Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Review

April 2007

As the first Jeep® vehicle to wear the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) badge and the first four-wheel-drive SRT vehicle, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was designed for superlative performance. And it delivers: It’s the quickest, most powerful Jeep vehicle ever created, offering astonishing on-road and all-weather ability and power.

With a 0-60-mph time in under 5 seconds — in wet or dry conditions — it’s quicker than competitors such as Porsche Cayenne Turbo and BMW X5.

“There are customers who want the utility, configuration and capability of a sport-utility vehicle with sports-car-like performance,” said Kipp Owen, Director – Street and Racing Technology, Chrysler Group. “The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 provides all that and more. It fulfills the SRT mission of best performance at the best price, and sets a new benchmark for performance SUVs.”

Powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 producing 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 N•m), the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 delivers a complete performance package, with exceptional ride and handling, world-class braking, race-inspired interior appointments and functional, performance-oriented exterior enhancements.

“WHAT’S NEW FOR 2007”

Rear camera – obstacle-avoidance aid
Remote start

DESIGN

Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group: “The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was designed to evoke two important qualities: performance capability and refinement. With subtle yet functional improvements inside and out, it redefines what a performance SUV should be.”The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s front fascia makes use of aerodynamic improvements to reduce lift and drag, while providing sufficient air flow to cool the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine. The front fascia also helps increase brake-system cooling through integrated air ducts.

In the rear, a modified fascia incorporates an aggressive center cutout to accommodate dual 4-inch exhaust tips. Sill extensions are another functional enhancement that help create downforce.

Inside the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s cabin are power-adjustable, deeply sculpted performance front seats complete with uniquely patterned performance suede inserts to hold occupants during aggressive maneuvering. Interior accents include a carbon-fiber technical finish on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, instrument-panel brow and shift knob, complemented by a refined aluminum finishing on the center stack, shifter and door-switch bezels.

Full instrumentation includes a 180-mph (300-kph) speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges, all trimmed with a unique blue accent and located within a carbon fiber-trimmed binnacle.

ENGINEERING

Kipp Owen, Director – Street and Racing Technology: “The SRT-developed four-wheel-drive system in the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 coupled with its 6.1-liter, 420-horsepower HEMI V-8 are an unbeatable combination, in terms of all-weather performance. But it doesn’t stop there: The 2007 Grand Cherokee SRT8 also benefits from SRT improvements including Brembo brakes, a performance-tuned suspension and race-bred interior and exterior enhancements.”SRT engineers created the first SRT vehicle with full-time four-wheel drive by creating a new transfer case. They used the front half of a Jeep transfer case, chosen for its capability and light weight, and mated it to the rear half of a heavier-duty case, chosen for its ruggedness and ability to house electronic full-time, four-wheel-drive system components.

Under normal driving conditions, 5 percent to 10 percent of torque is directed to the front wheels, but as much of the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8’s torque that’s needed can be directed forward when additional traction or stability is required. Remaining torque is sent via a heavy-duty driveshaft to a Dana 44 rear differential.

Providing horsepower and torque to the unique SRT four-wheel-drive system is a specially tuned version of the new 6.1-liter SRT HEMI engine, which was developed by adding more cubic inches, increasing the compression ratio and redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust systems for better flow and increased engine speed.

Power from the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is sent through a special torque converter to an SRT-upgraded, five-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated driver-selectable Auto Stick, which offers fully automatic or manual shift selection.

Chassis setup for the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 employs SRT-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings. Front suspension knuckles were redesigned to accommodate high-performance braking and steering systems. The ride height of the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is 1 inch lower than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which lowers aerodynamic drag as well as the center of gravity, and contributes to the vehicle’s stability and aggressive stance.

With an optional hitch package available from Mopar®, the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.

