US President Dwight D Eisenhower used to say that the two key ‘victory assets’ of World war II were the C-47 (‘Dakota’) and the Jeep. It’s 70 years since the 1941 Jeep – compact, lightweight with high and low ratio four wheel drive – changed the whole way an army operated.
Another military star who saw the Jeep’s potential was Master Sergeant Ernest G Bilko (aka Phil Silvers). From a rented shop-front in Roseville, Kansas, Jeeps “diverted” from Fort Baxter’s Motor Pool were painted, smartened up and offered for sale as a new imported small car under the name “Arrivederchi”.
Another military star who saw the Jeep’s potential was Master Sergeant Ernest G Bilko (aka Phil Silvers). From a rented shop-front in Roseville, Kansas, Jeeps “diverted” from Fort Baxter’s Motor Pool were painted, smartened up and offered for sale as a new imported small car under the name “Arrivederchi”.
When challenged by a veteran of the Italian Campaign, Bilko replied along the lines of “Yes Sir, of course it means ‘Goodbye’ – goodbye to discomfort, goodbye to noise, goodbye to low performance, goodbye to high fuel bills …” Broadcast towards the end of the series in May 1959, it was a classic.
The basic Jeep evolved into the (‘Civilian’) CJ then Wrangler which is still built – much like the 1948 Land Rover (now Defender), itself based on the Jeep. The next steps were distinctive luxury 4x4 models and SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle).
The basic Jeep evolved into the (‘Civilian’) CJ then Wrangler which is still built – much like the 1948 Land Rover (now Defender), itself based on the Jeep. The next steps were distinctive luxury 4x4 models and SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle).
Jeep launched the Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer in 1963 – it had four wheel drive but was very much an American estate car or ‘Station Wagon’. Land Rover can claim to have invented the luxury off-roader in 1970 with the Range Rover but Jeep says it hit on the “premium SUV” when it launched the Grand Cherokee in 1993. Both are iconic brands, but Jeep is the original and it still has kudos.
The move away from utility 4x4s meant a re-think about how these vehicles were built – how to retain all-terrain capability but combine it with car-like handling, steering and comfort. The other big thing was height (for the trademark elevated driving position) which can cause problems for cornering and high speed stability.
Both Jeep and Land Rover eventually moved away from bodywork mounted on a separate chassis to a type of unitary construction reinforced for off-road work. Apart form the immediate dynamic benefits, it also led to improved fit and finish.
The latest Grand Cherokee is the third (GCII was launched in 2005) and total sales to date have topped 4 million. The new platform was designed under the DaimlerChrysler regime and will underpin the next Mercedes-Benz ML and GL models. Jeep says it is stiffer, stronger and more durable than the old car’s but is 38kg lighter at 2,272kg - yet towing capacity is an impressive 3,500kg (braked).
The move away from utility 4x4s meant a re-think about how these vehicles were built – how to retain all-terrain capability but combine it with car-like handling, steering and comfort. The other big thing was height (for the trademark elevated driving position) which can cause problems for cornering and high speed stability.
Both Jeep and Land Rover eventually moved away from bodywork mounted on a separate chassis to a type of unitary construction reinforced for off-road work. Apart form the immediate dynamic benefits, it also led to improved fit and finish.
The latest Grand Cherokee is the third (GCII was launched in 2005) and total sales to date have topped 4 million. The new platform was designed under the DaimlerChrysler regime and will underpin the next Mercedes-Benz ML and GL models. Jeep says it is stiffer, stronger and more durable than the old car’s but is 38kg lighter at 2,272kg - yet towing capacity is an impressive 3,500kg (braked).
The engine however is no longer a Mercedes unit. Built by VM Motori and claimed to be co-developed with Fiat Powertrain, the new 3.0 litre V6 cylinder turbodiesel produces 237bhp (10% up on the old model) and 8% more torque which is all there from 1,800-2,400rpm. Official (combined) fuel consumption is 34mpg (19% better) while the CO2 figure is 20% down to 218g/km (£260). Weight shedding and engine technology seem to have combined to provide clear economy gains (in official figures at least) while 126mph and 0-62 in 8.2 seconds is still lively.
Unfortunately the automatic transmission is a carry-over from the previous car and remains a five-speed 'box (no manual option – par for the course in this class now regrettably). A more modern 7/ 8 speed (available before long perhaps) would improve things. However, both ‘Limited’ and ‘Overland’ models (£36,160 and £43,360) have Quadra-Trac II four wheel drive with high/low transfer box.
Selec-Terrain allows a quick choice for various conditions: Sand/Mud; Snow; Rocks; Auto. The Overland adds adjustable height air suspension which sets the car for various on-road or off-road attitudes. For serious work the front spoiler can be removed which allows steeper approach angles.
Longer, wider and lower than before, the new Grand Cherokee remains a highly credible off-road vehicle and has resisted the drift towards high ratio gears only (e.g.Porsche Cayenne and all but ‘Escape’ VW Touareg veriants). Electronic Hill Descent and Hill Start Assist usefully enhance the mechanical 4x4 system.
Unfortunately the automatic transmission is a carry-over from the previous car and remains a five-speed 'box (no manual option – par for the course in this class now regrettably). A more modern 7/ 8 speed (available before long perhaps) would improve things. However, both ‘Limited’ and ‘Overland’ models (£36,160 and £43,360) have Quadra-Trac II four wheel drive with high/low transfer box.
Selec-Terrain allows a quick choice for various conditions: Sand/Mud; Snow; Rocks; Auto. The Overland adds adjustable height air suspension which sets the car for various on-road or off-road attitudes. For serious work the front spoiler can be removed which allows steeper approach angles.
Longer, wider and lower than before, the new Grand Cherokee remains a highly credible off-road vehicle and has resisted the drift towards high ratio gears only (e.g.Porsche Cayenne and all but ‘Escape’ VW Touareg veriants). Electronic Hill Descent and Hill Start Assist usefully enhance the mechanical 4x4 system.
Fit and finish (inside and out) is markedly improved and equipment levels are quite generous. However, the steering is a bit light and lifeless for European drivers and cabin interior quality not quite “there” compared to European peers – VW/Porsche, Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover Sport especially.
Jeep has had a turbulent corporate history since 1941. It’s owners have included Willys-Overland; Kaiser Corp; American Motors Corp., Chrysler, DaimlerChrysler and Chrysler again under a capital venture company. After a government fast-track through bankruptcy Chrysler-Jeep is now under the control of Fiat Group.
There are major plans for Chrysler-Jeep under the new regime. On and off-road, first impressions of the new Grand Cherokee were promising and, if a sign of things to come, the future looks bright for Jeep. Sergeant Bilko (as ever) was on to something but as he would say, no doubt, “Buongiorno” is the word now.
By Huw Thomas
First published in Welsh Farmer
Jeep has had a turbulent corporate history since 1941. It’s owners have included Willys-Overland; Kaiser Corp; American Motors Corp., Chrysler, DaimlerChrysler and Chrysler again under a capital venture company. After a government fast-track through bankruptcy Chrysler-Jeep is now under the control of Fiat Group.
There are major plans for Chrysler-Jeep under the new regime. On and off-road, first impressions of the new Grand Cherokee were promising and, if a sign of things to come, the future looks bright for Jeep. Sergeant Bilko (as ever) was on to something but as he would say, no doubt, “Buongiorno” is the word now.
By Huw Thomas
First published in Welsh Farmer
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