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Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland brings high-output powertrain
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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TAOS, N. M. -- Ringed by snow-capped peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains, a rough trail near Taos winds across a plateau dotted by sage and cedar.
There's slick sand and loose gravel in the ruts, with occasional caps of embedded boulders piercing the trail as stony steps leading to higher ground.
Confronted by these natural obstacles, a prudent driver might think the best way to travel beyond such cataracts would be to seek an alternate path, but for this particular trek we're steering the most powerful and surefooted vehicle in the motor pool of Jeep, the DaimlerChrysler brand devoted exclusively to four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction.
It's the flagship for Jeep's line, the five-door Grand Cherokee sport-utility wagon as trimmed in deluxe Overland edition with plush on-board appointments to make this the most luxurious Jeep in history.
Power comes from a high-output version of the 4.7-liter Jeep V8.
The plant cranks up to 265 hp at 5100 rpm now, with torque climbing to 325 lb-ft at only 3600 rpm.
Grand Cherokee's big-time torque, when coupled to a sophisticated 4WD mechanism and the rigid superstructure, allows it to perform awesome feats on dirt and rock or sand.
It has a permanently-engaged Quadra-Drive 4WD system operating in concert with Vari-Lok axles to draw on the Quadra-Trac II hydro-mechanical speed-sensing torque transfer couplings set in differentials front and rear.
The intelligent device channels engine torque to rear wheels for driving on pavement, but for more work when driving off pavement it can send the muscle to any one or more of the four wheels capable of supporting traction.
That means if three wheels are sliding in slippery stuff and only one wheel gets a traction bite, all power goes to that gripping wheel to pull the wagon forward.
And everything's automatic with this system so a driver never has to shift a lever or punch up a particular traction mode to keep on tracking.
Consequently, it's a no-sweat situation when the Overland we're driving over that Taos trail reaches those sandstone steps, which seem even steeper up close and slick from a dusting of sand whipped by the desert wind.
We nudge ahead slowly with hands squeezing a leather-wrapped steering wheel and foot easing into the accelerator.
The rest is simply magic, Jeep-style, as this Grand Cherokee, elegant bastion of comfort, crawls across the stony speed bumps.
It noses onto the first rock, tilting upward at a steep angle with front wheels articulating vertically for almost two feet to get a good grip.
Then it smothers successive stone ledges in tire treads while mustering an arsenal of torque and applying the force of that 265-horse herd to propel two tons of automotive steel in bump-bump-bump fashion over the obstacle.
The feat's too cool, clearly demonstrating this Jeep's ability to conquer an intimidating trail while enveloping all riders in trappings of luxurious motoring.
Grand Cherokee represents the original sport-utility wagon and traces back decades in Jeep history with innovations like the Quadra-Trac automatic full-time 4WD system from 1973 and the first unibody four-door SUV wagon of 1984.
It emerged in 1999 from Jeep's Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit riding on a new chassis and wrapped in a sleek shell concealing the luxurious cabin plus high-tech mechanical systems that continue to set the capability curve for SUV performance.
And the current editions seem even easier to drive due to improved brake and steering mechanisms, a revised suspension system, and more comfort gear installed in the five-seat cabin.
Handy innovations for Grand Cherokee range from rain-sensitive front windshield wipers to a tire pressure monitoring system, available curtain-style air bags concealed in the ceiling above both side doors, and adjustable accelerator and brake pedals.
Actually, Grand Cherokee comes in three different trims with three powertrain choices.
The base edition Laredo uses as its standard engine a 4.0-liter in-line-six rated for 195 hp at 4600 rpm and coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission with either rear-wheel-drive (RWD) traction or Jeep's Selec-Trac 4WD mechanism, which has a full-time transfer case with low-range gearing.
Grand Cherokee Limited can be outfitted with the straight-six plant or a single-cam 4.7-liter V8 good for 235 hp at 4800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm.
The V8 mates with an automatic five-speed transmission, which has a second overdrive gear for increased fuel efficiency and quiet running at speed.
Limited is available in RWD format or 4WD with Selec-Trac or the Quadra-Drive system.
But Overland edition comes only one way -- with first-class amenities and incredible strength.
It packs the high-output version of Jeep's V8 paired with the five-speed automatic shifter and Quadra-Drive.
Overland also stocks Jeep's Up-Country Suspension Group with boosted ride height and gas-charged monotube shocks, plus protective skid plates positioned below the front suspension, transfer case and fuel tank.
Wheels are big at 17-inch diameter in cast aluminum and capped by Goodyear Wrangler SR-A all-terrain tires.
Equipment on the option list for Laredo and Limited becomes standard on top-of-the-line Overland, including the rain-sensing windshield wipers and curtain-style side air bags, a power-operated sunroof and cold weather gear like heated front seats and mirrors.
The spacious leather-lined and wood-trimmed cabin of Overland adds comforts for luxurious travel even in the back country with power-everything.
Layout consists of twin bucket seats up front segmented by a central console with a bench for three in back. Rear seatbacks split and fold to form a cargo bay designed to haul more than 70 cubic feet of gear.
Standard analog instruments in electroluminescent display include a tachometer and gauges for voltage and temperature. Other features encompass cruise control and dual-zone automatic climate system, a deluxe audio kit with 10-disc CD changer, roof rack, keyless entry and tie-down cargo hooks.
Current MSRP for Grand Cherokee Overland is $38,495.
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE OVERLAND Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size SUV wagon
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| Model Options: |
Mid-size SUV wagon
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| Wheelbase: |
105.9 inches
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| Overall Length: |
181.6 inches
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| Engine Size: |
OHV 4.0-L I6
SOHC 4.7-L V8
SOHC 4.7-liter V8 HO
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| Transmission: |
I6: Auto/4 42RE
V8: Auto/5 545FE
V8 HO: Auto/5 545FE
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| Drive: |
2WD Rear
4WD Select-Trac (full-time)
4WD Quadra-Trac II (on-demand)
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc
ABS
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| Airbags: |
Laredo: 2 (front)
+ opt. (side curtain)
Limited: 2 (front)
+ opt. (side curtain)
Overland: 2 (front)
+ (side curtain)
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| Gross Weight: |
I6 2WD: 5150 pounds
I6 4WD: 5400 pounds
V8 2WD: 5000 pounds
V8 4WD: 5000 pounds |
| Towing Capacity: |
I6 2WD: 5200 pounds, I6 4WD: 5500 pounds, V8 2WD: 6500 pounds, V8 4WD: 6500 pounds |
| Gas Mileage: |
I6 2WD: 15/21 mpg
I6 4WD: 15/20 mpg
V8 2WD: 14/19 mpg
V8 4WD: 14/19 mpg |
| Price: |
Overland: $ 38,495 |
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