotive News, the show version of the Dodge EV in Detroit will have more “Dodge-like” styling and could possibly be a four-passenger coupe.

All electric-vehicle products of the company come from its ENVI department. Chrysler said the ENVI will offer its first production vehicle by 2010, but it isn’t saying exactly which one will be offered to the market.

Dodge EV:

Chrysler EV:

Jeep EV:

It’s been previously reported that Tata Motors is in talks with Chrysler to sell Jeep Wrangler SUVs in India. At the recent Bologna Motor Show, Mahindra & Mahindra, a Tata Motors rival, sent out a message to Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli and Tata Motors CEO Ratan Tata that basically screams “Forget you guys – we can do it on our own.”

The concept you see above is a Mahindra & Mahindra produced concept that looks a lot like the Jeep Wrangler lineup . The open-top study is nearly 4 meters long and is powered by a 2.5 liter 108-hp engine.

We’re wondering what Nardelli and Tata think about this.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport (via TTAC)

Chrysler said today that it will be closing its SUV factory in Newark, Delaware and will be cutting one shift at its Toledo, Ohio, Jeep plant. Obviously the moves come due to a slowing global economy and as consumers shift to smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The Newark plant closure will be effective by the end of 2008 affecting about 1,000 jobs. Chrysler will also layoff about 825 workers at its Toledo plant indefinitely as of December 31st. The Auburn Hills automaker said that it will work with the UAW to handle layoffs in a “socially responsible manner.”

Chrysler builds the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUV at the Newark plant which was originally scheduled to close at the end of 2009. Toledo is responsible for the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty. Sales of the Nitro are down 46 percent this year while Liberty sales are down 21 percent.

Source: Detroit News

While the GM/Chrysler talks could end in a total wipe out of Chrysler’s 83-years of existence, the Jeep brand may have some hope. As we’ve reported before Renault is also a key player in these talks. Reuters is now reporting that Renault is interested in an acquisition of Jeep, known as the most valuable Chrysler brand.

The deal could put the best-known SUV brand back into the hands of Renault that it sold to Chrysler along with American Motors back in 1987. Renault had purchased American Motors, which owned Jeep, in 1979.

Former Renault chairman Louis Schweitzer said last year that he regretted selling AMC and Jeep. He wrote: “It would have been clever to make full use of Jeep. If we had done so, we would have been in a good position today in the U.S.”

Source: Reuters

Chrysler today unveiled three EV prototypes including the Dodge EV, Chrysler EV and the Jeep EV. Chrysler isn’t saying anything about which prototype will enter production but says that it will select one to be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets.

Which prototype would you like to see enter production and on the roads by 2010? Make your vote count in the poll below. But first read a little about all three below.

Dodge EV: A rear-wheel-drive roadster powered by a 268-hp electric motor and lithium-ion battery with a maximum torque of 480 lb-ft. Chrysler claims that the Dodge EV can travel 150 to 200 miles on a single charge. 0 to 60 mph comes in under 5 seconds with a top speed of 120 mph. It’s what we voted for.

Chrysler EV: If you vote for this you’re probably a dad with at least 3 or more children. The front-wheel-drive Chrysler EV is powered by a 255-hp electric motor with a peak torque of 258 lb-ft. It allows for 40 miles on electric power alone on a single charge, after which 8 gallons of gasoline allows for 400 miles.

Jeep EV: The Jeep EV is for the treehugger off-roader enjoying mother nature. It’s powered by a 268-hp electric motor with a maximum torque of 295 lb-ft. Like the Chrysler EV, it allows for 40 miles of gas-free driving on a single charge before the 8 gallons of gasoline kicks in.

Click through for high-res images.

Chrysler”s EV Prototype Lineup:

Dodge EV:

Chrysler EV:

Jeep EV:

Chrysler and its ENVI division have finally released the official details on its three new electric-drive vehicle prototypes, one for each of its brands, Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler. Chrysler said that it will select one of the prototypes to be produced for the North American market in 2010 and the European market after 2010. About a 100 Chrysler EVs will be on the road next year as a part of a fleet test. Chrysler showed the Dodge EV, Jeep EV and the Chrysler EV, demonstrating its new electric-drive technology in each segment – sports car, off-roader and a people hauler (otherwise known as a minivan).

The Dodge EV is a two-passenger electric rear-wheel-drive sports car powered by a 268-hp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. That allows for a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 5 seconds with a top speed of more than 120 mph. Chrysler says the Dodge EV can travel between 150 to 200 miles on a single charge.

The Jeep EV is a range-extended electric off-roader and also uses a 268-hp electric motor with a maximum torque of 295 lb-ft. It allows for 40 miles on electric power alone (much like the Chevy Volt), after which the 8 gallons of gasoline allows for a range of 400 miles.

