“Jeep is one of the fastest growing imported brands in China and this is our largest Jeep market outside the U.S.,” said Mike Manley Chief Operating Officer for Asia Pacific and President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “It makes sense for us to use this year’s Beijing Motor Show as a platform to explore how consumers react to these new Chinese-inspired ideas that may find their way into future production vehicles.”

Jeep Zi You Xia Design Concept
Following its world premiere appearances at the 2014 Geneva and New York auto shows, the all-new Jeep Renegade now debuts as a special design concept in Beijing.  Zi You Xia, which means “rebel”, is a new concept that highlights a more sophisticated aspect of the Renegade’s personality.

Inspired by the colors of the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, the concept is finished in a Warm Chocolate Gray with a contrasting Dark Anodized Bronze color accentuating the grille throats, front fog lamp bezels, rear lower fascia, skidplate, tail lamp insert bezel and badging.

The roof panel, grille surrounds and door mirror caps are painted a Dark Charcoal to provide harmonious accents and a more premium appearance throughout. Unique 20-inch, Dark Anodized Bronze alloy wheels contribute additional visual flair as well as hinting at the vehicle’s outstanding on-road and off-road driving dynamics.

The interior of the concept boasts an energetic ambience with rugged and functional details crafted in high quality materials. The Piano Black color is accompanied by grey A-pillars and headliner. The air vents, speaker bezel, gear shifter, steering wheel bezels, cup holder and door release handles are finished in an Anodized Copper, reflecting the metallic color common in sports equipment. The rich brown leather upholstery on the seats and door panels feature ‘ombre’ grey/black plaid fabric inserts, that were inspired by traditional menswear suiting and tailored patterns, adding just the right touch of sophistication to the sporty Zi You Xia.

True to the Jeep brand’s heritage, the all-new Renegade is the most capable small SUV and the first in the world to offer a nine-speed automatic transmission. Designed for global markets and manufactured with up to 16 powertrain combinations – the most ever in a Jeep vehicle – it has been engineered to meet the specific requirements of customers all around the world.

The sleek Pitch Black exterior of Wrangler Level Red is decorated by a TorRed prototype graphic stripe that runs along the top of the hood near the bottom of the windshield and halfway down the body sides. The front and rear of the vehicle are well-guarded by “Rubicon 10th Anniversary” bumpers, with prototype black “Aero” bumper ends and an under-bumper skid plate providing more protection. Wrangler Level Red rides on prototype 17 x 8-inch beadlock-capable wheels, accented with TorRed color on the beadlock ring. The wheels carry aggressive 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires, available through the Mopar Tireworks program.
Jeep Wrangler Level Red is modified with a Mopar half-door kit, and additional exterior upgrades include a prototype Jeep Performance Parts tire carrier, a locking gas cap, a hood prop kit and Jeep Performance Parts rock rails. Wrangler Level Red also sports badges for each of the five trails in Moab recognized by the Jeep brand as “Badge of Honor” trails. (Through the Jeep brand’s Badge of Honor program, Jeep vehicle owners can earn special vehicle badges once they conquer any of more than 30 approved, high-profile trails across the United States.)

The interior of Wrangler Level Red complements the feel of the exterior. The Tuscany Katzkin leather seats are embellished with red stitching, which also is featured on the arm rest. Flame Red color brings alive the seat belt webbing, while HVAC rings are painted with TorRed inserts and roll bar padding in the rear also features red accents. The interior is further upgraded with a gloss black look on the steering wheel spokes and dash grab handle. Additional accessories include a prototype Jeep Cargo Management System (JCMS) with a tow-strap bag and first aid bag on the rear swing gate, all-weather floor mats, grab handles, and a lockable storage bin under the seat.

