Anngow Marketing Dunedin News and views by Joel Anngow – Anngow Marketing

Plans to shut down assembly or sell off the iconic American muscle car have been shelved and the Chrysler Group Conner Avenue Assembly Plant – the exclusive home of Dodge Viper production since 1995 – will continue to build the V-10 powered sports car.

And that’s good news for New Zealand motorsport participants, who will still be able to purchase a specially prepared Dodge Viper SRT10 for track racing.

“It’s great to hear the Dodge Viper will continue in production within Chrysler – it represents the very essence of the Dodge brand and it has a huge following around the world, including here in New Zealand,” says David Smith, General Manager of Chrysler New Zealand.

“Although we won’t be able to offer Viper road-going vehicles to the public, because they are only made in left-hand-drive, Chrysler New Zealand can assist racing drivers who wish to obtain an SRT-prepared version for the race track.”

SRT is the performance wing of Chrysler, building and supplying special parts for enthusiasts and racers, alike – potential owners can have a Viper racer built to their specifications, but they must prove their bona fide race credentials before they can purchase. Vipers are popular with racers in the United States, where a Viper Racing League has been established. They also take part in various sports car race events around the world.

A special, non-street legal Viper SRT-10 Competition Coupe has been available from Dodge for race car drivers, for the past six years. The vehicle is stripped of anything not essential for racing, such as the interior body panels, carpet, instrumentation, air conditioning, and stereo systems which lightened the car by 170kg and the power and torque ratings are lifted. The Competition Coupe comes equipped with a full roll cage, a racing fuel cell, and other racing-related equipment. It is not sold through dealers and is purchased from Dodge directly, priced from around US$140,000. The Viper Competition Coupe sees action in the highly competitive SCCA Speed GT World Challenge.

An American Club Racing (ACR) model was added to the Viper line up last year. Its upgrades including street legal racing tyres, two piece brake rotors, adjustable suspension and significant aerodynamic revision. No engine modifications were made, so figures remain at 600hp (450kW) and 560lb/ft (760Nm) as in the base car. The ACR gives an advantage of being street legal. Weight is also decreased by as much as 36kg by way of the “Hardcore Package” which deletes radio, speakers, amplifier, trunk carpet, hood pad and tire inflator. Its aerodynamic upgrades produce 4.4 kN of down-force at 240km/h, or roughly ten times the down-force the base Viper SRT-10 can produce at the same speed.

Introduced as a concept car in 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Dodge Viper was designed and engineered to test public reaction to the concept of a back-to-basics, high-performance, limited production sports car.

The reaction was so overwhelming that customer orders began to flow in even before the auto show was over. Chrysler Corporation immediately decided to determine the production feasibility on transforming the crowd-pleasing Dodge Viper show car into a limited-production sports car in no more than three years.
In May 1990, after months of intensive study and testing, Chrysler Corporation announced that the Dodge Viper, powered by an aluminium V-10 was given the green light.

Dodge Viper production began in May 1992 at the New Mack Assembly Plant and was moved to Conner Avenue in October 1995. Viper V-10 engine production transferred from Mound Road Engine to Conner Avenue Assembly in May 2001. In 2008, Dodge introduced the all-new, fourth generation Dodge Viper SRT10. With more horsepower, more torque and more than 30 exterior and interior colour combinations, the latest Viper gives enthusiasts the performance they expect on the track and off, with more factory customisation options than before.

For 2009, the Dodge Viper SRT10 offers outrageous power, with an 8.4-litre, 600-horsepower (450 kW) V-10 engine contributing to blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-100 mph in 7.6 seconds), setting an American sports car benchmark. To date, more than 25,000 Dodge Vipers have been built. A small number of brand new Vipers were assembled in right-hand drive eight years ago and sold in New Zealand and these are now attaining collector status.

Keep up to date with the latest Motoring news from throughout New Zealand , Dunedin , Christchurch , Wellington and much more at Carbuying.co.nz .

