Tag Archives: LATCH

2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Review & Test Drive

January 29, 2013 Bartle Doo Leave a comment

‘ONE MORE INVITATION TO RUMBLE’

Word has it that 2013 will be the last year for the Dodge Challenger SRT8 as Dodge and SRT are getting ready to introduce a new model for 2014, the all-new SRT Barracuda that will be sleeker and pack an even more powerful punch.

First introduced in 2008, the all-new Challenger SRT turned heads with its retro-styling featuring a flat black grille with satin-chrome surround and SRT badge, round headlamps including HID lights, lower air-intake with round foglamps at the sides, and a giant black splitter with integrated front fender spats down below. The power-dome hood features two working air-scoops. From the side are steeply raked A-pillars, oval/heated sideview mirrors, pull-out door handles, polished aluminum fuel filler door, arrow head rear window, and fenders stuffed with 20X9 inch aluminum alloy wheels. The rear shows it’s retro-styling with a straight-line of lamp clusters, a deck lid spoiler with the SRT8 badge proudly displayed, and 2.75 inch exhaust pipes ending with four-inch wide rectangular dual exhaust tips at the sides down below. The SRT tuned exhaust rumbles when you push the start button and growls loudly when pressing hard on the throttle. It’s beautiful music to my ears. At first look you think that you are looking at an original 1970 thru 1974 Dodge Challenger. Unique 392 HEMI badges are fitted on both front fenders flaunting its new historically significant V8 engine that remains true to its high-performance roots and powers the highest rated Challenger ever.

The 392 cu.in. 6.4 liter HEMI V8 makes 470 hp at 6,000 rpm and 470 lb.ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The torque band is extremely flat allowing for strong launch and improved straight-line performance throughout the rpm range. The advanced active intake manifold along with its high-lift cam with phasing provides maximum low-end torque and high-end power while still delivering 23mpg on the highway with the six-speed manual. The performance-tuned engine mounts improve idle stability and ride control at all speeds.

New this year is the expanded adaptive damping suspension that allows for three-mode selectable suspension tuning, a standard launch control that provides enhanced straight-line acceleration and an optional, (my Challenger SRT came with it) monster Harman Kardon audio system with 18-GreenEdge speakers and 900 watts of power that shook the inside when just at half power. A look under the hood reveals unique valve covers with painted silver ribs and the ‘392 HEMI’ logo, which gives the engine a unique, clean and aggressive look.

My test Challenger SRT8 came equipped with the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission and a ZF-Sachs 24mm dual-disc high-performance clutch-a proven performer that was first offered on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10. The triple-cone 1^st./2^nd and double cone 3^rd.-6^th synchronized gear design makes short precise gear changes up and down for fun and thrills as you zoom to 60mph from a standstill in just 4.6 seconds, run the ¼ mile in the mid 12 second range, go from 0-100-9 in the low 15 seconds, and reach a top speed of 182mph. That’s fast, very fast! Putting all of the ground-shaking torque to the pavement is a standard Getrag limited-slip differential.

New for 2013 is an improved adaptive damping suspension (ADS) system that is tuned specifically for the Challenger SRT8 to provide an everyday performance ride or a much firmer race track capable damping for more challenging driving situations. In ‘Auto’ mode, a wide range of on-road and driver-inputs-such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and longitudinal/lateral/vertical accelerations-automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions. In ‘Sport’ mode, the damping system rebound and compression is locked to a higher rate. You can easily choose between setting with a press of a button on the center stack to quickly change the shock damping characteristics from ‘Auto’ for everyday commuting to ‘Sport’ for more spirited driving situations. You can really feel the difference in damping forces when you switch from Auto to Sport modes. The automatic transmission with paddle shifters comes with a ‘Track’ mode that further increases the damping for track use only. In either mode you are riding on rails!