Jeep Wrangler MOJO
The Jeep Wrangler MOJO (the “OJ” in the name stands for “Orange Jeep”) is geared for the off-road enthusiast who seeks an even tougher vehicle with the functionality to tackle the most extreme trails. A Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift provides the clearance to traverse obstacles, with locking Dana 44 front and rear axles and a 4:1 Rock-Trac transfer case adding to Wrangler MOJO’s rock-climbing capabilities. Wrangler MOJO’s crawl ratio is 59:1. The vehicle’s 3.6-liter V-6 engine is augmented with a cold air intake and low restriction exhaust system.
The Bright Orange exterior of Wrangler MOJO is defended by prototype Jeep Performance Parts “Shorty” bumpers and prototype flat-top fenders, with 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires wrapped around prototype beadlock wheels, accented with Mopar Bronze on the beadlock ring. The Mopar “Rubicon X” hood is ornamented by prototype topographical graphics that contain bronze “mapping” accents and flow down to the side panels. Additional trail enhancements include a Jeep Performance Parts “Rubicon X” front bumper, an under-bumper skid plate and a prototype Jeep Performance Parts winch. Jeep Performance Parts rock rails are added to further protect Wrangler MOJO from boulders and rocks on extreme trails.
Prototype LED headlamps and fog lamps help make night trips on the trail easier, and front and rear prototype two-tone half-door kits and a soft top further add to the open-air fun and freedom all Wrangler vehicles offer. A Badge of Honor plate is added to show the trails Wrangler MOJO has mastered, and a prototype Jeep Performance Parts tire carrier gives support to the spare tire. The five Moab “Badge of Honor” badges also appear on Wrangler MOJO.
The purposeful interior of Wrangler MOJO is perfect for the off-roader not afraid of dust or mud. The two-tone instrument panel and console complement black Katzkin seat covers and provide for simple cleaning. With the carpet removed, rugged all-weather floor mats shield the interior, and a Mopar sunbonnet and roll bar pads are trimmed in a Driftwood sand color, matching Wrangler MOJO’s overall appearance. A Mopar lockable rear cargo tray keeps valuables safe.

Jeep Wrangler Maximum Performance
Jeep Wrangler Maximum Performance speaks to the hard-core enthusiasts who spend every spare minute on the trail and seek the ultimate in power and capability so they can go where others cannot. Wrangler Maximum Performance is armed with new Jeep Performance Parts-exclusive push-button electric-locking Dana 60 axles at the front and rear, as well as 4.88 gearing and the 4:1 Rock-Trac transfer case to better hurdle any trail impediments. A prototype Jeep Performance Parts 4-inch lift kit also raises the vehicle. Wrangler Maximum Performance boasts a 70:1 crawl ratio.
On the exterior, a prototype Jeep Performance Parts “Stinger” front bumper can handle whatever the terrain dishes out, especially when paired with a front bumper skid plate, Jeep Performance Parts Rubicon rock rails and a prototype flattop fender kit. A Mopar black grille dresses up the front, which also is modified with a prototype Jeep Performance Parts winch, and prototype LED lights mounted to the top of the vehicle to shine bright during nighttime off-road maneuvers. A prototype graphics package signifying the Moab landscape adorns the hood.
The Mopar Blue exterior is linked in appearance to the prototype eight-lug beadlock wheels by the Mopar Blue color on the beadlock ring. Wrangler Maximum Performance rides on 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires, with the sturdy hardtop covering full steel doors. The rear of the vehicle receives a prototype tire carrier and a 37-inch spare tire cover featuring the Jeep Performance Parts logo. Wrangler Maximum Performance also sports the five Moab “Badge of Honor” badges.
Mopar Blue is also featured inside, highlighting the HVAC bezels and steering wheel accents. Katzkin leather seats with embroidered Jeep logos feature blue accent stitching, as does the leather armrest. The interior is further enhanced with satin trim on the instrument panel, shift knob and HVAC controls, while the steering wheel spokes and dash grab handles are underscored in black.

