Jeep Offers Grand Cherokee Laredo With 3.0 V6 Diesel

PRESS RELEASE: Chrysler LLC Expands Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee Diesel Lineup With 3.0-Liter Diesel Engine on Laredo Model

-- 3.0-liter diesel engine option available on Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee Laredo X Package

-- $1,000 decrease on 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland models equipped with diesel engine

-- Class-leading torque (376 lb.-ft.) and driving range (450 miles); outstanding towing (7,400 lbs.)

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 12 /- In the continuing effort to increase consumer awareness on the benefits of diesel technology, Chrysler LLC has expanded the Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee diesel lineup to include the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (X Package). Pricing for the diesel engine option also has been reduced by $1,000 on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland models equipped with the class-leading diesel engine.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is $2,585 for 4x2 models and $3,235 for 4x4 models.

The reduced MSRP for the diesel engine on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is $1,655 for 4x2 and 4x4 models and the MSRP for the diesel engine on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x2 and 4x4 models is $1,010. Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo models equipped with the 3.0-liter diesel engine will begin to arrive at dealerships in late November.

"The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel offers class-leading torque and driving range as well as outstanding towing capacity," said John Plecha, Director -- Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications. "By expanding engine availability and reducing existing prices we hope that more consumers will be encouraged to take advantage of this clean, renewable fuel. Chrysler believes that clean diesel technology can and should be a part of the national energy solution and we will continue to build upon our diesel leadership."

The 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine, built by Mercedes-Benz, produces 215 hp (160 kW) @ 3,800 rpm, has a class-leading 376 lb.-ft. torque (510 N*m) @ 1,600-2,800 rpm and can tow up to 7,400 pounds. The 3.0-liter engine gives the Jeep Grand Cherokee a class-leading driving range of approximately 450 miles and gets an estimated fuel economy of 18 miles city and 23 miles highway for 4x2 models and 17 miles city and 22 miles highway for 4x4 models. Earlier in the year, the engine earned a spot on Ward's "10 Best Engines" list.

Clean diesel technology improves fuel economy by up to 30 percent and has up to 20 percent lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel is available in 42 states, excluding California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Diesel

With an MSRP of $35,685 for 4x2 models and $38,305 for 4x4 models (including $695 destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Diesel (X Package) includes a five-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch aluminum wheels, Quadra- Trac II(R)*, Sirius Satellite Radio, engine block heater, automatic headlamps, power eight-way driver and four-way passenger seats, automatic dimming rearview mirror, leather-trimmed heated front seats, power adjustable pedals, remote start, power sun roof, adjustable roof rails, side rails, cargo cover and fog lamps. (*4x4 models only)

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Diesel

With an MSRP of $38,315 for 4x2 models and $40,905 for 4x4 models (including destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD includes Sirius Satellite Radio, Quadra-Trac II(R)*, five-speed automatic transmission, 17- inch aluminum wheels, memory system (seats, mirrors, pedals, etc.), air conditioning with dual-zone automatic temperature control, rain sensitive windshield wipers, premium leather seats, SmartBeam headlamps, tire pressure monitor, engine block heater and MyGIG(TM) Multimedia Infotainment System. (*4x4 models only)

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Diesel

With an MSRP of $41,710 for 4x2 models and $45,145 for 4x4 models (including destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland CRD includes a five- speed automatic transmission, Quadra-Drive II*, 18-inch chrome clad wheels, ParkView(R) rear back-up camera, ParkSense(R) rear back-up system, skid plates*, trailer tow package, tow hooks*, engine block heater, Sirius Satellite Radio, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with navigation and UConnect(R) hands-free communication system. (*4x4 models only)

The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel is manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel is fueled with B5 (5 percent) biodiesel at the assembly plant to help increase the awareness of biodiesel. The Jeep brand also produces a flex-fuel capable 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine, which gives customers the ability to use a fuel with an up to 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) in their vehicles.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel Pricing (Includes $695 Destination)*

• Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2 $35,685 (including $2,585 diesel engine option)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 $38,305 (including $3,235 diesel engine option)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2 $38,315 (including $1,655 diesel engine option)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 $40,905 (including $1,655 diesel engine option)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x2 $41,710 (including $1,010 diesel engine option)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 $45,145 (including $1,010 diesel engine option)

*All pricing is for U. S. vehicle only