Chris Vermeulen Gets Behind The Wheel Of The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi

[Jimmyb]

Aussie World Superbike rider Chris Vermeulen is usually more partial to two-wheeled transport, but he has made an exception this week jumping into the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Chris is in Melbourne from February 25th – 27th for the Yamaha Phillip Island Round of the Superbike World Championship.

Getting to and from the track will be more fun than ever in the top spec Grand Cherokee Overland model, boasting the powerful 5.7L Hemi® V8 engine, producing 259 kW of power and 520 N.m of torque.

While the Grand Cherokee is impressive under the bonnet, the interior quality is unprecedented for Jeep, featuring a luxurious cabin that has been designed to make the driving experience all about the journey, not just the destination.

Chris might be used to racing leathers, but the leather interior of the Overland is a slightly different experience. The full leather dash features French stitching and is coupled with genuine wood grain panelling, creating a feeling of pure luxury. These classic touches team together perfectly with the very latest technology including navigation dual-pane panoramic sunroof and all the bells and whistles you would expect from a premium vehicle.

According to the Aussie motorcycle champ, the Grand Cherokee rates highly as one of the best ways to get around on four wheels.

“This is an incredible vehicle, you just couldn’t ask for anything more, inside or out,” said Chris Vermeulen. “Even though I’m a two wheel man, I mightn’t be too keen to give this Jeep back!”

Priced from an astonishing $45,000, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in three spec levels – Laredo, Limited and the Overland variant, which is on sale mid-year.

[SeaComms]

Saw an add for the new one on tele last night and as soon as I saw the woodgrain interior I was turned off. It just looked to over the top. Might be nice to drive, though I dont think I would be to keen to even take it on a dirt road! To worried about the french stitched leather dashboard getting dirty....

[jk-wranga]

..sames seacomms.
Ive got a mate with the '11 grand cherokee on his list of 4wds that he's choosing from.
If i was to get the grand cherokee, i wouldnt want the fancy trim. But then id also want some of the features that dont come with the Laredo.


Ive been on the site, and it does have a model price calculator - but it doesnt list what it includes, and what you need to pay extra for.
For eg, what would it cost if i was to get the 3.6L V6 Laredo, drive away (incl all delivery charges, stamp duty etc), WITH the quadra-lift air suspension (which is an extra)?
The Laredo (incl cahrges/taxes) = $50k.