Jeep Cherokee Adventurer
The Jeep Cherokee Adventurer boasts Trailhawk 4×4 capability, including a 48:1 crawl ratio with added utility and cargo convenience for off-road adventures, and a host of Jeep Performance Parts from Mopar.
The tan exterior is accented to the Trailhawk black hood decal. A prototype matte black Mopar roof basket rides on top, with a bungee net holding down cargo. Below, aggressive BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires are mounted on prototype 17-inch wheels, embellished with aluminum granite crystal and black pockets.
Jeep Performance Parts rock rails provide formidable off-road defense, and further protection is added courtesy of a two-piece underbody skid plate, a front suspension skid plate, an oil tank skid plate and a two-piece fuel tank skid plate. Red tow hooks adorn the front.
Inside the Cherokee Adventurer, black Katzkin leather seats, with perforated inserts, draw even more attention with maize-embroidered Jeep logos and maize stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, arm rest and shift boot. The HVAC bezels, instrument panel, steering wheel and door switch bezels are upgraded with tan inserts to match the exterior color. The Jeep Cargo Management System is displayed with a Trailhawk bag, and is joined by a location-appropriate prototype Moab off-road bag. Bright door sill guards with the Cherokee logo, all-weather mats and a cargo tray complete the interior Mopar accessories.Jeep Cherokee Dakar
The Jeep Cherokee Dakar is the most extreme Cherokee ever. The Silver Steel Satin Gloss exterior skin is strikingly set off with prototype Flame Red graphics that encircle the window and wrap around the black hood graphic. The Trailhawk 17-inch polished Satin clear coat wheels feature two large Flame Red pockets, with the Cherokee nameplate also changed to a Flame Red hue.
Front-end features are enhanced by two prototype Flame Red inserts on the traditional Jeep seven-slot grille, as well as through a prototype lower fascia trim. Cherokee Dakar is fortified for off-road action, equipped with Jeep Performance Parts rock rails, an oil pan skid plate, front suspension skid plate, two-piece fuel tank and underbody skid plates.
Cherokee Dakar’s wheel openings have been modified in order to accommodate larger 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires. The rough-and-ready look rises with a prototype Jeep Performance Parts lift kit, and additional suspension modifications help make it the most extreme Cherokee yet. Prototype wider fender flares with riveted bolts give a tougher appearance and also accommodate the wider track and larger tires. A prototype rear fascia allows for an even more aggressive departure angle and enhances the higher ride height. Cherokee Dakar’s crawl ratio is 48:1, and estimated approach and departure angles are 32 and 39 degrees, respectively.
Inside, prototype Katzkin leather black seats with “Machined Gunmetal” inserts are heightened with Header Red stitching, which is also found on the steering wheel, armrest and shift boot. A Flame Red insert accents the entertainment center. Accessories showcased from the Mopar catalog include all-weather floor mats, bright door-sill guards with the Cherokee logo, a cargo tray for storage, and the JCMS with the Trailhawk bag, as well as the prototype Moab off-road bag.

Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Trail Warrior
The Trail Rated Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Trail Warrior brings even more capability and convenience to the most-awarded sport-utility vehicle (SUV) ever, courtesy of a host of Jeep Performance Parts and Mopar accessories.

Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel sits higher thanks to its Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Mojave Sand exterior color is dressed with Satin Black flourishes on the grille, hood, lower front fascia, door handles, mirror caps, wheel flares and badging. The prototype Mopar roof basket, mounted on production cross rails, provides plenty of space to transport gear and provisions. Prototype 20-inch cast aluminum wheels in Satin black roll on aggressive All-Terrain BFGoodrich tires. Jeep Performance Parts tow hooks and rock rails are also featured. This unique Grand Cherokee features a 44:1 crawl ratio.
Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Trail Warrior’s interior offers a black-and-tan dual tone scheme. Gloss black accents appear on the HVAC bezels, steering wheel, instrument panel and other appointments. Additional Mopar accessories include all-weather floor mats, door sills, lighted Jeep logo sills, a pedal kit and a cargo tray.

Complete Gallery:

The Jeep Wrangler MOJO and the Jeep Cherokee Dakar are two of the six new vehicles that will head to Moab.  Look for more information and images on these vehicles next week.

