2008 Jeep® Commander Adds All-New 4.7-Liter V-8 Engine

Auburn Hills, MI, Sept 18, 2007 - The Jeep® Commander is the first Jeep vehicle with three rows of seats allowing for more passengers - seven total - to visit more places and enjoy its go-anywhere, do-anything capability.

The 2008 Jeep Commander adds an all-new 4.7L V-8 engine that delivers a 30 percent increase in horsepower, a 10 percent increase in torque, and improved fuel economy of more than five percent compared to the engine it replaces. Also new on the Jeep Commander for 2008 are a wide array of innovative technologies including the all-new SIRIUS™ Backseat TV, MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control.

SIRIUS Backseat TV features three channels of respected children's TV featuring many of the most well-known kids' programming, including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. Rear-seat passengers will be able to watch shows such as Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants," Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana," and Cartoon Network's "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends."

SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle's second-row (except minivan: second- and/or third-row) video screen, and channel name, program title and rating are broadcast and displayed on the screen. For added flexibility, rear-seat passengers can enjoy SIRIUS Backseat TV while front-seat occupants listen to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The system can be operated from either the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit. In addition, when the vehicle is in Park, programming can be displayed on the MyGIG screen for front-seat viewing.

Also new for 2008 is MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System that has a built-in navigation, audio, entertainment and communication system. MyGIG allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands to control all of the features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. There's space reserved on the hard drive for approximately 1,600 songs - more than 100 hours of music. There also is a voice-memo recorder feature. MyGIG supports real-time traffic information, available through SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and can provide an alternate drive route based on current traffic.

New for Jeep Commander and standard on 4x4 models equipped with Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive II® is Hill Descent Control (HDC). Operational in the "4WD Low" position, HDC provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed. By means of electronic brake control, HDC supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides. For ease of operation, Jeep Commander's HDC is activated and deactivated automatically, after the HDC button is engaged, as the system senses changes in topography. The system works whether the vehicle in forward or reverse.

Another new feature for Jeep Commander is Hill Start Assist (HSA). Standard on all Jeep Commander models equipped with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, this feature allows the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver's release of the brake pedal. The ABS system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch.

Also new is Trailer Sway Control, which helps to reduce trailer sway and provides improved trailer stability and increased towing safety.

The Jeep brand has been building industry-leading 4x4 vehicles for more than 65 years. The Jeep Commander has Jeep's legendary off-road capability combined with on-road driving comfort. As a result, the Jeep Commander is the most capable three-row, seven-passenger 4x4. And, of course, it’s Jeep Trail Rated®.

Engineering

Three Four-Wheel-Drive Systems

Quadra-Trac I®
For customers who want the assurance of full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull, Quadra-Trac I® is ideal. The system provides for smooth operation of the vehicle over a variety of road conditions.

The NV140 transfer case splits torque 48/52 percent (front/rear) for nearly even distribution of engine power. The single-speed transfer case has been designed to rigorous Jeep durability standards while offering smooth and quiet operation. The use of the Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) with the NV140 transfer case makes the 4x4 system extremely competent in most situations.

Quadra-Trac II®
The Quadra-Trac II® 4x4 system for the Jeep Commander gives the customer the benefit of the NV245 two-speed active transfer case and BTCS.

The NV245 transfer case is the same used in the Quadra-Drive II® system. It takes input from a variety of sensors to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system also uses Throttle Anticipate - sensing quick movement in throttle from a stop - and takes steps to maximize traction before tire slippage occurs. When wheel slippage is detected, up to 100 percent of the available 375 lb.-ft. of torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

Torque is transferred to the individual wheels as needed by the BTCS to maintain traction in changing road conditions. When the system senses tire slip, it modulates brake pressure to the slipping wheel, which directs torque to the tires with the best traction.

Quadra-Trac II features an electronic shift mechanism for ease of use. The transfer case offers a low range for off-road situations and includes a neutral position for trouble-free towing behind another vehicle.