The braking system of the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 features four-piston performance brake calipers developed by Brembo, finished in gloss black. While braking, these calipers work with 360 mm x 32 mm vented rotors up front, with 350 mm x 28 mm vented rotors in the rear.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the quickest, most powerful Jeep vehicle ever

Powered by the all-new 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 producing 420 hp (313 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s powertrain represents a higher level in HEMI performance, with 85 additional horsepower — 25 percent more than the 5.7-liter HEMI
Quicker than Porsche Cayenne Turbo, BMW X5
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the first Jeep SRT vehicle, offering on-road and all-weather ability and performance
3,500-pound towing capability with Mopar tow package
Specially developed four-wheel-drive system offers highly capable performance
SRT performance: 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, 0-100-0 in low 19-second range, 60-0 mph in approximately 125 feet

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 formula

Functional, performance-oriented exterior design, featuring 20-inch SRT wheels, all-new front and rear fascias with air dam and cooling ducts; race-inspired interior appointments that include deeply bolstered seating and comprehensive instrumentation; benchmark braking; and world-class ride and handling characteristics
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is part of a broad lineup of SRT vehicles developed under the credo, “Race inspired, street legal”

MODEL LINEUP

2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Standard Features

Modified front fascia with integrated brake ducts
Mopar sill extensions
Sun roof
Mesh grille insert
420-horsepower (313 kW), 6.1-liter HEMI engine with five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick
Full-time four-wheel drive
Unique MDS 146 transfer case
Upgraded Dana 44 rear differential
20-inch forged-aluminum wheels
W-rated run-flat tires
Four-wheel disc brakes with Brembo calipers and anti-lock brakes
Electronic Stability Program tuned for SRT performance handling
Enhanced cooling system
Modified steering system
Power-adjustable performance front seats
Carbon-fiber technical finish on steering wheel, instrument-panel brow and shift knob
Refined aluminum finish on center stack, shifter, door-switch bezels and instrument-panel inserts
Upgraded trim on seats and steering wheel
Performance instrument cluster with 180-mph speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges, trimmed with unique blue accents
Premium audio system

Optional Features

DVD-based global-positioning system (GPS) navigation
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
UConnect® Hands-free Communication System with Bluetooth® technology

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 with SRT 1 Package

In addition to the standard features available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, the SRT Package 1 adds:Power sun roof
Supplemental side air bags
Heated front seats
Dual-zone air conditioning
Automatic headlamps
Remote start

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Please refer to the Safety Glossary for descriptions of the following features:

Advanced Multi-stage Air Bag System
Anti-lock Brake System
BeltAlert
Brake Assist
Child Protection Rear Door Locks
Door Ajar Warning Lamp
Electronic Stability Program
Energy-absorbing Steering Column
Height-adjustable Front Seat Belts
Laminated Front-Door Glass for Smash-and-Grab Protection
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
Occupant Classification System
Remote Keyless Entry System
Rigid Body Structure for Improved Impact Protection
Security Alarm
Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
Speed-Ssensitive Power Locks
Three-point Seat Belt in All Positions

COLOR AVAILABILITY

Bright Silver Metallic
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Inferno Red
Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat

MANUFACTURING INFORMATION

2007 Model year production start: August 2006
Production location: Jefferson Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit
6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine: Saltillo Engine Plant in Saltillo, Mexico
Five-speed automatic transmission: Indiana Transmission 1 in Indianapolis

MARKET POSITION
The combination of Jeep’s four-wheel-drive leadership and the SRT-developed 6.1-liter HEMI maximizes the Grand Cherokee SRT8’s performance in all weather conditions, resulting in the quickest, most powerful Jeep vehicle ever. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s extreme performance is complemented by key SRT attributes, including functional, performance-oriented styling, world-class ride and handling, and benchmark braking, coupled with race-inspired interior appointments.

Demographics

Gender: 80 percent male/20 percent female
Age: 36-55
Median Annual Household Income: $100,000
Education: 65 percent have a college degree
Household: 75 percent married, primarily post-family
Occupation: mix of executive, managerial and professional

MARKET ADVANTAGES

The most powerful Jeep vehicle ever — quicker than Porsche Cayenne Turbo and BMW X5
On-road and all-weather ability and performance with a specially developed four-wheel-drive system
Powered by the all-new 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 producing 420 hp (313 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque
SRT performance: 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, 0-100-0 in the low-19-second range, 60-0 mph in approximately 125 feet
Functional, performance-oriented exterior design and race-inspired interior appointments
Benchmark braking
World-class ride-and-handling characteristics across a dynamic range
Benchmark performance at the best price

Jeep Trailhawk Concept Review

January 2007

Chrysler Group Design Spreads its Wings for its Rugged, Iconic Jeep Brand

The Jeep Trailhawk concept merges the spectrum of the Jeep brand by combining the core off-road features of the new body-on-frame four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the refined sophistication of an all-new on-road open-air concept vehicle, providing a unique and fresh expression for Jeep. Built off the new Wrangler platform, the Jeep Trailhawk is a more refined highway cruiser without sacrificing any of Jeep's legendary off-road capabilities.