Jeep enthusiasts have always been asking for a V-8 powered Jeep HEMI Wrangler, and Mopar came through back in 2012 at the Easter Jeep Safari.  The new Mopar 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine conversion kit specifically for the Jeep Wrangler produces approximately 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels, and the Mopar V-8 conversion kit gives Jeep enthusiasts an unprecedented blend of power and capability. 

Other performance parts on the Jeep Wrangler Apache are Mopar Pro 60 5.13 front and rear axles, a 4.5-inch Stage 3 long arm lift kit and off-road bead-lock wheels. Aesthetic and functional modifications include high-clearance flat fenders, rock rails, front and rear half-door kits, a Stinger front bumper, a Warn 9.5ti XP winch, Katzkin leather seats, a locking center console box and a Mopar branded interior.

View the complete gallery (below):

New special-edition ‘Altitude’ models of the 2014 Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler were introduced this morning at the Houston Auto Show. Featuring unique “blacked-out” exteriors with a distinct and aggressive flair, the vehicles arrive in Jeep showrooms this spring – thanks to a positive consumer response from earlier Jeep Altitude models.

The roots of America’s love affair with Jeep® can be traced to World War II, as the one-of-a-kind vehicle dutifully served the U.S. military with its durability and ruggedness. The affinity for Jeep gained traction as the first civilian Jeep (“CJ”) vehicles – the Willys-Overland CJ-2A – reached the public in 1945. The CJ-2A, and successor CJ-3A, was immortalized for its go-anywhere capability and strictly functional amenities.

Beginning early next year, when the new 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition arrives in Jeep showrooms, customers can connect with the original Jeep vehicle’s rugged and purely functional capability. The latest Wrangler special edition makes its debut at the 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

“The new Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition is a Jeep purist’s dream, delivering a Jeep vehicle that harkens back to the original, classic CJs of the 1940s,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “This new Jeep vehicle delivers pure functionality and rugged capability in a unique package that recognizes the origins of the brand.”

Based on the Wrangler Sport model, the Willys Wheeler Edition features upgraded hardware, including a Dana 44 rear axle with Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential and 3.73 gears, BF Goodrich KM Mud Terrain LT255/75R17 tires, rock rails and a new Jeep Trail Rated Kit that includes a D-Ring, tow strap and gloves in a Jeep-branded bag.  This works with the Jeep Command-Trac 4×4 part-time, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio to give the Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition its improved off-road chops.

Special exterior design cues include a gloss black grille with black Jeep badge, gloss black front and rear bumper appliques, historic satin black “4 Wheel Drive” rear tailgate decal and “Willys” hood decals and unique high-gloss black 17-inch aluminum wheels. The Willys Wheeler Edition comes standard with a Sunrider soft top and deep-tint sunscreen rear windows. A premium Sunrider soft top and black-splatter Freedom Top are available.

Willys Wheeler Editions feature the Connectivity Group with SiriusXM satellite radio, and Sport S-based models have the Power Convenience Group and Premium Tire Pressure Monitoring System as standard. Jeep Wrangler’s iconic half doors are an option.

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition features the award winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 ft.-lbs. or torque. It is available with a standard six-speed manual or an available five-speed automatic transmission, and delivers up to 21 miles per gallon on the highway.

Available in any Jeep Wrangler color, the Willys Wheeler Edition has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail price (MSRP) of $25,795 for two-door models and $29,595 for Unlimited (four-door) models. The 2014 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are built at the Toledo Supplier Park in Toledo, Ohio.

“We wanted to infuse our first-ever SRT creative campaign with grit, beauty, longing, desire and nostalgia for the tradition and history of the automobile but to also give a nod to the relationship between the machine and its maker,” said Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Charger, Challenger, Viper, Grand Cherokee and 300 are inextricably linked not only to those who build the machines but to those who dream one day of owning one.”