The Chrysler EV, which we’re guessing will be the first one that Chrysler will put into production, is another a range-extended electric-vehicle powered by a 255-hp electric motor allowing for a 0-60 time of 9 seconds. It can travel 40 miles on electric power alone. After that, 8 gallons of gasoline allows for a range of 400 miles.

Click through for high-res images and the press release.

Chrysler’s EV Prototype Lineup:

Dodge EV:

Chrysler EV:

Jeep EV:

Press Release:

Chrysler LLC Surges Forward with Production-intent Electric Vehicles
 

Company Introduces Three Advanced Electric-drive Vehicle Prototypes

    – One targeted to be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010
    – Chrysler LLC to have approximately 100 electric vehicles on the road in government, business, utility and development fleets in 2009
    – Chrysler electric-drive technology to be applied to front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms
    – Dodge EV: All-electric Performance Sports Car
    – Jeep® EV: Wrangler Range-extended Electric Vehicle to allow customers to roam the planet and take care of it at the same time
    – Chrysler EV: Town & Country Range-extended Electric Vehicle
    – Chrysler and General Electric pursue joint project with U.S. Department of Energy

 
Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 23, 2008  -  Actions speak louder than words.

Chrysler LLC announced today that the Company and its ENVI organization have new production-intent, advanced electric-drive technology packaged in three different vehicles ““ one for each of its brands, Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge.

Chrysler will select one electric-drive model to be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010. Additionally, approximately 100 Chrysler electric vehicles will be on the road in government, business, utility and Chrysler development fleets in 2009.

The Company said that it is well into the development of advanced, production-intent electric vehicles, and that it will apply electric-drive technology to its front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms in the next several years.

At its World Headquarters here today, Chrysler revealed its electric-drive prototypes ““ Dodge EV, Jeep EV and Chrysler EV ““ and demonstrated the driving performance and capability of each.

“We have a social responsibility to our consumers to deliver environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient, advanced electric vehicles, and our intention is to meet that responsibility quickly and more broadly than any other automobile manufacturer,” said Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO ““ Chrysler LLC. “The introduction of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge electric vehicles provides a glimpse of the very near future, and demonstrates that we are serious and well along in the development of bringing electric vehicles to market.”

ENVI Organization
The development of Chrysler”s Electric Vehicles and Range-extended Electric Vehicles is led by ENVI ““ representing the first four letters of “environmental” ““ the Company”s in-house organization that was formed to focus on electric-drive production vehicles and related advanced technologies. The development of electric-drive systems for future Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles is maturing quickly.

“ENVI was created just over one year ago with the strategic intent to develop electric-drive vehicles quickly for Chrysler, and it is surpassing expectations,” said Tom LaSorda, Vice Chairman and President ““ Chrysler LLC. “With ENVI, Chrysler is developing technology to bring Electric Vehicles and extremely fuel-efficient Range-extended Electric Vehicles to market.”

Electric Vehicle Technology
Chrysler”s Electric Vehicles utilize just three primary components. These include an electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor and a controller that manages energy flow. The electric-drive system is being developed for front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive vehicle applications.

“This technology provides customers with a vehicle that has zero tailpipe emissions and a 150- to 200-mile driving range ““ far exceeding most Americans” daily commutes, as nearly 80 percent of Americans drive less than 40 miles per day, or 14,000 miles per year,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President ““ Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “Electric Vehicles provide the opportunity to fulfill social responsibility, reduce dependency on foreign oil, and eliminate monthly gasoline bills, while delivering performance and utility that our customers desire.”

Range-extended Electric Vehicle Technology
The Range-extended Electric Vehicle combines the electric-drive components of the Electric Vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. This provides the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today”s gasoline-powered vehicles ““ with no compromises in performance.

Range-extended Electric Vehicles offer environmental responsibility without giving up driving range, comfort or utility.

Dodge EV
The Dodge EV development Electric Vehicle is a two-passenger, rear-wheel-drive sports car that marries high performance with zero tailpipe emissions.

“The Dodge EV sets a new standard for what can be expected in electric-drive vehicles,” said Lou Rhodes, Vice President ““ Advance Vehicle Engineering, and President ““ ENVI. “The electric-vehicle technology enables a fun-to-drive performance sports car and helps redefine the vision of an environmentally responsible vehicle for the Dodge brand.”

The electric-drive system consists of three primary components: a 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery and an integrated power controller.

The 200 kW electric-drive motor generates 650 NӢm (480 lb.-ft.) of torque. The instant high torque of the electric-drive motor delivers outstanding performance, accelerating the Dodge EV to 60 mph in less than five seconds, with quarter-mile times of 13 seconds. The Dodge EV has a top speed of more than 120 mph.

Working with the latest advanced lithium-ion battery technology, the Dodge EV has a continuous driving range of 150 to 200 miles ““ more than triple the average daily commute of most consumers. Recharging the vehicle is a simple one-step process: plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet for eight hours. The recharge time can be cut in half to four hours by using a typical 220-volt household appliance power outlet.