"The key to the look of the Trailhawk," said Nick Vardis, principal exterior designer, "is the vehicle's distinctive proportions, due in part to its 116-inch wheelbase. The dash-to-front-axle dimension is dramatically long, giving the vehicle a sense of forward motion, while the front and rear overhangs are tight and abbreviated."

Vardis said the body side is muscular and broad-shouldered, with the sheet metal pulled into shape, much like a drawn arrow in the bow of a skilled archer. Even the pillars are pulled back. The forward motion of the body is further accented by the drive of the raising beltline.

The stance is broad, and the wheels, pushed to the corners of the vehicle, are enclosed in robust flares dramatically offset from the body. Partly trapezoidal in shape, yet not asymmetrical, these angular, crisply-contoured wheel flares reinterpret one of Jeep's fundamental design cues.

"The flares are stretched and pulled taut at one end," Vardis said. "Each presents a 'long side' angled toward the center of the body."The body in turn tapers toward the front in plan view to expose more of the flares and accent the wide stance. The flares enclose large 22-inch, five-spoke wheels, each with a hefty 34-inch overall diameter. The specially-crafted tires are accented by a red stripe, with the red color repeated on the exposed brake calipers.

The lower body, which kicks outward along the bottoms of the doors, intersects the flares crisply. Tucked beneath this horizontal element is a recessed running board, accented by a silver molding. A tall trapezoidal vent, located at the front fender-front door cut line, is home to the circular Trail Rated badge.

The Trailhawk's long hood is fronted by a signature seven-slot Jeep grille angled rearward to match the lean-back surface of the forward flares, with the slots filled with a mesh texture. Bracketed between the grille and the flares, the chamfered headlamps mimic the lean-back stance. Beneath their clear flush lenses, HID projector beam quad lamps nestled into twin "telescopic" polished aluminum barrels light the way forward while LEDs, configured in parallel stripes provide park and turn signals.

"The main headlamp units are cropped diagonally across the top," said Vardis. "They peer out from an angled brow, giving the vehicle its bold, sinister look. In front view, the left and right lamps evoke the hooded eyes of a bird of prey.

"Like other concepts, we first viewed the math surface of the grille and headlamps together in the computer" added Vardis. "We immediately noticed the hawkish expression, hence the name 'Trailhawk.'"

The taillamps mimic the look of the headlamps, including the striped turn signals, with the surface of the liftgate carved away.

The vehicle's upper structure is set onto the lower body, encased by a crisp, chamfered 360-degree molding that runs around the greenhouse, accenting the high, arching beltline. At the base of the windshield is a seven-slot cowl screen that reprises the grille. The body is painted in Argent Pearl high-gloss, with the flares and lower body a slightly darker low-gloss variant.The side windows retract fully into the body, leaving no B-pillar above the belt, while the diagonal quarter windows are also fully retractable. Gray-tinted twin longitudinal glass panels over the first- and second-row seats and the glass panel over the cargo compartment are removable, as is the swing-up backlight. With all the glass lowered and removed, the Trailhawk offers occupants virtually the same open-air ambience as a typical soft top Jeep. The fixed central spine contains overhead lighting and several integrated storage bins.

"The Jeep Trailhawk interior emphasizes the vehicle's open air-freedom, inviting elements of the exterior theme into the interior,"said Cliff Wilkins, responsible for the interior design. "Tough mechanical elements which evoke exterior details are contrasted with sophisticated materials and finishes to give a modern, rugged, purposeful interior while delivering a premium off-road experience."