Visit a great Dodge dealer Houston Prestige www.houstonprestige.co.nz

2009 Grand Cherokee features an enhanced 4.7L V8 engine that delivers a 30% increase in power and a 10% percent increase in torque, yet still manages to improve fuel economy by more than 5%, due to increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system.

“You really are getting more for less with the new Grand Cherokee V8 – it’s all part of the enhanced ownership experienced that Jeep is developing,” says David Smith, General Manager of Chrysler New Zealand.

The smooth, high-torque V6 3-litre diesel engine continues as before, as does the 6.1-litre HEMI V8 that powers the SRT8 high performance model.

Also new in the 2009 Grand Cherokee are a variety of premium amenities including the MyGIG^TM Multimedia Entertainment System , reversing camera display and an entertainment and communication system. MyGIG enables customers to use touch-screen or voice commands to control all of the features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. There’s space reserved on the hard drive for approximately 1,600 songs; that’s more than 100 hours of music. And there is a voice-memo recorder feature.

MyGIG is a standard feature on the new Grand Cherokee, other standard features include; ParkSense® rear park assist system, rain-sensing wipers, 8-way memory driver’s seat and a U-connect system which connects to your mobile phone via Bluetooth resulting in your cellphone being operable through the vehicle sound system with handsfree functionality.
The interior is also new, with royal leather and a two-tone colour scheme lifting the style of the cabin.

Improvements to the four-wheel-drive system will make the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee even more capable off-road. They include Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control.

Hill Descent Control (HDC) is standard on all Grand Cherokee 4×4 models except SRT8. Operational in the “4WD Low” position, HDC provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed. By means of electronic brake control, HDC supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides. For ease of operation, Grand Cherokee’s HDC is activated and deactivated automatically, after the HDC button is engaged, as the system senses changes in topography. The system works whether the vehicle is in forward or reverse.

The Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver’s release of the brake pedal. The ABS system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch.

Trailer Sway Control is standard on all Grand Cherokee models (except SRT8). This system reduces trailer sway and provides improved trailer stability and increased towing safety.

Detail changes in the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee – now available as a Limited model with V8 petrol or V6 diesel power and the Hemi-powered SRT8 – are:

Exterior Enhanced
With its upright and substantial posture, the refreshed 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s design offers an athletic and contemporary appearance. The grille has been lengthened, and the headlamps are more circular for a more dominant and expressive front view. A new HID headlamp becomes standard on SRT8 and includes an internal optic lens for the park/turn function. Fog lamps have also been lowered for enhanced road visibility. Off-road enthusiasts will be pleased with the new two-piece front fascia, allowing for the entire lower piece to be removed before hitting the off-road trails.
The shape of the body is designed to protect the sides of the vehicle from potential road debris. At the side, a proportionately longer hood and greater distance between the centre of the front axle and the base of the windshield emphasise the engine compartment and help to achieve a more powerful image.

Interior Design Elegant and Functional
The more luxurious cabin has a two tone instrument panel featuring a new level of refinement with bright accents, softer surface, and updated styling.

A new tilt and telescoping steering column is standard, with a new steering wheel that includes two-tone leather and bright chrome accent rings, which house the electronic vehicle information centre’s switches. Also new is the updated line of instrument clusters that feature new brighter LED illumination, with a modern and elegant treatment. When the vehicle is started, the dark-tinted lens fades to reveal chrome-ringed black gauges that are surrounded by a bright silver accent field.

The new floor console has revised cup holders and the Limited models receive a new leather-wrapped and chrome-accented parking brake handle. The door panels have new substantially bolstered armrests for improved ergonomics and comfort.

Jeep Grand Cherokee’s seats are beautifully crafted with contours that are precise, firm and ergonomic, featuring a robust structure. They are purpose-built and designed for long-distance comfort and feature two-tone leather with perforated inserts. In the cargo compartment a reversible load-floor panel is carpeted on one side and offers easy-to-clean plastic on the other. The plastic side includes a large shallow tray for additional utility.

