Dozens of automotive writers representing the Texas Auto Writers Association have just named the Jeep Grand Cherokee the “SUV of Texas.” Not a bad choice, as we found the new Jeep to be brilliant and a massive step forward for the company.
Jeep also managed to get the 2011 Wrangler Unlimited a trophy for being the “Mid-size SUV of Texas”. We’re not sure about this one, but to each their own, especially in the great state of Texas.
More than 40 members were given two-days of on- and off-road evaluation time with the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler, as well as their competitors. Everything was taken into consideration, including exterior style, off-road ability, and the overall value and fuel efficiency.
Though it might seem like Chrysler had a big day already, more was yet to come, as the 2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn was named the “Truck of Texas.” The Ram swept every category it entered, dominating the competition.
Well done Chrysler. Texas sure does love you.
Who knew a Bulgarian auto tuner could dress up a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT600 into something that seemingly overflows with leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber?
Vilner – yes, that’s their name – decked this Grand Cherokee SRT600 out with so much leather that it would put all other leather-upholstered vehicles to shame.
And the best part is, these guys didn’t even waste a second bragging about their so-called Bulgarian job.
Vilner turned the interior of the Grand Cherokee inside out and completely overhauled it with nothing but leather, alcantara, and carbon leather, which the company said was used because real carbon fiber was “outrageously expensive”. We have to admit; we got a chuckle out of that.
In any case, to complement the whole leather treatment of the SUV, Vilner also surmounted them with red seams to match the Grand Cherokee’s paint job. There are also woven inscriptions of “600SRT” all over the car, signifying just how many ponies there are sitting underneath the hood of the vehicle.
Overall, Vilner’s Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT600 is about as good as it gets for all leather and alcantara obsessed car owners out there. You know what they say about too much of something bring bad. Apparently, these guys have never heard of that adage.
Hit the jump for the press release.
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The Australian police have just received a new member to their fleet: a Jeep Cherokee Police Edition. The car comes equipped with Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and the active four wheel drive system Selec-Trac II. So, basically, the Australian bad guys have no chance.
The Cherokee police edition is powered by a a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 petrol engine that produces 202 HP at 5,200 rpm and 314 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Utilized for a variety of functions, the kitted-out Cherokee has already made an appearance at the Royal Melbourne Show and can be spotted at the Central Goldfields for emergency services events, various school programs and escort duties to name a few.
The SUV was at the 2010 National Jeep Jamboree showing off its off-road capabilities on the 4WD test track. On the Australian market, the Cherokee Sport V6 is currently on sale at $36,990.
Press release after the jump.
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For those of you who want to customize their 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mopar is offering a long list of accessories, for both the exterior and interior of your SUV.
For the exterior Mopar is offering: wheels, chromed parts, molded splash guards, skid plates, sport-utility bars, roof cargo basket, soft-side roof cargo carrier and bike and ski carriers, trailer hitch and trailer wiring and tubular side steps.
The interior gets bright pedal kit, dog bed, door-sill guards, engine block and battery heater kits, Katzkin leather seat covers, FLO TV - a first for the US market, iPod interface kit, ParkSense® Rear-park Assist system, Portable Navigation system, rear-seat video, DVD, Uconnect Phoe and Uconnect Web.
Depending on the accessory the price can vary from less than $100 to more than $1000. So "Moparizing" you Grand Cherokee can cost you almost the same price you have paid for the SUV itself. That if you opt for every single accessory.
Press release after the jump.
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It has not been an easy couple of years for the third member of America’s big three. Their products were lame and their profits were even worse, not to mention public perception after the bailout wasn’t that good. While General Motors and Ford have been dominating with new vehicles, Chrysler has been laying low with the same old stuff. Needless to say, this machine has been a long time coming.
With 2010 comes a whole new machine, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a stable in the Chrysler lineup for years, redone and ready to dominate the competition. Not that there is much competition for a full size off-road SUV.
Taking cues from the new Dodge Ram, the 2011 Grand Cherokee takes them in a whole new direction that results in one of the best interiors money can buy. Not to mention a vehicle that is quiet and refined on the road, but hard and aggressive in the rough stuff, not that we were able to go in any.
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