The four-passenger interior is dominated by two major design elements -the cross-car instrument panel (I/P) form and a full-length central spine which forms the floor console. The AC outlets, center stack compass/inclinometer, and the dimensional, double-deck "biplane" gauges are housed in circular casings having the appearance of machined aluminum, with detailing matching headlamp surrounds. The two-tone leather-wrapped aluminum steering wheel features vertical individual switches for lights and speed control.Riding the transmission tunnel, the console's raised walls create a full-length open bin, handy for the storage of sundry items. Within the console's side rails, two front/rear combination armrest/storage bin modules, movable via concealed tracks, can be positioned fore-aft at the occupants' discretion. Using the familiar touchpad technology of laptop computers, a flip-out pad for the remote control fold-away flat screen navigation unit is housed in the forward armrest.

Jeep Wrangler Off-Road Gear Review

March 2007

Leave the Paved World Behind: Mopar® Outfits All-new 2007 Jeep® Wrangler With Authentic Accessories to Suit Any Lifestyle. Interior enhancements offer unmatched functionality as well as style - Exterior options provide more off-road capability, convenience and designer good looks - Stay on track when off the beaten path with the TrailGuide™ Navigation System

Mopar®, DaimlerChrysler’s original equipment manufacturer, revealed its full line of Authentic Jeep Accessories for the all-new 2007 Jeep® Wrangler. The most capable off-road vehicle in the world, the Wrangler is offered in three models: Wrangler X; Wrangler Sahara; and Wrangler Rubicon®.

“Our Authentic Jeep Accessories from Mopar suit the Wrangler’s rugged, durable, capable, and adventurous nature — so our customers can enjoy the world’s most-demanding trails or their daily commute,” said Chris Cortez, Senior Vice President – Global Service & Parts, Chrysler Group. “Our factory-engineered accessories are designed as well as performance and safety tested to provide compatibility in function, fit and color.”

Unmatched Interior Functionality
The rugged Rubber Floor Covering for the passenger, cargo area and wheelhouse are easy to clean. Resistant to most liquids and chemicals, the covering features a textured surface with raised Jeep logo.

Bring on the slush. Featuring a custom design with unique tire-tread and mud graphics, the Front and Rear Slush Mats prevent water, snow and mud from doing a number on the Wrangler's carpet.

Dirt and moisture are no match for the custom-fit Water-resistant Seat Covers. Constructed of “wet suit” material and featuring the Jeep logo, the front and rear seat covers can be easily removed for cleaning.

Keep valuables out-of-sight and worries out-of-mind with Add-a-Trunk. It creates 3.1 feet in the Wrangler two-door model and 9.4 feet in the four-door model of lockable and accessible cargo space behind the rear seat. It’s large enough to hold outdoor gear and keep it secure. Easy to install and remove, it also works with the child-seat tether.

A modern twist to classic Jeep styling, the Interior Panel Appliqués add a personalized look to the tough interior. Following the contours of the door panels, instrument panel and center bezel, they’re available in a variety of finishes, including brushed aluminum, carbon fiber, Dark Bird’s-eye Maple and a unique “Red Rock” scene pattern.

Exterior That’s All Attitude and Style
For extreme off-roading, the Off-road Front and Rear Bumpers feature heavy-duty steel construction to withstand off-road abuse, compact dimensions and excellent ground clearance for off-road obstacles. The front bumper incorporates energy absorbers and works with the air bag system — a feature not necessarily found on other brands. It has an integrated universal winch mount and grille guard. It’s also available without the winch mount. The rear bumper is designed to clear the factory tow hook and trailer hitch and features tow eyes for off-road recovery. Both front and rear bumpers come with a laser-cut Jeep logo and textured satin black triple anti-chip coating that meets tough Jeep corrosion standards.

Need a little pull? The Warn® Winch gets the job done. Built to last with a range of capabilities and strengths, this winch features an automatic load brake, three-stage planetary gear set with Hawse fairlead and mounting hardware and heavy steel cable. A remote control with light is included with the lead. It’s compatible with the Off-road Bumper from Mopar.

Store and protect the Wrangler hard-top panels with the Freedom Top™ Panel Carrier and Hard Top Storage Dolly. The carrier mounts to the Wrangler’s spare tire and is designed for quick and secure on-vehicle storage of the Freedom Top panels, freeing interior space. For the ultimate in off-vehicle storage and convenience, the storage dolly holds a hard top, top panels and two doors in a compact 35-inch x 67-inch storage area. It features large caster wheels and zippered cover.

The Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect Kit replaces the production front sway bar and allows the driver to disengage the sway bar with the push of a button. This permits greater axle articulation while off road so the suspension flexes over obstacles.

Tow and go. The Tow Bar allows for safe and secure towing behind recreational vehicles and trucks with a 5,000 lb.-rated coupler. Collapsible for convenient vehicle or home storage, the bracket mounts to the vehicle frame. A convenient safety cable is included as well as wiring loops. An RV-to-Jeep wiring harness is also available to operate the taillamps.

All chromed up and so many places to go. The Black Tie Package features chrome enhancements providing a bright complement to any body color — sure to turn heads on the trail or the red carpet. Chrome features include 18-inch premium wheels, fuel filler door, front and rear bumpers, side steps, mirror covers, exhaust tip and taillamp guards. A Black-tie Decal proudly states this Wrangler is dressed to the nines.

See what’s left behind with a Mirror Mount Relocation Kit. The bracket allows this auxiliary side-view mirror to be mounted on the driver’s side. Easily folded away, it retains the outside mirror for doors-off driving.Top it off with the weather-resistant Cab Cover or Combination Kit Top. Available in black or sun-reflective silver nylon, the cab cover protects the hard or soft top and interior. Elastic loops attach around the taillamps and mirrors while two integrated cords attach to the vehicle securing the cover under the door area. It folds into an included storage bag when not in use. The combination kit top includes rear-seat-area Tonneau Cover with snapless attachment system; Windscreen (including rear window); and durable, soft-top material sun bonnet. This kit top is available in black or khaki.

Light the way with Off-road Lights and Installation Kit. The lights are windshield-pillar mounted. The wiring kit features interior and exterior harnesses, switch, and relay for the pair of off-road lights.

Rock Rails provide lower body-side protection and can withstand world-class abuse over the toughest of trail conditions. The rails are constructed of heavy-gauge steel with easy bolt-on mounting at body height so they don’t reduce ground clearance. Available with or without an optional “rub bar” for maximum protection. The rock rails are painted in a satin black finish.

The epitome of practical, the Swing-away Tire Carrier ensures a spare is always at hand. The entire weight of the tire and carrier is mounted to the frame through mounting brackets on the rear bumper. It holds up to 35-inch tall tires preventing excess strain on the tailgate. This is compatible with the off-road rear bumper from Mopar.

To equip for towing, the Trailer Hitch and Wiring Kit is capable of carrying 3,500 lbs. of trailer load (class 2). A four- or seven-way plug-in trailer light wiring harness is also available.

No Wrangler is complete without a good-looking set of wheels. The 16-inch x 7-inch Wheels feature five-spoke, machine-finished aluminum with black vent pockets. The 17-inch x 7.5-inch Hulk Wheels feature five-spoke, mineral grey clearcoat finish. Both wheel sizes feature a Jeep logo center cap and are designed to match the Wrangler hubs so they’ll run true and balanced for a smooth ride in even the rockiest of places. They undergo stringent testing to prove their strength and durability and ensure a long-lasting sparkle. 18-inch x 7-inch Chrome Wheels are also available.

Customize the top with Complete Hard- and Soft-top Kits. The kits allow owners to install a black or khaki top. A full-range of window kits and hard or soft sun bonnets are also available as well as a hard top wiring kit for Jeeps not originally built with a hard top.

On Track When off the Beaten Path
Forge ahead to new adventures with the TrailGuide™ Navigation System. The portable GPS module includes a docking/charging station with dual speakers. The docking station permanently mounts to the top of the center bezel. Featuring full-mapping view, turn-by-turn directional voice prompts and color screen, it provides pre-programmed map coverage for North America. The system may be removed for hiking and biking, and remembers the route traveled.

Hit the Trail and Rock on
Bring music to the trail with the iPod® Integration Kit. The kit provides direct connectivity between the iPod and the vehicle’s audio sound system — offering optimal digital audio quality so all passengers can enjoy the iPod tracks. Using the audio system or steering wheel controls, drivers can browse their iPod music collection of playlists, song titles, and artists that are viewable on the radio display face. Specifically engineered to interface with select model year 2006 and newer Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicle electronics.

