All 5 generations of the Jeep Grand Cherokee have provided a V-8 engine, however a transition is coming, Jeep vice chairman Jim Morrison advised Motor Authority.

Morrison sat down with MA after the reveal of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee two-row to speak in regards to the V-8, electrification, efficiency, and packaging. Here is what we realized.

The V-8’s not lengthy for this world

So far, the V-8 has been a part of the Grand Cherokee’s DNA, Morrison stated. Prospects are in search of it, however finally clients will transition to electrified choices. Morrison believes clients will gravitate to the additional torque that may be had with a plug-in hybrid. “We’ll be prepared for them,” the chief stated.

Whereas the two-row 2022 Grand Cherokee was unveiled on Tuesday with a V-8, Morrison acknowledged that engine will not survive. Even Jeep’s performance-minded sibling, Dodge, is aware of the V-8’s days are coming to an finish. In February, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis stated the V-8’s days “are numbered.”

Efficiency variants

Outdoors of the 5.7-liter V-8 Jeep has introduced for the 2022 Grand Cherokee, it is unclear which different V-8s would possibly match. The WK2 Grand Cherokee has provided each the 6.4-liter V-8 and the Hellcat supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 in SRT and Trackhawk varieties, respectively.

When requested if the Hellcat engine would slot in the WL’s engine bay, Morrison cracked a smile and stated, “I can not reply that query.”

Whereas the Hellcat powertrain lived for a number of years within the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, it was a one-year particular in its platform mate, the Dodge Durango Hellcat. The rationale was easy: The powertrain would now not meet emissions necessities within the previous platform. When requested if the Hellcat’s powertrain would meet emissions necessities within the new WL platform, Morrison reiterated he could not reply the query.

It has been extensively reported that, earlier than FCA grew to become Stellantis, the automaker was growing a clean-sheet turbocharged inline-6 to switch the 5.7-liter V-8. FCA filed a patent on the brand new engine in 2019. The engine will probably be provided as a plug-in hybrid choice in bigger autos such because the Jeep Grand Wagoneer (which is slated to get a plug-in hybrid quickly) and even the Ram 1500. It is fairly attainable these plans lengthen to the WL-based Grand Cherokee as properly. Once more, Morrison would not verify these plans and even the existence of the inline-6.

Whereas no efficiency variant has been introduced for the WL Grand Cherokee but, Jeep will proceed to construct autos that supply efficiency and a spirited driving character, in response to Morrison. As as to whether the Trackhawk nameplate has anyplace sooner or later lineup or whether or not it will return, “Keep tuned,” Morrison stated.

Packaging constraints

One cool characteristic of the two-row 2022 Grand Cherokee is the set of electronically disconnecting sway bars that enable for further suspension articulation. It is a trick each the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Ram 2500 Energy Wagon have, and now it is on a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.

The present Grand Cherokee Trailhawk was launched on the 2016 New York auto present as a 2017 mannequin 12 months. It arrived through the center of the WK2’s (2011-2021 Grand Cherokee’s) lifecycle, and the group was confined to working inside the current platform’s constraints, which did not make room for the disconnecting sway bars. That wasn’t the case with the 2022 Grand Cherokee two-row WL platform, and a Trailhawk was a part of the plan from day one. This allowed the group to sketch out the options desired and guarantee they labored inside the new packaging constraints.

The brand new mannequin solves one other problem acquainted to some Grand Cherokee house owners. The windshield washer fluid tank is usually a ache level for WK2 house owners who need to take their Grand Cherokees off-road or change to an aftermarket entrance bumper to offer extra floor clearance. It is a tall tank that hangs down low, which creates one of many WK2’s most susceptible factors for off-roading. Morrison revealed the tank was so tall and lengthy within the WK2 so it may maintain a full gallon of windshield washer fluid. Morrison attended one of many first WK2 Rubicon Path take a look at drives when the group crushed a windshield washer fluid tank on a rock, which revealed the difficulty. Whereas a cutaway illustration hasn’t been proven of the two-row 2022 Grand Cherokee, Morrison assured MA that this problem has been fastened due to the platform’s new packaging, and the tank nonetheless holds a gallon of fluid.