New Chryslers, Dodges and Jeeps Point to Brighter Future for Number 3 Domestic Automaker
Monday, November 17th, at Detroit's Cobo Arena Chrysler Group executives previewed the majority of new 2005 models that will be featured at the Detroit auto show January.
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| The 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, shown here, is getting a major overhaul for 2005, both in terms of style and horsepower. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
While the completely revised 2005 minivan will disappointingly stayed under wraps until the automaker's December 8th Christmas party, a group of about 200 North American journalists took the opportunity to see a mock up of the all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It features completely new and original double rounded front headlamp clusters, angular taillights, and a roofline that shows some resemblance to the Dodge Magnum when seen from the rear. It will be the first Jeep to boast HEMI V8 power, 47 percent more output than the previous top V8, and join the Liberty with an independent front suspension. Unfortunately no photos of the production cars were permitted.
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| The Jeep Liberty, 2003 model shown here, will also be receiving an update and a new Italian made 2.8-L common rail turbodiesel engine for 2005. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Speaking of Jeep's compact SUV, an updated 2005 Liberty Renegade was shown too. It sports a new wider and flatter grille, updated front fascia and revised front fender combination, the latter which integrate thin horizontal blinkers at its base. The Renegade specific trim features beefier fender swells. Not shown but important nonetheless, Liberty will feature a new Italian made 2.8-L common rail turbodiesel next year, the first time such a fuel efficient engine choice will be offered in the Jeep brand.