The SRT’s unique suspension is fully independent with an SRT tuned sport ride that is compliant and never harsh. The front SLA (short/long arm) setup also includes high upper ‘A’ arms, coil springs over gas-charged monotube Bilstein shocks, a 30mm solid stabilizer bar and lateral and diagonal lower links. The rear features a 5-link setup with coil springs, link-type 16mm stabilizer bar, gas-charged monotube Bilstein shocks and an isolated suspension cradle for extra rigidity and less noise, vibration and harshness. The front suspension also benefits from a strut tower brace located just behind the engine to further increase the front ends rigidity and giving you ‘racecar’ super-quick handling characteristics. The SRT tuned rack & pinion hydraulic assisted steering uses a heavy-duty pump and unique gearing to give you a more direct feel and on center response that further adds to the pinpoint accuracy and speed of the reaction to your inputs. Straightline stability is superb and when you are tackling steep curving roads it is no problem with the standard traction control/electronic stability control. If you want to let the rear slid out for even more aggressive speeds through the curves you can shut off the system. The optimum 44.6/45.4 front/rear weight distribution is ideal and gives the car a more neutral feel during spirited driving time. The handling result is .90g capability on the skid pad-the most of any production Challenger and on par with some of the world’s best-handling performance coupes.

Sitting ½ inch lower than non-SRT models, the Challenger SRT8 392 rides on standard five-spoke 20X9 inch lightweight forged aluminum wheels with satin black painted pockets and SRT engraved on each wheel. These unique wheels are wrapped with Goodyear 245/45ZR20 inch front and 255/45ZR20 inch rear F1 Supercar tires for excellent grip and a very quiet and smooth ride.

A new for 2013 standard launch control system helps maximize straight-line acceleration. Using the manual six-speed transmission, when the vehicle is at a complete stop, you engage the system by pressing the ESC button twice and then depress the clutch and quickly apply full throttle. Launch control holds the engine at the desired rpm and waits for you to release the clutch. Through the SRT-exclusive Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) screen, you can adjust the launch rpm from 2,500-4,500 in 250 rpm increments, allowing for optimal launches in various conditions. Launch control then uses engine torque management to achieve controlled wheelslip for maximum acceleration up to 62mph. The feeling is like being shot out of a cannon.

Quickly and safely slowing the 4,170 pound Challenger SRT8 down from speed are ‘world-class’ power-assisted brakes that bring the car from 60 to 0mph in just 117 feet. Up front are 14.2 inch vented/slotted rotors and 13.8 inch vented/slotted rotors in the rear. Each disc is clamped with Brembo four-piston fixed calipers painted red in aluminum housing. The three-mode electronic stability control system with knockback mitigation also includes ABS, BA, EBD and Hill-Start Assist so you won’t roll back when stopped on a hill. The Ready Alert Braking system anticipates when you quickly release the accelerator pedal and may initiate an emergency brake stop, after which the electronic stability control pump engages to set brake pads against rotors in order to decrease the time required for full brake application. Improved brake cooling and fade performance comes from the brake cooling ducts cut out on the big front splitter that directs air to the front brakes.

The new 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is awesome in every respect under the skin of the retro-modern body but even more excellence and attention to detail lies inside the comfortable and sporty interior. It begins with SRT designed front bucket seats are perforated and deeply cut to keep you in place during very spirited driving. My test car came with power bottom, power lumbar support and manual seatback. The SRT-exclusive leather-wrapped/heated steering wheel features a unique satin chrome rim section with a flattened bottom surface that showcases the SRT logo. All audio controls, cruise control Bluetooth and EVIC controls are accessible from the horizontal spokes of the steering wheel. The horizontal instrument cluster features four chromed accent rings and unique SRT graphics for the large 180mph speedometer and 8,000rpm tachometer plus smaller fuel and engine coolant temperature gauges that are all easy to see. Inside the cluster the EVIC with performance pages provides you with trip information, multimedia information from the Media Center radio, along with instant feedback on 0-60mph time, 60-0 mph braking, G-forces, 1/8 mile and quarter-mile times. All of the touch points are made from high-quality soft materials. The door trim features suede leather and double-stitched leather. The SRT bucket seat backs are embroidered with the SRT logo. Sporty cues include aluminum foot pedals with rubber inserts; a perfectly placed real ‘pistol grip’ stick shifter wrapped in leather with an aluminum center surrounded with chrome ringed bezel. For safe nighttime driving is standard ambient lighting for the chrome door handles and dual cupholders that is also ringed with aluminum trim. The center stack features easy-to-use chrome dials for the climate control system. My test Challenger SRT8 came with the monster Harman Kardon premium audio surround-sound system with 900-watts, 18-GreenEdge speakers and amplifier technology to offer superior sound quality and high Sound Level outputs with minimum energy consumption. The system’s 18-GreenEdge ultra-lightweight, high-efficiency speakers include seven 3.5 inch Unity coaxial mid-range speakers with seven integrated tweeters located in the front dash, rear doors and rear deck, two 6X9 inch subwoofers located in the front doors, and two 10-inch subwoofers in a trunk mounted enclosure.