“‘Body and Soul’ personifies the connection that owners feel with their vehicle; it’s that feeling of when you get behind the wheel and step on the throttle for the first time and feel the power of the engine. It’s that feeling and legacy that Chrysler Group has forged with owners and their vehicles over the last century; something that SRT brand is creating with a new set of consumers for the first time,” said Ralph V. Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer – SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. “The launch of this campaign marks a significant step forward for us and establishes the SRT brand’s legacy as a vital component of our company.”

The 30-, 60- and 90-second “Body and Soul” spots start with a nostalgic nod as footage flashes from the late ’60s/early ’70s and children are crammed in a station wagon’s backseat on a long distance road-trip, parents with map in hand. It jumps to a kid wearing glasses in line at the DMV and teens cruising along Main Street on a Friday night. Scenes cut to show a young boy at an outside diner and invokes that the average 16-year-old boy in America would rather have his own set of wheels than make out with the captain of the varsity cheerleader squad.

The spot thereby seeks to answer the question: How can we desire a machine more than a human being? Close-ups of steel, carbon fiber, aluminum, and other elements are seen, which form into axles, chassis, frames and pushes to close-ups of hands and tools bending and shaping materials. It conveys that “every machine has a body. It is up to the maker to breathe life into its creation. The machine is the echo of the maker’s soul.”

In addition to the 30-second, 60-second and 90-second spots, a special 2:15 extended version of “Body and Soul” will be revealed on YouTube.com/driveSRT starting Friday, June 14th.

Set to debut at the New York International Auto Show in March, the all-new, “no-compromise” 2014 Jeep Cherokee sets a new standard with even more best-in-class capability, exemplary on-road driving dynamics, and fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent versus the outgoing mid-size SUV model.

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be built in the United States at Chrysler Group’s Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, and will arrive in dealer showrooms in the third quarter of this year.

 January 14, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich.  – Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT owners have come to expect – and appreciate – a vehicle that is powerful and refined, luxurious and functional, muscular and stylish. For 2014, Grand Cherokee SRT checks all of those boxes – while also delivering unexpected delights.

Enhancements for the 2014 model year include an all-new, fully electronic eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers improved fuel economy, significantly improved towing capacity, hardware and software revisions that further heighten Grand Cherokee SRT’s fun-to-drive factor during a daily commute or for more spirited driving on the race track.

Outside, the new 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT sports styling that is even more aggressive than the previous model. Design enhancements for 2014 include a new signature LED character lamp treatment, a brawnier grille, a new, one-touch liftgate and a new rear spoiler.

Inside, Grand Cherokee SRT customers are treated to a new 8.4-inch touchscreen that displays a wealth of SRT-exclusive Performance Pages data. A new launch control button is situated behind the new T-handle shifter on the center console, and a redesigned SRT-exclusive three-spoke, heated steering wheel with more ergonomically efficient paddle shifters, features a host of comfort, convenience and connectivity controls.

Awe-inspiring powertrain
For 2014, Grand Cherokee SRT owners get three additional gears from their transmission: an all-new 8HP70 eight-speed automatic. Fully electronic, it features on-the-fly shift-map changing.

For an even sportier, more driver-controlled experience, the 8HP70 eight-speed transmission can be manually shifted using newly redesigned, more pronounced, ergonomically efficient steering-wheel paddle controls.

The Grand Cherokee SRT features a new Eco Mode for 2014 that optimizes the new transmission’s shift schedule and extends the range of Fuel Saver Technology, which deactivates four cylinders when conditions allow. A button on the center stack allows driver’s to engage Eco Mode for improved fuel economy.

The new eight-speed automatic transmission is specifically engineered to optimize shift quality and shift points for fuel economy, performance and drivability. The intelligent software takes into account variables including engine torque gradients, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, grade changes, friction detection and downshift detection to determine the appropriate shift map.

Additional parameters integrated into the control strategy include vehicle speed control, electronic stability control interaction and temperature. The result is automatic shifting that is ideally attuned to the performance requirements of almost any driving demand.

