New 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee to Offer Cylinder Deactivation with HEMI

High-Tech V6 and V8 Engines plus 5-Speed Automatic Transmission to Improve Fuel Economy

Chrysler Group has recharged the HEMI engine icon in recent years to be synonymous with class-dominant power in its

From the Ram pickup truck to the Magnum sport wagon, Chrysler Group has put the HEMI V8 into wide use across its lineup. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Dodge Ram truck and Durango SUV models as well as the popular new Chrysler 300C.

But these aren't the only vehicles to make use of the 5.7-liter engine. The new Dodge Magnum sport wagon, which shares general architecture with the 300 sedan, debuts this week in dealerships across Canada, also featuring the all-powerful HEMI in top-line R/T trim.

Next on the HEMI agenda will be the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee. But unlike its Dodge truck and SUV cousins, it gets a similar version of the engine as featured in the

The next vehicle in the Chrysler garage to get the HEMI treatment is the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

300C and Magnum, albeit output is reduced to 325 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. The difference between the car and truck engines comes down to Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System (MDS), the first cylinder deactivation system sold in North America on large-volume vehicles. MDS increases fuel economy by up to 20 percent while still delivering all the power and torque that the new HEMI V8 is becoming legendary for.

"The Chrysler Group MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth, high fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V8 mode when more power from the 5.7L HEMI engine is in demand," commented Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President Product Development, Chrysler Group. "This optimizes fuel economy when V8 power is not needed, without sacrificing vehicle performance."