What's going on here? Am I the only one out there who knows that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is already unibody--and that it's ALWAYS been unibody? In fact the '84 Cherokee originated the use of unibody construction in Jeeps.
Why is it then that several news sources have been reporting that the next GC is going unibody--as if this was 'new' news? Have they been living under a rock since 1993? Or are they suggesting that the Jeep will do away with "welded subframe" aspect of the unibody, which even the Honda Pilot, Ridgeline and others now use? That subframe is what gives the GC the additional strength needed for those off-road adventures. If that's the case--then yes indeed--it will truly be car-like, and you can kiss any serious off-roading off your list of fun things to do.
Other news pertaining the the '10 GC is that it will get cylinder-deactivation technology on the Phoenix V6, which will allow it to run on three cylinders when under a light load.
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Always thought it was unibody as well.....we'll see what additional info comes out.
Jeep uses a body welded on frame technology. This technology is not technically unibody, because one piece continuous steel sub frame still exists but is welded to the body. A unibody has two separate front and rear sub frame that are welded to body in their respected position. A body welded on single frame is infinitely more durable than normal unibody construction, but adds much more weight which we all know is the number one enemy on fuel efficiency.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that wondered about that 'new' news....ha Just something to peak interest I guess.
Didn't we have this discussion a few weeks ago or was that on another site?
Dodge should do this, Chrysler as well, but Jeep?
Make the Durango/Aspen unibody, but keep a frame under Jeeps. Otherwise why call them Jeeps?
They don't need to make them "car like" to make them lighter, just stop making everything bigger.
My 95 Grand Cherokee (4wd, 4.0) weighs only 3750lbs and is plenty big enough for it's role in life. You want to tow an Airstream, buy a full size. You want to seat 7, get a minivan.
Instead ditching the integrated frame, go back to the 1999 -2004 size.
firstwagon,
But your car is smaller than a Jeep Wrangler or a Nissan Xterra, and gets the same gas mileage as them.
If they build what you suggest and try to sell it for an MSRP of $30,000+, it will BOMB!
Curiously enough, the current GC is already bombing so bad, it has a $6,500 manufacturer's rebate so is in the same market as the Nissan Xterra, and be somewhat competitive.
Today, your 180 horsepower vehicle is still available. They are calling it the Jeep Liberty, which gets better mpg than your Jeep. OR you can also choose from the Jeep Wrangler. Or the Jeep Patriot Trail Rated edition.
God Jeep has way too many Jeepy models. Jeep Jeep.
Right now, Jeep has 6 cars virtually the same price (+-$2,000). The Jeep Patriot/Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited/Liberty/Grand Cherokee (big rebates)/Commander(big rebates).
Can't they get a graduated pricing structure right?