Chrysler’s new ZF-developed eight-speed automatic is headed to what is arguably the flagship vehicle of the automaker’s turnaround: The Jeep Grand Cherokee.
According to a Chrysler fleet buyer’s guide, the 2012 Grand Cherokee will gain the eight-speed automatic as standard equipment for models with the base V6 engine. The optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is expected to gain a six-speed automatic for 2012, although the fleet guide doesn’t make mention of this change.
Chrysler hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for the 2012 Grand Cherokee V6, but we’d anticipate a 1 to 2 mpg gain over the current four-wheel-drive model’s 16/22 mpg rating.
The eight-speed might also bring with it a revised gear lever more akin to the control knob found in certain global market versions of the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
Production of the 2012 Grand Cherokee is set to commence next week and the new model should arrive in dealer showrooms by late August. Interestingly, the Grand Cherokee’s price is actually set to decline for 2012, according to WK2 Jeeps.com. The MSRP for a Laredo 4×2 will drop from $30,215 to $28,995, while the 4×4 version will start at $30,995. The site also says that a new electro-hydraulic steering system will be added to all V6 models, another move designed to cut fuel consumption.
Look for Chrysler to release more details on the 2012 Grand Cherokee within the next couple of weeks.
References
1.’Chrysler Fleet Buyer’s…’ view
2.’ Jeep Grand Cherokee…’ view
