The Jeep brand brings to mind many immediate feelings and thoughts. From off-road capability, adventure, limitless opportunity for fun, and a culture all its own – Jeep is so much more than an automotive brand. Jeep is a lifestyle choice that is made by the people who purchase Jeep brand vehicles. Owning a Jeep is so much more than owning a vehicle, and this phenomenon is much better felt, than explained. Jeep dealers in Miami and across the United States see this in action on a daily basis when drivers choose to purchase a Jeep vehicle. Something visibly and internally changes when a new Jeep owner is handed the keys to his iconic vehicle. Maybe it’s being a part of such a rich history, or maybe the feeling comes from joining a unique community of drivers. Whatever it is, it is undeniable, and Jeep knows it.
The Jeep Culture Continues to Grow
Jeep has never been content to sit comfortably and bask in their glorious success. While the success of the brand is certainly undeniable, it is channeled into so much more than bragging rights. Jeep takes each of their successes and failures, and uses it to evolve the brand even further into the future. Seeing this in action is as simple as taking a glimpse at the most recent additions to the Jeep lineup. Unique and versatile vehicles that only a few years ago, were not even on the manufacturer’s radar.
It is innovation like this, that helps drive Jeep forward. This innovation is not limited to simply adding nameplates to their lineup. Creating new vehicle is certainly an important part of any automotive manufacturer’s portfolio, but it isn’t the only thing. Aside from creating new and interesting crossovers, Jeep also continues to improve upon the vehicles already available in their lineup.
The Grand Cherokee Slated for Greatness
The Grand Cherokee is one of the greatest examples of how Jeep is always trying to improve upon their vehicles that are already in production. The mid-size SUV was created out of the demand for a larger and more luxurious version of the smaller Cherokee model, and it has been a shining success since it was first introduced in 1993.
The Grand Cherokee has enjoyed four generations of success, winning multiple awards, accolades, and receiving much deserved recognition throughout the years. It should come as no surprise, then, that Jeep has much bigger plans for the Grand Cherokee than what it is currently capable of. With recent rumors milling about, automotive insiders were able to confirm the latest news that Jeep has very big plans for the Grand Cherokee in the coming years, plans that have us downright giddy with excitement.
Who Says Power Is Just for Muscle Cars?
We aren’t sure where this happened, but somewhere down the line in automotive history, high performance and power were designated solely to sporty muscle cars. While great power has been assigned to heavy duty pickup trucks and other vehicles for the purpose of towing performance, rarely has a vehicle other than a sports car been outfitted with incredible power.
Jeep is working on a version of the Grand Cherokee that would make it the most powerful SUV on the road – ever. Likely to be equipped with the same 6.2-liter V8 HEMI engine that the Dodge Charger and Challenger Hellcat models sport under their hoods, the new 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Hellcat will be one powerful off-road capable machine. While nothing is official, the rumor mills seem confident that this version of the Grand Cherokee will be paired with the Trailhawk model, making it even more powerful. If what they say is true, then the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hellcat will produce an incredibly impressive 707 horsepower. A number that has never been assigned to any SUV, this would make the Grand Cherokee one of the most powerful vehicles on the road, even when compared to performance equipped muscle cars.
The addition of this powerful Hellcat Grand Cherokee to the Jeep lineup is projected to be available sometime next year, with a 2018 model year designation. While we wait for Jeep to make the official announcement, our imaginations will be left to run wild with the many incredible possibilities that this Jeep model has the potential of bringing to the segment. We foresee even more awards for the highly recognized SUV, and likely plenty of drivers moving over to the Jeep camp from other manufacturers.
While We Wait: A Look at the 2016 Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary Edition
Jeep is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and there is a whole lot of celebrating going around the Jeep lineup for 2016. The Grand Cherokee is no exception to this celebration, with a designated 75th Anniversary version of the mid-size SUV being offered. While the specifications on this version of the Grand Cherokee are impressive, they really don’t hold a candle to the expectations of the Grand Cherokee Hellcat we just talked about. Despite this fact, the Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary Edition is impressive in its own right, and will have to satiate our appetite until Jeep releases the powerful Hellcat next year.
The 2016 Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary Edition has a starting MSRP of $34,775, and comes standard with plenty of extra amenities and features. A new front fascia and redesigned front headlamps are the first striking change made to the Grand Cherokee Anniversary Edition, giving it an instant stand out appeal over other models in this year’s lineup. This Grand Cherokee model also incorporates a unique Green Recon exterior color with bronze accents, giving it an even more unique look on the road. The standard 18-inch wheels on this Grand Cherokee model are accented with a low-gloss bronze paint, and custom center wheel caps, giving it a polished and special look. A UConnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen is standard fare on this model, along with premium cloth seats with front heated seatbacks.
A blind spot monitoring system, single pane sunroof, and a heated steering wheel all ensure maximum safety, comfort, and convenience. Jeep put every effort into attention to detail on the 2016 Grand Cherokee Anniversary model, making it one of the most alluring editions of the model ever offered.
While most of the changes made to the 2016 Grand Cherokee Anniversary Edition are aesthetic in nature, this version of the SUV also offers up plenty of power and performance specifications. High performance off-road tires, a Selec-Terrain Traction management system, three bronze tow hooks, and a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds, make this version of the Grand Cherokee as capable as it is sharp looking.
The Jeep Brand Keeps Growing
All of this news surrounding the new Grand Cherokee Hellcat and the 75th Anniversary model come at the perfect time for the iconic brand. Last year, Jeep enjoyed its best year in sales ever. With a 22 percent increase in sales for 2015, Jeep sales made it to an impressive 1.2 million dollars. With this type of momentum, it is no wonder why Jeep is continuing their progression of their entire lineup.
As we wait for more news regarding the highly anticipated 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hellcat model, we are sure that Jeep is busy thinking up and engineering their next impressive automotive marvel. We simply can’t wait to see what Jeep will come up with next, because with the type of innovation they have shown, the possibilities are truly endless.