Standard equipment not mentioned above includes heated front seats, rear 60/40 folding seat with a pull down armrest and dual cupholders, a grab handle above the passenger door, express down front windows, storage slots in each door, ParkSense rear park assist system, keyless go push button start/stop, keyless entry, auto dimming rearview mirrors, variable speed wipers/washers, remote trunk release, universal garage door opener, aluminum plate door guard with Challenger engraved, a sunglass holder and dual map lights above, dual lighted vanity mirrors, a 6.5 inch touch screen display, a Uconnect 340 audio system with AM-FM-Sirius satellite radio/CD/DVD/MP3/HDD with six Boston Acoustics speakers, a 12-volt plug up front, thick cut-pile carpeting with custom floor mats. My test Challenger SRT8 came with a GPS navigation system, Redline 3-coat pearl exterior paint and dual silver center stripes that really stopped traffic with drivers asking “how much horsepower’, etc.

Standard safety features not mentioned above includes advanced multistage front airbags, supplemental side curtain front and rear airbags, front row active head restraints, driver’s knee airbag, front seat-mounted side thorax airbags, 3-point safety belts for five people with front pretensioners/load limiters, security alarm, engine immobilizer, LATCH system.

The new 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is the real deal. It has what every muscle car enthusiast wants in a modern, super-high-performance vehicle but with a unique retro look that brings back memories from the great years of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Go-man-Go and drive it always for only $49,205.00 including delivery. Thanks Dodge for a fun and thrilling test drive!

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: Challenger SRT8 As-Tested $49,205
Engine: 6.4 liter HEMI V8 470 hp @ 6,000 rpm / 470 lb.ft. of torque @ 4,200 rpm
Wheelbase: 116 inches
Total length: 197.7 inches
Total width: 75.7 inches
Total height: 57.1 inches
Track: f/r-63/63.1 inches
Ground clearance: 4.8 inches
Curb weight: 4,170 pounds
Fuel tank: 19 gallons
Headroom: f/r-39.3/37.4 inches
Legroom: f/r-42/32.6 inches
Cargo volume: 16.2 cu.ft.
EPA mileage: 14mpg/city, 23mpg/highway
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts

Automobiles

2013 Honda Accord Sport Review & Test Drive

January 15, 2013 Bartle Doo Leave a comment

By Harvey Schwartz

‘A SPORTING GOOD IDEA’

The all-new, ninth-generation, 2013 Honda Accord is a vast improvement over the last generation model. The new Sport trim package placed just above the price for the base LX trim saves you money but gives you in return a very good performance version of the Accord. No matter which model you choose, each is more sophisticated, higher-performing, and with a longer list of standard equipment. The new Sport model comes with a new 189 hp 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine, a new CVT transmission with seven gear ratios and paddle shifters, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise control, audio control and Bluetooth buttons, a body color decklid spoiler, dual exhaust with chrome finishers, foglamps, and a 10-way powered driver’s seat with power lumbar control. Filling the fenders are custom 18X8 in. machined aluminum alloy wheels wrapped with 235/45R18 in. performance tires for excellent grip and a smooth, quiet ride.

The new Accord is shorter, lower and wider than before which gives it a lower co-efficient of drag while improving its handling capabilities. Even though it is slightly small in length, 189.2 in. versus last year’s 191 in., rear legroom and trunk room has improved.