The Dodge EV offers driving enthusiasts a performance sports car that can be driven to work every day ““ without consuming gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions.

Jeep EV
The Jeep EV development vehicle is a Range-extended Electric Vehicle that provides a glimpse into the future of a “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” vehicle with renowned Jeep Wrangler capability.

The Jeep EV combines Wrangler”s unmatched off-road capability with the ultimate “Tread Lightly” mindset by providing nature ambassadors with the ability to roam the planet and take care of it at the same time.

The Jeep EV Range-extended Electric Vehicle uses an electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery system, and a small gasoline engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. The 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor generates 400 NӢm (295 lb.-ft.) of torque. With approximately eight gallons of gasoline, the Jeep EV has a range of 400 miles, including 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation.

“We are also exploring four-wheel-drive, in-wheel electric motors to demonstrate the full reach of ENVI”s advanced electric-drive technologies,” said Rhodes.

The instant high torque of the electric-drive motor and the ability to precisely control each wheel independently results in off-road capability ideally suited for the Jeep brand, without compromising on-road driving capability.

Chrysler EV
The Chrysler EV development vehicle is a Range-extended Electric Vehicle that demonstrates another possible application of ENVI electric-drive technology in the segment-leading Chrysler Town & Country minivan.

“With the Chrysler EV, we are able to blend seven-passenger capability and the luxury of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan with electric-drive technology, demonstrating family practicality with zero compromise,” said Rhodes. “ENVI”s electric-drive development vehicles showcase our accelerated application of electric-drive systems into a wide range of vehicles in Chrysler”s future product portfolio.”

The Chrysler EV combines the electric-drive components of an Electric Vehicle with an integrated small-displacement engine and generator to produce additional electricity to power the electric-drive system when needed. This provides all of the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle and extends the driving range to be equivalent to today”s gasoline-powered vehicles ““ without compromises.

The Chrysler EV uses a 190 kW (255 horsepower) motor, producing 350 NӢm (258 lb.-ft.) of torque, providing 0 to 60 mph acceleration in approximately nine seconds. The Chrysler EV Range-extended Electric Vehicle can drive 40 miles on all-electric power, and boasts a range of 400 miles on approximately eight gallons of gasoline. This makes the Chrysler EV the perfect fuel-efficient family vehicle.

The knowledge and experience gained from the Chrysler EV will be applied to other front-wheel-drive applications in Chrysler”s portfolio.

Chrysler LLC Electric-vehicle Consumer Web Site
Chrysler LLC has launched a Web site ““ www.Chryslergoeselectric.com ““ to allow consumers to view the latest updates on Electric Vehicles and Range-extended Electric Vehicles from the Company. Content will include videos, photography and news, and visitors can sign up for updates. In addition, the site features a blog where consumers can interact directly with the Company.

Department of Energy Cooperative Agreement
Chrysler and General Electric are jointly pursuing a project with the United States Department of Energy to explore advanced energy-storage technology.

“Chrysler”s partnership with General Electric combines the electric-drive technology demonstrated in the Chrysler Electric Vehicles, with GE”s research and development of advanced energy storage systems,” said Klegon. “Our collective goal working with the DOE is to develop a new, integrated energy-storage system to make electric vehicle battery packs smaller and significantly less expensive than current designs.”

Chrysler and GE will develop and evaluate dual-battery solutions based on GE”s unique technology.

“One of the challenges with electric vehicles is finding a battery with the correct balance between power ““ for example, during vehicle acceleration ““ and energy for long driving range,” said Klegon. “We believe that combining two unique battery chemistries ““ one biased toward power and the other toward energy ““ into a single battery pack is very promising for a future Chrysler Electric Vehicle.”

Chrysler will be introducing a new and redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2010 but will be keeping the unibody construction. Under the hood, Chrysler will offer a new fuel-efficient V6 engine, internally known as the Phoenix.

Tom LaSorda, Chrysler’s co-President said that Chrysler will retool its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit to produce the new Gran Cherokee and some other models that will use the same platform – which was built in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.

LaSorda also confirmed that Chrysler’s new small car that it is working on with Chery Automobile will be ready for sale next year.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Chrysler today announced a major new incentive to help dealers finish of their July with a bang. The automaker is offering 0% financing for 72 months on remaining 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs. 0% financing is for A tier customers only while B tier customers get 0% financing for 60 months.

Chrysler is also offering a $500 lease bonus on 2008 Chrysler and Doge models and a $1,000 lease bonus on most Chrysler and Dodge cars and minivans. The $1,000 lease bonus is also being offered on the Grand Cherokee, Commander, Liberty, Wrangler, Nitro, Durango and Aspen.

All incentives are effective starting today and will run through July 31st.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)