Jeep is betting a new 2.8-liter diesel and start/stop function will boost European demand for the Wrangler SUV.
The rare success story among Chrysler brands competing oversees, Jeep hopes to pick up momentum as it launches a line-up of new diesels, as well as the European version of its all-new Grand Cherokee.
One of the critical strategies for Chrysler, hoping to recover from last year’s bankruptcy, is to amp up its export operations. In fact, that’s a key target for Fiat, Chrysler’s new partner, and could earn it another 5% stake in the company. Jeep will be a critical part of the process since it already accounts for about half of Chrysler’s sales outside North America.
Moving things ahead will count on new powertrains, as well as new product, said Jeep boss Mike Manley, during a news conference at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.
To underscore that point, the U.S. maker is adding a new and much more sophisticated diesel driveline to its 2011 Jeep Wrangler.
The 2.8-liter CRD will make 200 horsepower – and over 300 lb-ft of torque. The good news, according to Manley, is that the added power and towing capability won’t cut into fuel economy – a big concern for drivers in a market where $6-a-gallon petrol is not uncommon.
The Wrangler will also get new Start/Stop technology – which automatically shuts the diesel off when idling, say, at a stoplight, then fires the engine back up when a motorist’s foot lifts off the throttle. The technology – along with other improvements to the powertrain — reportedly yields a 13% increase mileage and a 14% drop in emissions.
The Wrangler with the 2.8-liter CDI will debut in Europe early in 2011.
The new diesel also will be offered on the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is just making the leap across the Atlantic after its recent U.S. launch.
Meanwhile, Jeep also is switching to a new 2.2-liter CRD diesel for the brand’s European Compass and Patriot models.