Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.7 CRD
Published: 30th November 2002
Producing 161bhp of power and a generous 295 lb ft of torque over a range of between 1800 rpm and 2600 rpm, the new CRD engine is derived from DaimlerChrysler’s OM612 engine, which is currently used in the Mercedes-Benz E-, C- and M-Class vehicles.
Manufactured in Untertuerkheim-Stuttgart in Germany, the 2.7-litre engine brings a whole host of new features to customers seeking a diesel-powered Grand Cherokee. These include double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a variable geometry turbocharger.
The new engine offers 23 bhp more power and 12 lb ft more torque than the engine it replaces and more significantly, it provides an increase in fuel efficiency of over 20 per cent, making the Grand Cherokee 2.7 CRD one of the most economical in its class. Fuel consumption of the Grand Cherokee 2.7 CRD is just 29.1 mpg on the combined cycle.
The new engine provides Grand Cherokee 2.7 CRD with a top speed of 113 mph and significantly faster acceleration. It accelerates from zero to 62 mph in just 11.2 seconds, over two and a half seconds quicker than the previous turbo diesel version.
The new engine is mated to the WA 580 5-speed automatic transmission, which is also new to Grand Cherokee. This electronically controlled wide ratio automatic transmission – known in Grand Cherokee as the W5J400 transmission, is derived from that which is currently utilised in the Mercedes-Benz C-, E- and M-Class ranges.
Benefits of this transmission include reduced fuel consumption, improved shift comfort, more favourable step-up through the five gears, lower maintenance costs, increased service life and reliability.
“Making this popular DaimlerChrysler engine available in the Grand Cherokee has produced a vehicle which demonstrates the optimal balance of American emotion and European rational values,” said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director – International Sales & Marketing, Chrysler Group. “It represents another clear example of how we draw from the best groups within our company to optimise our product offerings.
“The superior power and fuel economy of this popular and proven engine brings new levels of refinement and performance to those customers who choose a diesel-powered Grand Cherokee,” he added.
A number of changes were made by engineers from the Chrysler
Group and Mercedes-Benz to modify this engine for fitment
into Grand Cherokee. The main changes were to the turbocharger,
oil pan, viscous heater, exhaust and intake manifolds, fuel
filter and EGR mixing chamber.
