Donald A. Renkert, a designer on the project, says that by re-interpreting Grand Cherokee and other classic Jeep vehicles of the past, ''the Jeep Commander elicited nods of recognition from consumers, even though it is a brand new vehicle. There is a sense of deja vu about the Jeep Commander that brings knowing smiles of satisfaction.''
Renkert hopes this sense of satisfaction will continue inside the vehicle, ''where attention to detail is evident. For example, the two-tone instrument panel is a design unique to Commander. From the gear shift knob, to the four round gauges that make up the instrument cluster, to the new steering wheel, Commander is refined and uniquely Jeep in appearance.''
The extra height inside Commander allowed Jeep to stagger the seat heights so that the second row is higher than the first and the third is higher than both, which is supposed to make forward viewing easier for the folks in back. The second and third row seats also fold forward to create a flat load floor.
Along with the optional front-mounted sun roof is Command-View, which Renkert calls ''new and innovative skylights (complete with shades) over the second row of seats.''
Jeep always makes a big deal about its vehicles' ability to go off-road, even though most of them would never think of doing that. Still, the notion of it being ''Trail-Rated'' seems to appeal to consumers, and Jeep says the Commander will have ''class-leading off-road capability.''
While that will serve Commander well in the fictional world of off-road TV commercials, in the real world the vehicle's on-road ability is much more important, and on that front Bell says ''refinement was mandatory.''
Because it's essentially a Grand Cherokee in a new suit, Commander gets the same 4x4 systems, suspension and powertrains as the smaller vehicle, including an independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering.
Available on Commander are:
For most people, the engine choices will play by far the most important role in their everyday driving experience, and Jeep is hope a lot of them will step up to the optional V-8s, but particularly the trendy Hemi.
The 3.7-liter V-6 debuted in the much smaller Liberty and has been upgraded for Commander, and now delivers 210 hp @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm.
Significant changes in the 3.7-liter include a revised cam profile and new valve lash adjusters. These changes improve the engine's smoothness at idle, says Bell. To ensure quiet operation, the engine has a thick-wall composite manifold, and also benefits from structural improvements to the air box and resonator.
Renkert hopes this sense of satisfaction will continue inside the vehicle, ''where attention to detail is evident. For example, the two-tone instrument panel is a design unique to Commander. From the gear shift knob, to the four round gauges that make up the instrument cluster, to the new steering wheel, Commander is refined and uniquely Jeep in appearance.''
 |
| (photo: 2006 Jeep Commander) |
Along with the optional front-mounted sun roof is Command-View, which Renkert calls ''new and innovative skylights (complete with shades) over the second row of seats.''
Jeep always makes a big deal about its vehicles' ability to go off-road, even though most of them would never think of doing that. Still, the notion of it being ''Trail-Rated'' seems to appeal to consumers, and Jeep says the Commander will have ''class-leading off-road capability.''
While that will serve Commander well in the fictional world of off-road TV commercials, in the real world the vehicle's on-road ability is much more important, and on that front Bell says ''refinement was mandatory.''
Because it's essentially a Grand Cherokee in a new suit, Commander gets the same 4x4 systems, suspension and powertrains as the smaller vehicle, including an independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering.
Available on Commander are:
- three full-time four-wheel drive systems -- Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II
- two transfer cases offering Brake Traction Control System (BTCS), and Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for best-in-class tractive performance
- three engines -- the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with the Multi-Displacement System, the 4.7-liter SOHC Power Tech V-8, and the 3.7-liter SOHC Power Tech V-6 engine
 |
| (photo: 2006 Jeep Commander) |
The 3.7-liter V-6 debuted in the much smaller Liberty and has been upgraded for Commander, and now delivers 210 hp @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm.
Significant changes in the 3.7-liter include a revised cam profile and new valve lash adjusters. These changes improve the engine's smoothness at idle, says Bell. To ensure quiet operation, the engine has a thick-wall composite manifold, and also benefits from structural improvements to the air box and resonator.