The new transmission is mated to the proven and powerful 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 with Fuel Saver Technology delivering 470 horsepower (351 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb.-ft. (630 N•m) of torque at 4,300 rpm and helps deliver greatly enhanced towing performance of 7,200 pounds – a 44-percent improvement over the 5,000-lb. towing capacity from the previous model.

For 2014, the new electronic T-handle shifter provides the flexibility for drivers to choose a transmission shift schedule independent from the Selec-Track system. Drive and Sport shifting can be selected via the T-handle with no effect on the chosen suspension, stability control and driveline torque split settings.

Also new for 2014 is a launch control system that mimics a professional driver’s inputs to optimize Grand Cherokee SRT’s performance by bringing engine, transmission, driveline, stability control, and suspension in line for a textbook launch. Controlled by a button behind the new T-handle shifter on the center console, the result is improved and more consistent straight-line acceleration. The performance experience of the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT is further accentuated by a change in transfer case proportioning and dynamic controls for the Selec-Track system when the vehicle is in Track Mode. When this mode is selected, 70 percent of the engine’s torque is delivered to the rear wheels for a more pronounced rear-wheel-drive experience. Grand Cherokee SRT drivers will notice a vehicle that is more responsive from mid-corner to exit.

Outstanding ride, handling and capability
The Grand Cherokee SRT rides on a short- and long-arm (SLA) independent front suspension with coil springs, Bilstein adaptive damping suspension (ADS), upper- and lower-control arms (“A” arms), and a stabilizer bar.

The rear suspension is a multi-link design with coil spring, Bilstein ADS, aluminum lower control arm, independent upper links (tension and camber), plus a separate toe link, and a stabilizer bar.

Software improvements to the retuned Selec-Track system further distinguish the five dynamic modes: Auto, Sport, Tow, Track, and Snow, enabling drivers to choose a vehicle setting that more ideally meets their requirements and ambient conditions. Drivers will find the torque split change in Track Mode provides a vehicle that is more responsive from mid-corner to exit and one that delivers faster lap times at their favorite track.

Benchmark braking
The new 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT delivers excellent braking performance, requiring only 116 feet to come to a full stop from 60 miles per hour (mph). Credit belongs to red-painted, Brembo six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) calipers, and vented rotors at all four corners measuring 15 inches (front) and 13.8 inches (rear).

Aggressive and functional exterior
The Grand Cherokee SRT sports exterior styling enhancements for 2014. Its signature,
seven-slot upper grille with black screen insert has been shortened and is flanked by slimmer, adaptive, bi-xenon headlamps that are surrounded by a signature LED character lamp treatment. The grille itself is brawnier and the headlamps feature a unique black background to distinguish SRT from other 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee models while further accenting their jewel-like appearance.

The new styling also enabled designers to incorporate the headlamp washers into the headlamp housing for the first time – rather than on the bumper – for a cleaner more functional appearance.

A new Grand Cherokee badge along the vehicle’s sides feature a more distinct, more pronounced font.

The 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT’s front light treatment is mirrored in back for a cohesive styling appearance, and features larger tail lamps with signature LED lighting. To further emphasize SRT’s performance heritage, the tail lamps feature a black surround, creating the illusion of floating lamps.

Also new for 2014 is a more aerodynamically efficient rear spoiler integrated into the all-new, one-touch liftgate that features a new SRT badge that no longer carries the engine cylinder number reference. Rather than relying on a manual lever, the liftgate is operated electronically with the push of a button. For 2014, the flipper glass has been eliminated, greatly enhancing rearward visibility and reducing weight.

The 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT will be available in the following exterior colors: Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Deep Cherry Red Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Pearl Coat, Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat and Redline Pearl Clear Coat.

Race-inspired and high-performance interior
The most significant interior enhancement on the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT is the new Uconnect 8.4AN radio touchscreen. The 8.4-inch display shows a wealth of SRT-exclusive Performance Pages, including recent track times, lateral acceleration, 0-60 mph times and much more. All data is shown in full-color and can now be shared with other SRT enthusiasts via a built-in 3G connection.

