The current generation Jeep Grand Cherokee was the leader for Chrysler LLC’s rebirth when it hit the market as a 2011. Followed soon after was a massive refresh of the entire company and the most powerful Jeep produced: the SRT8. If 470 horsepower wasn’t enough for Jeep-kids around the nation, Chrysler’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne, said that a diesel variant would make a U.S. debut in 2013. It would appear that there is no such thing as a perfect ending however as Mike Manley, head of Jeep brand, recently mentioned that only the Grand Cherokee would receive such treatment.
According to Car & Driver, Jeep’s flagship will be the only model to offer a Mopar-infused SRT model as well as a diesel engine. Official word has yet to be released in regards to the U.S.-spec diesel. In Europe, a gasoline alternative is already being used and puts out a staggering 406 lb-ft of torque. The VM Motori built 3.0 liter V6 delivers 224 horsepower and fuel economy that can’t be touched by either the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 or 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 found in current U.S. Grand Cherokees. Manly went on to tell the magazine that a hybrid Jeep will not be found any time soon. Other engineering technology, like Fiat’s MultiLift valve timing, should find its way under the hood of future vehicles.
Source: Car & Driver
