Jeep unveils a Grand Cherokee and two Wrangler models with even more off road capability
Trail Rated
Back in September of 2003, Chrysler's Jeep brand introduced its "Trail Rated" badge system. Jeff Bell, Vice President of Jeep at the time explained that, "Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, as well as computer-simulated environments, Jeep Trail Rated provides a repeatable and consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. As the Jeep brand expands, Trail Rated will help us ensure that our legendary 4x4 capability remains a cornerstone of the Jeep brand."
Earlier today, Jeep announced that it will be introducing Trail Rated 2013 Grand Cherokee and Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models that will offer off-road equipment "never before offered on a production Jeep vehicle."
"With the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, Jeep offers the most capable SUVs on the planet," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab models take our legendary Jeep capability to new heights, offering even more off-road features and performance, without sacrificing everyday comfort and drivability."
2013 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
Originally introduced as a concept at the Moab Easter Jeep Safari this past spring, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk will be available with either the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 or the 5.7-liter V-8. It will also feature a number of "capability-enhancing" upgrades including:
• 18-inch Goodyear Silent Armor all-terrain tires with Kevlar reinforcement
• Solid steel rock rail body protection
• Quadra-Lift air suspension, with nearly 11 inches of ground clearance
• Selec-Terrain traction control system with five settings: Snow, Rock, Sand/Mud, Sport and Auto
• A Rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD, V-8) capable of transferring up to 100% of engine torque to one rear wheel
• Quadra-Track II or Quadra-Drive II (V-8) with a two-speed transfer case
Trailhawks will be differentiated from more plebian Grand Cherokees with signature red Trailhawk and Trail Rated badges and tow hooks, black headlamp and gray grille surrounds as well as gray-finished side mirrors, rear light bar, 4x4 badge and five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels. Finishing off the look is a black hood decal with a red accent stripe.
Inside, Trailhawk amenities include black leather performance seats with suede inserts and red accent stitching along with front and rear Mopar slush floor mats.
The 2013 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk will be available in Bright White, Brilliant Black, Mineral Gray, Maximum Steel and Deep Cherry Red.
2013 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Moab
Based on the Wrangler Sahara and named the home of the Easter Jeep Safari, the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Moabs include:
• 17-inch Goodyear Silent Armor all-terrain tires with Kevlar reinforcement
• Rubicon alloy wheels in gloss black
• Standard Trac-Lok anti-spin rear differential with an available electronic rear locking differential
• Winch-ready steel bumpers
• Premium rock rails
• A crawl ratio of 45:1 when equipped with a manual transmission and 3.73 rear axle ratio
Additional exterior accoutrements include a power dome hood, black fuel filler door and tail lamp guards, new-for-2013 premium soft top, black wheel arches, matte black Jeep grille badge and the requisite "Moab" decals on the hood. A body-color three-piece hard top is optional.
Standard interior upgrades include black or saddle leather seats with black stitching, "Moab" embossed instrument panel grab handle and gray-trimmed vent rings, grab handles and steering wheel spokes.
The two-door Wrangler and four-door Wrangler Unlimited model Moabs will be offered in Crush, Dozer, Rock Lobster, Gecko, Black and Bright White exterior colors.
Availability and pricing
Both the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and the two Wrangler Moab editions will begin appearing in Jeep new car dealer showrooms in October.
New car prices on all three models will be announced closer to their availability.
images courtesy of Chrysler LLC
