Commanders Off-Roading in Scotland

us in hole
Originally uploaded by vaughan london.

These Brits sure know how to play with their Commanders! Must be that diesel engine... There are some more pictures here.

Tech Tags: jeep jeep+commander off-road 4x4 diesel jeep+xk

Chrysler Group 5.7-liter HEMI(R) and 3.0-liter V-6 Turbo Diesel Take Two Spots in Ward's 10 Best Engines Awards

This year it is not only the HEMI that has earned a Ward 10 best engine ranking, but also the 3.0L CDR Turbo Diesel that Jeep enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to be available in U.S. Jeep Commanders.

From DaimlerChrysler's press release:

For the fifth year in a row -- and every year since its 2003 re-introduction -- Chrysler Group's famous 5.7-liter HEMI(R) engine has earned a place on Ward's 10 Best Engines list. Joining the HEMI in winning the award is DaimlerChrysler's 3.0-liter V-6 Turbo Diesel, available in the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 achieves power and fuel economy thanks to its Multiple Displacement System (MDS). The HEMI is power-dense, perfectly sized and incorporates sophisticated-yet-straightforward efficiency-enhancing technology to help it stay relevant in a market that is becoming increasingly conscious of fuel economy.

The Mercedes-built 3.0-liter CRD is one of the most advanced power plants available in the marketplace today. It is designed to deliver more torque than many V8 engines, while remaining efficient, with up to 30-percent improved fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

Read DaimlerChrysler's Press Release

Tech Tags: jeep jeep+commander jeepcommander hemi crd ward diesel daimlerchrysler jeep+xk

Impressions on the Jeep Commander 3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine

Unfortunately, the 3.0 CRD diesel engine is not yet available in the U.S. For now, all we can do is read this review in Yahoo!'s UK site praising the features of this remarkable engine:

"The 3. 0-litre CRD diesel powerplant pops up all over the Chrysler, Jeep and Mercedes-Benz ranges and with good reason. Its one of the most impressive diesel engines money can buy. Its 218bhp output is capable of making a Mercedes C-Class feel indecently quick but when tasked with hauling the rather weightier Commander body about, it instead relies on its 510Nm of torque. This is more than even the Commanders range-topping V8 Hemi engine can manage. On the road it equates to a sprint to 60mph in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 120mph. Economy is very respectable at 30.9mpg and emissions are rated at 284g/km. When it comes to serious off-roading, this is probably the engine to plump for. "

I hope that DaimlerChrysler is seriously considering the possibility of outfitting U.S. Jeep Commanders with this engine soon.

Tags: Jeep, Jeep Commander, Jeep XK, DaimlerChrysler, Diesel

Is a Jeep Commander Diesel Coming to America?

After the good reception given to the 2.8L CRD 4 cylinder Turbo-Diesel Jeep Liberty, the folks at Jeep may already be considering offering a Diesel Commander in the States, equipped with the 3.0L CRD V6 Diesel powerplant currently offered in the European Commander. Last week, the rumor mill had it that a couple of Commanders with a Diesel engine had been seen around the Detroit area, apparently undergoing testing.

This is what DaimlerChrysler has to say about the V6 Diesel:

"The all-new 3.0-litre V-6 CRD engine is a “next-generation” power unit from the DaimlerChrysler Group producing class-leading levels of power and torque, with good fuel economy. With Bosch high-pressure fuel injection (2000+ bar), a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder, the new engine meets Euro 4 emissions standards without a diesel particulate filter. Maximum power is 160 kW (218 hp DIN) and peak torque is 510 N•m (376 lb.-ft.) from just 1800 rpm. "

I believe this engine would be a much welcome option in the Commander, and it would be interesting to see if the Jeep folks have the good sense to make it available shortly. Stay tuned.

Tags: Jeep, Jeep Commander, Jeep XK, Diesel, DaimlerChrysler