Engineering

Jeep-engineered Hill Descent Control
Jeep engineering designed the Hill Descent Control system to mimic the downhill control and flexibility afforded by the ultra-low gearing found in a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with its 4:1 ratio transfer case.

Operational in the 4WD Low position, Hill Descent Control provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed with more precision and smoother operation than simply using the brakes. Unlike many of its competitors, the new Grand Cherokee with Hill Descent Control offers extremely smooth transitions between speeds and allows the driver to use the throttle and brakes without turning the system off, with a smooth and controlled return to the preset speed after the driver releases the throttle or brakes.

Once Hill Descent Control is activated by pushing the button in the centre stack, preset speeds can be selected by using the transmission shifter. For ease of operation, after the Hill Descent Control button is engaged, Grand Cherokee’s Hill Descent Control is activated and deactivated automatically, as the system senses changes in topography. The system works whether the vehicle is driven in forward or reverse.

The preset maximum speeds are:
1st gear: 1.6 km/h
2nd gear: 4 km/h
3rd gear: 6 km/h
4th gear: 9 km/h
5th gear or D: 12 km/h
Reverse (R): 1.6 km/h
Neutral (N): 4 km/h

Hill Descent Control was engineered to provide the smoothest transitions possible, even from a complete stop on extremely steep and slippery surfaces. Hill Descent Control is standard on all Grand Cherokee models with the exception of the SRT8.

Hill Start Assist
The Hill Start Assist system provides the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver’s release of the brake pedal. The Hill Start Assist system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch. This system is extremely helpful when driving in urban as well as off-road areas with steep hills.

Hill Start Assist is standard on all Jeep Grand Cherokee models with the exception of the SRT8.

Trailer Sway Control
Trailer Sway Control minimises trailer sway (an alternating yaw of the vehicle) and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic, provides trailer stability and increases towing safety.

Sensors monitor the vehicle’s movement relative to the driver’s intended path. The vehicle yaw sensor recognises sway. Once the system determines the sway is increasing and is not a result of the driver’s steering input, Trailer Sway Control applies brake pressure on one front wheel to counteract the yaw induced by the trailer and smoothly applies brake pressure to the other wheels to slow the vehicle. As the trailer sways to the other side of the vehicle, Trailer Sway Control will increase pressure to the opposite side of the vehicle. The technology will continue to apply alternating brake pressure and reduce engine torque until the trailer sway is under control.

Four-Wheel Drive Systems

Quadra-Drive II®

The Quadra-Drive II® Jeep 4×4 system offers customers the ultimate in off-road capability. It combines the NV245 full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for best-in-class tractive performance. The system instantly detects tyre slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to the tyres with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will even anticipate low traction and adjust to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

The heart of the system is the NV245 active transfer case. This transfer case includes a centre differential coupled with an electronically controlled clutch pack, varying it from a completely open state to completely locked and infinite possibilities in between. The 4-Low gear ratio is 2.72:1.

A key component in the Quadra-Drive II system is the ELSD – an industry-first application front/rear/centre and the benchmark for automatic traction differentials. The ELSD uses electronically controlled clutch packs to automatically and instantly vary from slip to lock at each axle. This maximises traction when needed without any of the on-road drawbacks normally associated with such a robust 4×4 system.

All components of the system work together, continually monitoring needs, to provide smooth and automatic application of the components for best-in-class tractive performance while improving the day-to-day on-road driving experience. For example, the ELSD releases the clutch packs in the front axle during turns to allow differentiation and prevent crow hop.

Powertrains

3.0-litre Common Rail Turbo Diesel (CRD)
The 3.0-litre common rail turbo diesel (CRD) V6 engine produces 160 kW @ 3,800 rpm and 510Nm of torque @ 1,600 – 2,800 rpm. The engine offers up to 30 percent improvement in fuel economy, class-leading torque and outstanding towing capacity (3.5 tonne). And, clean diesel technology reduces CO2 emissions by an average of 30 percent.

