PREVIEW: 1999 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
07/06/1998
Shahed Hussain
The Grand Cherokee has been one of the most successful SUV's for Chrysler. Combining the off-road prowess of Jeep with the amenities and straight-line performance of a luxury sedan, the Grand Cherokee is nearly unmatched. Introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the Cherokee (which stayed in the lineup due to strong sales), the Grand Cherokee has carved out a unique niche in the SUV marketplace. In the years following its introduction, Jeep has seen competition from most major manufacturers as everyone scrambled to grab a piece of the enormously lucrative SUV market.
For 1999, Jeep faced a daunting challenge: How to improve the Grand Cherokee without compromising its rugged character. Loyal owners need not fear: the Grand Cherokee has retained the off-road capabilities of its predecessor. The solid axles and wheelbase are identical to the previous vehicle, but almost everything else is new.
The most significant change is the new SOHC 4.7L V-8 (235 bhp, 295 lb.-ft. torque), the first new V-8 from Chrysler in over 30 years. 54 pounds lighter than the 5.2L V-8 it replaces, the new iron-block, aluminum head V-8 offers 3-mpg better highway mileage and a 30% reduction in emissions. Other engines in the Grand Cherokee include the standard 4.0L inline-6 from previous model years (195 bhp, 230 lb.-ft. torque). A 3.1L inline-5 turbodiesel (150 bhp, 275 lb.-ft. torque) will be available in overseas markets.
Two automatic transmissions are offered. The 42/44RE is a conventional 4-speed automatic overdrive. The new 45RFE, available with the V-8, is a new transmission that actually has two second gear ratios. A 1.67:1 ratio is used for upshifts, but a 1.50:1 ratio is also available for "kickdown" (downshifts), depending on speed and throttle position. This allows the transmission to choose the best ratio possible during downshifts to maximize smoothness or performance.
Selec-Trac(R) (full time) and Quadra-Trac II (TM) (on demand) 4WD systems are offered. Selec-Trac (Quadra-Trac is optional) is standard for the 6-cylinder models; V-8 equipped Jeeps come with Quadra-Trac. Limited slip differentials (Vari-Lok (TM)) for front and rear axles are optional. The Quadra-Drive(TM) 4WD system integrates speed-sensing gerotor couplings to both axles. The gerotor couplings allow torque transfer from front to rear and side-to-side for maximum traction. In normal driving, the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system transfers most of the power to rear wheels. When a wheel loses traction, the speed difference between the axles causes the gerotor pump (similar to an engine oil pump) to apply hydraulic pressure to a clutch pack, which sends power to the front axle.
Suspension is typical Jeep. Live axle, "Quadra-Link" leading arms, track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar, and gas-charged dampers for the front suspension. The rear suspension has a live axle, lower trailing arms, triangular upper arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar, and gas-charged dampers. High-pressure monotube dampers are optional.
Optional on the Grand Cherokee is an electronic brake distribution system, which works concurrently with the standard ABS to improve braking stability. Larger brake rotors provide 22% more swept area. The new Jeep's brakes will meet or exceed all passenger car braking standards.
The new Jeep is styled very conservatively to preserve the trademark profile of the Grand Cherokee, yet smoothen the angular edges of the current vehicle. New quad headlights add a distinctive and aggressive look to the front. The vertical grill is sleeker than before, and the windshield is more raked for a sportier appearance.
The wheelbase remains the same at 105.9", but the track increases one inch. The new Jeep is four inches longer, two inches higher, and 1.5 inches wider than before. The spare tire is finally mounted under the cargo floor to allow some badly needed cargo room. Combined with the increased external dimensions frees up 1.2 cu. ft. more interior room.
Chrysler has done a great job of enhancing the best qualities of the new Jeep. The new V-8 will ensure that the Grand Cherokee will retain its performance lead over other SUV's. A larger interior addresses a major weak point of the Jeep, and makes it more competitive with its bigger rivals. The newly refined suspension and 4WD systems should improve the ride and performance on and off-road.
Will all the improvements and enhancements to the 1999 Grand Cherokee be enough to dethrone the Ford Explorer? Probably not. But then again, Jeep isn't trying to be all things to everyone. What the new Grand Cherokee will do is ensure that satisfied Jeep owners have no reason to look anywhere else. More importantly, the Jeep may cause potential Explorer and Blazer buyers to give the Grand Cherokee a second look, which is what really counts.