Press Release
All new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Rewrites SUV Standards for On- and Off-road Prowess, Exterior Poise and Interior Sophistication
- 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is all-new from ground up, and all Jeep from inside out
- Three new full-time 4x4 systems enhance on-road refinement, off-road capability
- First-time availability of 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine provides best-in-class power
- New exterior design, improved interior move Grand Cherokee more upscale
That's because when it comes to "go anywhere, do anything," the all-new 2005 Grand Cherokee handles the outback or the opera with equal aplomb, thanks to the vehicle's new athletic design, its improved ride and handling capabilities and its more sophisticated interior.
"Redesigning and reengineering an icon like the Jeep Grand Cherokee is challenging," said Jeff Bell, Vice President�Jeep. "It's a delicate balance between keeping what customers love about the vehicle, and, at the same time, breaking new ground to improve its design, on- and off-road capability, features and amenities.
"We believe we surpassed our goals with the all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, while succeeding at another requirement: holding true to the heritage of the Jeep brand," said Bell. "The result is a Jeep that is all-new from the ground up, and all Jeep from the inside out."
The new exterior design has a more solid and substantial appearance, achieved in part by a higher belt line and a reduced glass-to-body proportion. Signature features of the Grand Cherokee remain, including the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel openings.
Still, the foundation of the Grand Cherokee's reputation is its on-road refinement and off-road capability. To maintain its paved/unpaved dominance and bring-it-on performance, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee has:
- Three new full-time four-wheel drive systems;
- Two new engines, including�for the first time in a Jeep vehicle�the renowned 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8;
- Two new transfer cases;
- All-new suspension;
- Rack and pinion steering for the first time; and
- An all-new five-speed automatic transmission.
Exterior Design
The 2005 Grand Cherokee's new design offers an athletic and contemporary appearance. Up front, the signature seven-slot grille boldly dominates the front view. On the Grand Cherokee Laredo, the grille will offer a painted body color look, while a chrome-plated grille will accent the Limited."The challenge with Jeep design is to capture that limitless capability and attitude with an appearance that is fresh, fitting and timeless," said John Sgalia, Director�Jeep Interior and Exterior Design. "Additionally, there are certain elements that can't change on a Jeep because our customer base is so knowledgeable and has very specific demands."
High-performance halogen headlamps employ a rounded traditional Jeep appearance and gracefully integrate into a powerful hood form. The hood, air dam and exterior mirrors were developed in the Chrysler Group's wind tunnel in Auburn Hills, Mich., to minimize wind noise and improve aerodynamics.
The shape of the body has been thoughtfully designed to protect the sides of the vehicle from potential road debris thrown off the tires. The heavy and expensive cladding used on the previous model is replaced with a more efficient bodyside shape and moldings that are incorporated into the design. The bodyside molding also has the integrated Grand Cherokee name for a quality look and feel.
At the rear, larger taillamps feature red and clear lenses for a look that presents a luxurious feel without being gaudy. Badges are now injection-molded and chrome-plated to communicate a richness and sense of precision.
The Grand Cherokee has a 60 percent increase in overall torsional and bending stiffness compared to the prior model, which gives the vehicle excellent on- and off-road performance and allows the body to remain tight and quiet.
A More Upscale Interior
Taking capability and refinement to new levels, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee proves there is no reason a capable vehicle can't be comfortable and polished. A new and inviting interior awaits occupants with a rich two-tone instrument panel treatment, new door trims and upscale interior finishes.The seats are beautifully crafted with contours that are precise, firm and ergonomic, featuring a new robust structure. They are purpose-built and designed for long-distance comfort with trim styles different for each model: Laredo features cloth and optional leather while Limited seats are two-tone leather with perforated leather seat inserts.
The dramatic and elegant instrument panel design offers a high degree of precision. The instrument panel features a dark upper color and lighter lower color. Multiple storage bins were added for additional storage.
"Quality isn't just the workings of the interior but the perception the customer feels when inside the vehicle. The touch points�the sound the switches make, the fit and finish, the textures and lighter colors�are all vital to a quality perception because that's where the occupants literally live while traveling," said Clyde Ney, Jeep Design Manager and the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee's lead interior designer.
A new four-gauge instrument cluster with LED illumination features black gauges surrounded by chrome accent rings (on the Limited model) and red pointers for easy-to-read legibility in all lighting conditions.
Another significant feature is the new gated automatic transmission shifter, which provides smoother gear selection. A high-quality chrome trim bezel surrounds the gated shifter. On models with a two-speed transfer case, the traditional manual case lever is replaced with an electric "T-handle" lever that interacts better with the transfer case. A momentary pull rearward on the toggles selects between 4-Low and 4-Hi, before the lever returns to its original position. There is a parcel bin for cell phones and other such items to the right of the shifter.
In the cargo area, versatility and storage reign. A new reversible load floor panel is carpeted on one side and offers easy-to-clean plastic on the other. The plastic side includes a large shallow tray for additional utility.