The same screen accommodates Uconnect Access Via Mobile, an all-new feature that makes its debut. With it, customers can stream their favorite music into the vehicle using the acclaimed apps Aha, iHeart, Pandora and Slacker.

The display also affords drivers access to Bing Internet searches and facilitates cutting-edge cloud-based features such as voice texting – the transmission of text messages using natural speech.

On the center console, drivers will find a new, leather-wrapped T-handle shifter for the eight-speed transmission that allows the driver to select two driving modes including Drive and Sport.

Also new is the redesigned, SRT-exclusive heated three-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom that features a bevy of comfort, convenience and connectivity controls and more pronounced, more ergonomically efficient paddle shifters.

The new steering wheel is designed and positioned to provide optimal view of the new gauge cluster that now features a 7-inch, full-color, customizable instrument display. This new screen allows drivers to select from a multitude of layout and information to be shown in the center of the gauge cluster.

True carbon fiber trim accent sweeps across the driver’s door, instrument panel and front passenger door.

The available 825-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon offers world premier innovation, featuring a 32-volt tracking power supply (TPS) 12-channel Class D amplifier that delivers outstanding acoustics and brings multi-dimensional, quality sound for all interior occupants.

The 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT Laguna leather interior is available in two distinctive colors: Torque (black) and a new Sepia combination.

Enhanced security, convenience and occupant safety
Uconnect Access is all-new to the Grand Cherokee SRT. Enabled by embedded cellular technology, the system affords direct communication with local 9-1-1 service personnel at the touch of a button – no waiting for go-between call-center operators.

In addition, the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT showcases advanced safety features from Forward Collision Warning – which alerts the driver to rapidly approaching traffic – to Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, which aid drivers when changing lanes or in parking-lot situations.

Quality: Improving the most awarded SUV ever
How do you improve the most awarded SUV ever? The Jeep and SRT teams start by listening to their customers.

“We’re very happy with the long list of product and quality accolades the Jeep Grand Cherokee has earned,” said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President – Quality, Chrysler Group. “But the most important feedback comes from customers telling us what they’d like to see improved. We are constantly looking at feedback and responding with improvements.”

Key upgrades for the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup include an eight-speed automatic transmission to improve performance and fuel economy plus the newest Uconnect system that balances advanced technology and connectivity features with easy-to-use controls and voice commands.

From the driver’s seat, everything the driver sees, touches – and even speaks to using voice commands – is enhanced to increase function, connectivity and responsiveness. Not only does it work better, it looks better packaged in more premium materials and elegant graphics. This includes a redesigned steering wheel that is optimized for driving position while also providing control buttons for frequently used features like radio, cruise control, phone and voice-activated commands. Customer feedback helped designers and engineers determine the ideal location for fingertip controls so that drivers could comfortably keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Another significant interior change for Grand Cherokee is the availability of the new Uconnect Access 8.4AN touchscreen. Connectivity and touchscreens involve rapidly changing technology and ever-increasing consumer expectations – both of which have a significant impact on the overall quality assessment of new vehicles. The Uconnect team constantly evaluates consumer feedback, placing a high priority on designing systems that are intuitive for both tech-savvy customers as well as tech-averse drivers who prefer hard knobs to adjust the climate or radio station.

For the past two years, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has earned the title as the Total Quality leader for the medium-size SUV segment by Strategic Vision. The honor is based on new vehicle owner surveys that holistically assess consumers’ good and bad experiences with their new vehicle. Similarly, the Jeep team values all comments from customers – especially feedback that leads to enhanced quality and customer satisfaction.

Manufacturing: Built in Detroit
The new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is built at the 3-million-square-foot Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit, which has been the site of Grand Cherokee production since its introduction in 1992. To meet consumer demand, a third crew of 1,100 workers was added at JNAP in the fourth quarter of 2012.

SRT Track Experience
Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle receive one day of professional driving instruction as part of the SRT Track Experience, designed to maximize their driving knowledge and skills on the street or track. Sessions are held throughout the year at selected tracks. For more information, visit http://drivesrt.com.