4.7-litre SOHC V-8
For 2009 the 4.7-litre V8 engine offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-litre engine, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement.

The new 4.7-litre V8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-litre HEMI), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 223kW @ 5,650 rpm, a 30 percent increase, and 445 Nm of torque @ 3,950 rpm, a 10 percent increase and five percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the previous 4.7-litre V8 engine.

Improvements in the new 4.7-litre V8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with a new cam design, two spark plugs per cylinder and a new valve-lash adjuster system. The new 4.7-litre V8 is also equipped with electronic throttle control.

6.1-litre HEMI® V8
The 6.1-litre HEMI V8 delivers outstanding performance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. It produces 313kW and 569Nm of torque and delivers a complete performance package with exceptional acceleration and makes the SRT8 the quickest, most powerful Jeep vehicle ever created, offering 0-100kph in the low 5 second range.

Suspension Steering Systems and Transmissions
The short- and long-arm independent front suspension on Grand Cherokee provides the driver with a greater sense of precision and control and more precise steering, and reduces vehicle weight, all without compromising the vehicle’s off-road performance. The five-link rear-suspension geometry, including a track bar, also improves lateral stiffness to match that of the front suspension for optimum handling.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which is standard on all models, aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe manoeuvres on any type of surface. It works by using signals from sensors throughout the vehicle that then determine the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments for directional stability.

Grand Cherokee’s rack-and-pinion steering imparts more precise steering to the driver, providing quick response during all types of manoeuvres.

The 3.0-litre CRD engine is mated to the W5J400 five-speed automatic transmission. The 4.7-litre V-8 engine is mated to the 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission. These Grand Cherokee models have class-leading towing capacity of 3.5 tonne(SRT8 Towing restrictions apply). All transmissions feature Electronic Range Select driver interactive shift control. The shifter provides fully automated shifting when in the “drive” position. Or the driver can manually select each gear by simply moving the shifter left and right from the “drive” position using the tiptronic facility. This gives the driver control to precisely match any on-road or off-road requirement.

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety and Security Features:

• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• ABS with rough road detection
• Advanced multi-stage air bags
• Belt Alert
• Brake Assist
• LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children)
• Digressive load-limiting seat belt retractors
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Energy-absorbing steering wheel and column
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
• Express up-down front-door windows
• Four-wheel Brake Traction Control (BTC) system
• Head restraints in all outboard seating positions
• Knee bolsters
• ParkSense rear park assist system
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Remote keyless entry
• Seat belt pretensioners
• Sentry Key® engine immobilizer theft deterrent system
• Side curtain air bags with Roll Detection System (RDS)
• Three-point belts in all seating positions
• Tyre pressure monitoring system with warning indicator
• U-Connect hands-free communication system

Model Line-up

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Standard Features:

- 4.7-litre SOHC V8 engine or 3.0-litre V-6 Common Rail (CRD) turbo diesel engine
- Five-speed automatic transmission
- Quadra-Drive II 4WD system
- 17-inch x 7.5-inch machined-face alloy wheels
- Side roof rails
- Leather interior trim
- Heated front seats
- Rain-sensing automatic wipers
- Hill Start Assist
- Hill Descent Control system
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring system with display
- ParkSense rear park assist system
- ParkView rear back-up camera
- Electrochromic interior rear-view mirror
- Jeep front memory seat system with mirror and radio preferences
- MyGIG CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 stereo with 20G hard drive and touch screen
- Boston Acoustics six-speaker premium sound system with 276-watt digital amplifier
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited factory options:
- Power Sunroof

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: (specification above the Limited model)

- 6.1-litre HEMI V8 engine
- Electronic 4WD on-demand
- HID (High Intensity Discharge headlights)
- Premium Vehicle Security System
- Heated second row seats
- Boston Acoustics premium sound system
- Power sunroof
- High performance suspension

Find out more at Houston Prestige Jeep visit them online at www.houstonprestige.co.nz