The newly styled Sport model that I tested features more chrome and cut angles beginning with the front end showing a more angular grille with chrome around its side, bottom and inside horizontal slats. Just below is another air-intake with a chrome strip at the bottom, and at each side are new foglamps. The ‘cat’s-eye’ headlamps are slimmer but put out more light with standard projector beam lights or optional HID lights. The silhouette shows the steeply raked windshield A-pillars, aero-dynamic designed side mirrors, flared fenders, a full-perimeter chrome strip around the greenhouse, deep side extensions, and pull out chrome door handles. A nicely scallop at each door rises slightly giving it a look of motion when parked. The tapered roof ends with a spoiler mounted onto the back of the trunk lid to enhance rear downforce. Moving over to the rear are big, wraparound taillight/brake/backup lamp clusters tied together with a wide chrome strip. A bold bumper with a chrome bar just above an air-diffuser underneath better manage airflow. Under the bumper at each side are large, chrome exhaust finishers. The new look is sleek, lower and aggressive, yet more luxurious than before.

Under the hood of the Accord Sport is a new 2.4 liter 4-cylinder aluminum alloy DOHC, i-VTEC engine with direct injection. Because of the high-flow dual exhaust system this engine pumps out 189 hp at 6,400 rpm and 182 lb.ft. of torque at 3,900 rpm compared to the standard 2.4 liter’s 185 hp and 181 lb.ft. of torque with the single exhaust. An ECO Assist button on the left side of the dashboard decreases rpm when lightly pushing on the throttle to increase mpg.

The Accord Sport’s new engine can be mated to either a smooth shifting six-speed manual or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). With a wider ratio range than the 5-speed automatic that it replaces and combined with greater efficiency and less weight, the new CVT is a major contributor to the Accord’s improved fuel efficiency of 21 mpg/city and 34 mpg/highway. I tested the new CVT with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and it was great fun changing gears when I wanted to hold to redline or downshift going into corners. I saw 1-7 gears on the center readout plus the system wouldn’t let me advance the gears until I reached a certain speed, just like a real sequential shifting automatic. Upshifting and downshifting was instant, great fun and sporty driving.

Most of the fun when behind the wheel is telegraphed through the new, more rigid fully independent suspension and the many electronic advancements that make the all-new Accord the most fun-to-drive and capable than ever. The all-new chassis features a MacPherson strut setup that replaces the older, heavier double-wishbone setup. The front includes a new steel and aluminum subframe that reduces noise, vibration and harshness, gas-charged shocks and a 17mm stabilizer bar. The rear multi-link setup features new compliance bushings, coil springs, gas-charged shocks and a 14mm stabilizer bar. Giving the front end more rigidity for enhanced response to your inputs is a strut tower brace. The new electric power steering system uses an electric motor to assist to the rack & pinion steering thus reducing steering effort at slow speeds, improving precision, feel for the road and less power consumption.

When you put the gear selector in S (Sport) the engine mapping is quickened, the suspension tightens and the power steering is even more responsive giving a feeling and precision of driving a higher-priced, high-performance sport sedan. When entering a highway on a cloverleaf I had the speedometer at 60 mph with no understeer or oversteer, partly thanks to the electronic vehicle assist and traction control that kept the wheels firmly planted as I sped around the circle. Giving the new Accord a quieter ride than ever are standard Active Noise Control and Active Sound Control that counteract engine noise helping to create a more linear and sophisticated high-rpm engine note.

Slowing the new Accord Sport down from speed are larger, power-assisted, four-wheel steel disc brakes. Up front are 11.4 in. vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers and 11.1 in. solid discs clamped with single-piston calipers in the rear. Braking control is enhanced with standard ABS, EBD and BA.

The interior of the Accord Sport is all new with more comfortable front bucket seats, new more simple instrumentation, brushed aluminum trimmed, dual tiered center stack with separate audio and climate controls sections, a center console with dual cupholders, storage bin up front and a deep and wide storage box under the padded armrest. The leather-wrapped stick shifter is found on-line with P through S surrounded by a chrome bezel. All of the controls are within easy rear to use. Although the car’s length as decreased over 3 in. and the wheelbase is almost an inch shorter, key interior dimensions have grown. While the Accord’s sleeker shape decreases already plentiful headroom slightly, rear legroom increases over an inch, bot front and rear shoulder room increase, and trunk space is up over a cubic foot. The larger volume trunk now features a flatter floor and more space for greater utility. The interior shows Accord’s advancement with higher grades of soft-to-the-touch materials and greater craftsmanship. The Sport features black plastic with a dot pattern on the dashboard, center console and door trim.

