Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/183630
Kelley's cool running Jeep Diesel Returns Cherokee Photo By Dustin Never Grand Cherokee SUV Gets Diesel Power | By Tom Kelley CHANGING LANES Now that there is some measure of stability in diesel exhaust emission regulations, light-duty truck manufacturers are giving the hightorque powerplants new consideration for their lightest entry-level offerings. At Chrysler, a diesel variant of the Grand Cherokee recently debuted after a fiveyear diesel hiatus at Jeep. diesels in combination with advanced transmissions allows displacement to be cut, while at the same time delivering equal or better performance than a gasoline engine. Current diesel technology is such that when operated in regions with poorer air quality, the engines' exhaust emissions are cleaner than the ambient air. Contrary to the mantra from the ecoleft, modern diesels represent the shortest path to any remaining jumps in reducing exhaust emissions. Whether it's the much-maligned CO2 emissions, or the emission of real pollutants, further improvements will largely come down to reducing displacement. With that in mind, the powertrain engineers at Jeep have selected a 24-valve, dual-overhead cam, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine as the "mean & green" power option for the 2014 Grand Cherokee. Delivering 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, the diesel-powered Grand Cherokee is capable of towing 7,400 pounds. The less air and fuel the engine takes in, the less of anything it puts out. Using 14 kelleys cool runnings 1013 cl.indd 1 The diesel powerplant is expected october 2013 // WWW.CHANGINGLANESDIGITAL.COM 9/5/13 2:42 PM