The proverbial cat is out of the bag, as Autoblog reports it heard straight from the mouth of Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne that by 2013, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee will get the European 3.0 liter turbodiesel V6.
The European Grand Cherokee is already slated to get this oil-burning powerplant, what with its 241 horsepower, 406 ft-lbs of torque, and nearly 20% improvement in fuel efficiency. However, American automakers have been slow to offer diesel engines as an option on domestic vehicles, and while there have been a handful of diesel Jeeps in the past, there was very little marketing behind them.
With $4.00 a gallon gas just about here though, the 28 mpg (Euro standard) diesel-powered Cherokee will be a big boon for SUV owners. In addition to better gas mileage, more torque, and a 7,000 lb tow rating, a diesel-powered Grand Cherokee will pump out 20% less CO emissions. It’s win-win-win, though what kind of cost premium is (or isn’t?) placed on the diesel powerplant could have huge ramifications for its acceptance. Right now though, I am just stoked that Chrysler is actually making a move towards diesels while the rest of the American auto industry seems reluctant to move away from gasoline.
So does this mean we’ll get a diesel Wrangler as well? I can only hope.
Source: Autoblog
Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs. You can read about his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout or follow his non-nonsensical ramblings on Twitter @harshcougar.