A bright, full-color 8 in. ‘intelligent’ Multi-Information Display (i-MID) serves as the control center for the Accord’s many electronic functions. The i-MID screen displays the image from the new standard backup camera, fuel economy information, audio functions, and an available LaneWatch feature, which can help you on busy multi-lane roads by displaying a wide-angle view of the passenger side roadway of the vehicle. A new audio with touchscreen system is standard and features a Pandora internet radio interface, and a convenient SMS text messaging function that can read incoming texts aloud and allow you to respond with factory preset text message. A Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface adds intuitive hands-free calling convenience. Honda satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition and FM Traffic is optional. The all-new Accord is the first Honda product to offer available HondaLink technology, which works with the owner’s compatible smartphone to connect the Accord with music and other media sources, internet apps, roadside assistance and more to help improve the driving experience. Aha by Harman is the first HondaLink internet app resource and future apps will expand HondaLink functionality substantially.

Standard equipment inside my Accord Sport not mentioned above included AM-FM-CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, USB audio interface, MP3 auxiliary input jack, dual-zone climate control with air filtration system, power windows/door locks with driver-side express up/down, illuminated dual vanity mirrors, dual map lights, map pockets behind the front seatbacks, sunglass holder, cruise control, variable-speed wipers/washers, remote fuel filler door/trunk release, cargo area light, lockable glove box, exterior temperature gauge, thick cut-pile carpeting, floor maps front/rear, maintenance minder system, grab handles above each door, 60/40 split folding rear seat, and a pull-down rear armrest with dual cupholders.

Standard safety features include driver/front passenger dual stage airbags, driver/front passenger side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, ACE body structure, tire pressure monitoring system, side impact door beams, 3-point safety belts for five with front pretensioners/load limiters, daytime running lamps and the LATCH system for child seats.

The all-new 2013 Honda Accord is a vast improvement over the last generation model with sleeker and more aerodynamic styling, more fuel efficient powertrains, a more refined and dynamic suspension system, a more spacious, refined, and comfortable interior with the latest in infotainment and safety systems. The new Sport model that I tested gave me even greater pleasure and fun driving it around town and on the highways. The price is surprisingly affordable at just $23,390.00 for this great looking and great performing new Accord Sport sedan.

COPYRIGHT: 2012: HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: Base Accord Sedan $21,680 / As-Tested Accord Sport $23,390
Engine: 2.4 liter DOHC 4-cylinder 185 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm / 181 ft-lbs. torque @ 3,900 rpm
Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Wheelbase: 109.3 in.
Total length: 191.4 in.
Total width: 72.8 in.
Total height: 57.7 in.
Curb weight: 3,342 lbs.
Track: f/r-62.4/62.4 in.
Headroom: f/r-39.1/37.5 in.
Legroom: f/r-42.5/38.5 in.
Cargo volume: 15.8 cu.ft.
Turing circle: 39.6 ft.
Fuel tank: 17.2 gallons
0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts

Automobiles

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit AWD Review & Test Drive

January 3, 2013 Bartle Doo Leave a comment

By Harvey Schwartz

‘BLINGING TO THE TOP’

If you like to reach your favorite off-road destination in a tuxedo, then check out the new Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit AWD sport utility vehicle. Besides Jeep’s fabled off-road prowess, this new Grand Cherokee is dressed to the nines outside and inside with the latest luxury, convenience, safety, connectivity and infotainment systems.

My test 2013 Cherokee Overland Summit came fully loaded. New standard equipment includes front park assist, power folding outside heated/self-dimming mirrors and headlight washers. My Overland Summit came equipped with the new optional black colored Nappa leather seats with saddle accent stitching on the seats and the black Berber floor mats. The dashboard upper lid is also covered with leather featuring the single stitching saddle thread. The front bucket seats feature 8-way power adjustments with lumbar support, perforated inserts for heating and cooling functions. More about the sumptuous interior later as the exterior styling of the Overland Summit gets new bling.

Sporting a unique front appearance with a fully chromed grille, Bi-Xenon headlamps, dual chromed tow hooks, chrome front skid plate and chrome fog lamp bezels. From the side are steeply raked windshield pillars, flared fenders, chrome pull-out door handles, a full-perimeter chrome strip around the greenhouse, a thick chrome strip running through both doors, black contrasted lower bodykit, and aluminum roof rack rails. Out the rear is a roof-mounted spoiler, wrap-around lamp clusters with a thick chrome strip giving it a solid appearance. The power liftgate features flipper glass for easy loading/unloading, a chrome-surround step bumper, and a single, 31/2 in. polished stainless steel exhaust tip. In the cargo area are four chrome slats and four chrome tie-downs plus a cargo net.

On the inside the Overland Summit features unique Black Olive burl wood trim blended into the instrument panel. The distinctive polished trim wraps into the upper panels of both the front and rear doors surrounding passengers with the highest levels of craftsmanship. The wood trim is also used on the standard, leather-wrapped, power tilting/telescoping/heated/beefy steering wheel. The center stack, center console and air-vents are covered in chrome and satin aluminum giving the interior a further infusion of luxury. The stick shifter is of course, also covered in leather with the top part showing a black with white lettering Jeep signature. More interior refinements include heated second-row seats with air-vents out the end of the center console, two-driver memory settings for seats, steering wheel and side mirrors, rear pull-down center armrest with dual cupholders, electronic, dual-zone A/C system, power windows/door locks with front express up/down, dual-pane one-touch panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, electronic vehicle information center located between the rallye style gauges, Uconnect 730 N CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/NAV GPS navigation, 9-amplified speakers with subwoofer, Sirius satellite radio, 6.5 in. touch screen display, 506-watt amp, storage pockets in each door, a deep lighted glove box, grab handles above each door, dual map lights, dual lighted vanity mirrors, cargo area light, rain-sensing wipers/washers, rear wiper/washer, two-tiered storage box and padded armrest and thick cut-pile carpeting.

Also standard on the Overland Summit is the Advanced Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control group which consist of Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Sport Monitoring and Rear Cross-path detection systems. Am I missing anything? I don’t think that any other premium sport utility vehicle comes with more luxury, convenience, and new high-tech safety features. What really sets the new 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit a part from any other SUV in the segment is Jeep’s fabled off-road ability.

Let’s start with the power and torque to easily cruise on the highway and bust through the toughest off-road trails. You have a choice of the award-winning 3.6 liter VVT all-aluminum, DOHC Pentastar V6 engine that generates 290 hp at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb.ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. Excellent fuel mileage specs of 16/city and 23mpg/highway. The 5.7 liter V8 engine with fuel-saver technology delivers 360 hp and 290 lb.ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. The VVT system on both engines delivers performance, towing capability and fuel efficiency. 4X4 models achieve 13 mpg/city and 20mpg/highway. With the V8 engine fuel-saver technology seamlessly alternates between smooth high-fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V8 mode when more power is requested. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic and the 3.6 liter V6 engine is mated to a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic. Both transmissions feature Autostick which allows you to hold each gear and make the changes, up or down, when you want it. The V6 engine offers a trailer-tow capability of up to 5,000 lbs. and up to 7,400 lbs. with the 5.7 liter V8 engine. That’s plenty of towing power from either engine. My test Grand Cherokee Overland Summit 4X4 had the V6 engine that provided me with plenty of power and towing capability for all of my needs.

Besides the excellent power and torque ratings allowing you to easily cruise the highways and tough off-road trails with a trailer/boat or any type of active lifestyle accessories, the combination of Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Lift air suspension system and the Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system lets you choose the 4X4 setting for the optimum experience on all terrains-also giving you a ‘cloud-like’ air-ride on the road. My test Cherokee Overland Summit had both systems for the optimum off-road capability. Selec-Terrain electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, traction control and electronic stability control (ESC). The Jeep Selec-Terrain’s control dial allows you to choose from five driving conditions in order to achieve the best 4X4 performance. Torque management to the drive wheels for maximum grip is achieved through the following settings: Sand/Mud-traction control and Quadra-Lift operates with sensitive response to wheel spin and torque is tuned for optimal performance; Sport-provides enhanced on-road ‘fun-to-drive capability; Auto-automatically adapts to any on-or-off-road situation; Snow-vehicle traction control adjusts for ultimate performance over snow-covered roads; Rock-Quadra-Lift air suspension system raises to maximum height (10.7 in.) and the transfer case, differentials and throttle coordinate to provide low-speed control.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee also offers the Quadra Lift air suspension system, which features five height settings for optimum ride performance: Normal Ride Height (NRH): 8.1 in. of clearance offers improved fuel economy and improved aerodynamics during on-road driving; Off-road 1-Lifts the vehicle an additional 1.3 in. for added height in clearing obstacles (9.4 in.); Off-road 2-Delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability and provides an additional 2.6 in. of height for 10.7 in. of ground clearance; Park Mode- Lowers the vehicle 1.5 in. from the NRH for easy ingress/egress and roof-rack loading, NRH and Park mode are driver selectable, giving you control over vehicle ride height; Aero Mode-Lowers the vehicle .6 in. from NRH. Aero mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel economy.