Authentic Jeep Accessories from Mopar are available for purchase and installation at Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships across the country. Mopar accessories are covered under DaimlerChrysler’s 3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Mopar’s 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Warranty, whichever is more favorable to the customer. These warranties are serviced by Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships.

Visit www.mopar.com for a full line of authentic accessories from Mopar. Pricing is also available.

About DaimlerChrysler’s Mopar Brand
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts supplier led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Division. In 1937, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was created for the business of distributing parts through a depot system and car divisional wholesalers.

Mopar made its mark in the 1960s — the muscle car era. Beginning in 1962, Mopar carried a line of “Special Parts” for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Today, the Chrysler Group’s Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components and accessories for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to DaimlerChrysler engineering standards.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Climbs 6.6KM Review

April 2007

Two Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited vehicles climbed 6,646 meters (21,804 feet) above sea level to the rim of Ojos del Salado – the highest altitude ever reached by a four-wheeled vehicle
Accomplishment certified by Guinness World Records™

Seventy years after the first man climbed the world’s highest volcano, Ojos del Salado in Chile, two Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited vehicles set a new world record by climbing 6,646 meters (21,804 feet) to the volcano’s rim. The achievement, certified by Guinness World Records™, is not one that is likely to be easily beaten.

Others tried, but only the “go anywhere, do anything” Jeep vehicles could make it to the top of the volcano. It is the second highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere (6,892 meters / 22,597 feet), and now dubbed the “highest parking lot in the world”. Jeep parking only, of course. Over five exhausting days in March, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited vehicles carried a team from Extrem Events (Germany), led by Mattias Jeschke, from the base of the inhospitable volcano in the Chilean Andes to the highest point that a four-wheeled vehicle has traveled.

“This was exactly the challenge to separate the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited from all other 4x4 vehicles. A climb like this in not just off-road, but extreme conditions, is a testament to the performance of the vehicle’s powertrain, suspension and overall quality. We are very proud that Wrangler Unlimited was the first vehicle to be able to complete such a rigorous challenge, and believe that it really does set the vehicle apart from its competition,” said George Murphy, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President of Global Marketing.During the trip, the team endured hurricane-strength winds, temperatures that reached minus 30 degrees Centigrade (minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit) and the thin air of such high altitudes, as it maneuvered over malicious glaciers, fissured rock cliffs and volcanic sand. The last stretch of the climb was the most grueling. Both Wrangler Unlimited vehicles had to cross a glacier, parts of which were so smooth that any travel by foot required spiked shoes. At the far end was the glacier field, a fissured ice area strewn with razor sharp snow penitents. It was here that the vehicle’s 3.8L V-6 engine and Goodyear’s MT/R tires proved their true capability, and made the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited the first vehicle to ever cross the Ojos del Salado glacier.

After reaching the initial goal, to surpass 6,500 meters, just beyond the glacier, the team continued to drive on and pushed forward until there was nowhere left to drive. “Unbelievable, tremendous, phenomenal,” was the description from team leader, Jeschke, after reaching the plateau at the end of the summit. “The Wranglers are unbeatable.”

The two Wrangler Unlimited vehicles that completed this challenge were standard equipment Rubicon models. In addition to the standard equipment, both vehicles were fitted with Goodyear MT/R tires, electronic altitude measuring technology and winches.

Featuring a one-of-a-kind, four-door open-air design, the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offers even more comfort, space, versatility and open-air options than the all-new Wrangler. With room for five adult passengers – a Wrangler first – and the most cargo space ever offered in a Wrangler, the Wrangler Unlimited combines class-leading off-road capability with everyday practicality.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited expands the Jeep experience and core values to a broader range of customers who have always wanted a Wrangler, but also needed more space and versatility. Outside North America, two engine options are available, an all-new 2.8-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine as well as a new 3.8-litre V-6 petrol engine. The Wrangler is available in both left- and right-hand drive. With solid axles, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windscreen and innovative removable and convertible tops, Wrangler retains the brand’s coveted core values of freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity.