Chrysler is going diesel again… but in a full-sized SUV.

Chrysler is going diesel again…but in a  full-sized SUV.

The auto manufacturer was to announce plans June 1, 2006, to  produce it’s Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 3.0 litre common rail turbo  diesel for the U.S. and Canadian markets.

The vehicle will arrive on dealers lots by the  first quarter of 2007.

Chrysler says the new diesel will give increased  fuel economy by as much as 30 per cent and will have a driving range of  675 kilometres. Another selling feature Chrysler is noting is  that there will be up to 20 per cent fewer carbon dioxide  emissions.

The Mercedes-Benz engine will produce 215hp at  3,800 rpm delivering 376 lb/ft torque. Fuel consumption, says Chrysler is 12.4  litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.4 litres per 100 highway  kilometres.

Chrysler Group was the first automotive  manufacturer in the United States and Canada to offer a mid-size, diesel-powered  SUV, the 2005 Jeep Liberty with a 2.8-liter CRD engine.

It moved up in size because of consumer  acceptance of the Liberty. It was earlier announced that the 2007 Jeep Grand  Cherokee would have a flex-fuel capable 4.7-litre SOHC V-8 engine, which gives  customers the ability to use a fuel with an 85 percent concentration of ethanol  (E-85) in their vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles support renewable sources of  fuel and cut back on emissions.

More than 60 percent of Chrysler Group  vehicles sold in Western Europe are diesel-powered. Between 2003 and 2007,  Chrysler Group will triple the number of diesel offerings outside North  America.

Of the estimated 20 vehicles available,  12 or more will have the option for a diesel powertrain (up from four in  2003).