Quadra-Lift adds up to 4.1 in. of lift span that is supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console controls. With the front airdam removed, and the available Quadra-Lift air suspension system, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit 4X4 features a 34.3-degree approach angle, a 29.3-degree departure angle and a 23.1-degree Breakover angle.

Front and rear independent suspension systems feature isolated front and rear suspension cradles. Variable rate rear springs deliver uncompromised on-road handling and comfort that complements the vehicle’s off-road prowess. The rear suspension allows the spare tire to be stored inside the vehicle.

The Quadra Trac II two-speed transfer case actively manages torque and uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, as much as 100% of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

The standard electro-hydraulic power rack & pinion steering system in the V6 model gives excellent feel for the road, is smooth and reacts to your inputs immediately. It also increases fuel efficiency by 1mpg. The V8 model uses the standard hydraulic power rack & pinion system.

Quickly stopping the new Grand Cherokee Overland Summit down from speed are large, 4-wheel steel disc brakes. Up front are 12.9 in. vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers. The rear features 12.6 in. solid discs clamped with single-piston calipers. Standard ABS, BA, Traction Control and ESC all work together to keep you in control when braking on slick pavement or when off-road. The new 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit rides on huge 20X8 in. aluminum alloy wheels wrapped with Goodyear 265/50R20 in. Fortera HL all-season radial tires for a smooth, quiet ride with excellent traction.

Standard features not mentioned above includes, self-dimming rearview mirror, reading lamps in the rear, and a cargo lamp in the back. Options not mentioned above in the Overland Summit automatic high-beam headlight control.

Standard safety features includes hill descent control, daytime running lamps, advanced multi-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted airbags, side-curtain airbags, LATCH system for child seats, Parkview rear backup camera, ParkSense rear park assist system, trailer tow group, hill start assist, trailer sway damping, security alarm , 5-3-point safety belts with front pretensioners/load limiters, front crumple zone and steel beams in each door.

The new 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Overland 4X4 gives the active lifestyle single, coupe or family exceptional luxury with Jeep’s Legendary Off-Road Capability! It can’t get any better than this new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: $43,595.00 base-$48,520.00 loaded including destination charge
Engine: 3.6-liter DOHC V6 Pentastar 290 hp @ 6,400 rpm / 260 lb.ft. of torque @ 4,800 rpm
Suspension: F-independent, SLA, air springs, gas-charged twin-tube coil over shocks, upper/lower control arms, stabilizer bar R-independent, multi-link setup with twin-tube gas-charged shocks, load leveling air springs for towing, aluminum lower control arms, independent upper links (tension & camber), separate toe link, stabilizer bar.
Turning circle: 37.1 ft.
Wheelbase: 114.8 in.
Track: f/r-63.9/64.1 in.
Overall length: 189.8 in.
Overall width: width at mirrors-84.8 in.
Overall height: at roof rail-69.3 in.
Load floor height: 31.8 in. with air suspension
Headroom: f/r-39.9/39.2 in.
Legroom: f/r-40.3/38.6 in.
Maximum cargo volume: 68.7 cu.ft.
Behind second-row seats: 35.1 cu.ft.
Total passenger/cargo volume: 140.5 cu.ft.
Curb weight: 4,955 lbs.
Payload: 1,159 lbs.

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts

Bartle Doo Article Archives

Tag Archives: LATCH

2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Review & Test Drive

SPECIFICATIONS

2013 Honda Accord Sport Review & Test Drive

SPECIFICATIONS

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit AWD Review & Test Drive

SPECIFICATIONS

Articles Archive