Quadra-Drive II®
The Quadra-Drive II® Jeep 4x4 system offers customers the ultimate in off-road capability. It combines the NV245 full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for best-in-class tractive performance. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to the tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will even anticipate low traction and adjust to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

The heart of the system is the NV245 active transfer case. This transfer case includes a center differential coupled with an electronically controlled clutch pack, varying it from a completely open state to completely locked and infinite possibilities in between. The 4-Low gear ratio is 2.72:1.

A key component in the Quadra-Drive II system is the ELSD - an industry-first application front/rear/center and the benchmark for automatic traction differentials. The ELSD uses electronically controlled clutch packs to automatically and instantly vary from slip to lock at each axle. This maximizes traction when needed without any of the on-road drawbacks normally associated with such a robust 4x4 system.

All components of the system work together, continually monitoring needs, to provide smooth and automatic application of the components for best-in-class tractive performance while improving the day-to-day on-road driving experience. For example, the ELSD releases the clutch packs in the front axle during turns to allow differentiation and prevent crow hop.

Three Engines

3.7-liter SOHC V-6
The 3.7-liter engine provides the 2008 Jeep Commander with a powerful standard single-overhead-cam (SOHC) engine that is efficient, durable and smooth. It produces 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) @ 4,000 rpm. A sophisticated Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions, and maintains a consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active. An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, helps increase fuel economy.

4.7-liter SOHC V-8 (FFV)
All-new for 2008 is the 4.7-liter V-8 engine that offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter high output engine, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement.

The new 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 305 horsepower (227 kW) @ 5,650 rpm, a 30 percent increase, and 334 lb-ft (435 N•m) of torque @ 3,950 rpm, a 10 percent increase and more than five percent increase in fuel economy compared with the previous 4.7-liter V-8 engine. And, like the engine it replaces, the new 4.7-liter V-8 engine is flex-fuel capable, which gives customers the ability to use up to an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) to fuel their vehicles.

Improvements in the new 4.7-liter V-8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with a new cam design, two spark plugs per cylinder and a new valve-lash adjuster system. The new 4.7-liter V-8 also is equipped with electronic throttle control.

5.7-liter HEMI V-8
The 5.7-liter HEMI with the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) gives Commander best-in-class performance. MDS imperceptibly deactivates half the cylinders of the 5.7-liter HEMI during cruising and light acceleration to increase fuel economy up to 20 percent, depending on driving conditions. A sophisticated ETC system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions, and maintains a more consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active, compared with the former mechanical throttle control system. The HEMI produces 330 hp (246 kW) @ 5,000 rpm and 375 lb.-ft. (508 N•m) @ 4,000 rpm.

New for the HEMI engine is a "Fuel Saver Mode" display, included as part of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center, which informs drivers when they are in four-cylinder mode, allowing them to modify their driving habits for improved fuel efficiency.

Suspension Steering Systems and Transmissions

The short- and long-arm independent front suspension on Commander provides the driver with a greater sense of precision and control and more precise steering, and reduces vehicle weight and head toss, all without compromising Commander's stalwart off-road performance. The five-link rear suspension geometry, including a track bar, also improves lateral stiffness to match that of the front suspension for optimum handling.

The Electronic Stability Program, which is standard, aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe maneuvers on any type of surface. It works by using signals from sensors throughout the vehicle that then determine the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments for directional stability.

Commander's rack-and-pinion steering imparts more precise steering to the driver, providing quick response during all types of maneuvers.

Available with the 3.7-liter V-6 engine is the W5A580, a five-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy. The 4.7-liter V-8 and the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 are mated to the 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission. The transmission has higher torque capacity, giving Commander class-leading towing capacity of 7,400 lbs., equal to that of the Grand Cherokee. Both transmissions feature Electronic Range Select driver interactive shift control. The shifter provides fully automated shifting when in the "drive" position. Or the driver can manually select each gear by simply moving the shifter left and right from the "drive" position. This gives the driver control to precisely match any on-road or off-road driving requirement.

The Quadra-Drive II 4x4 Group available on Commander includes tow hooks, a stamped-steel transfer case skid plate that mounts to the transmission cross member, and a fuel tank skid plate that provides off-road protection to the transfer case.

Jeep Trail Rated®

The Jeep Commander's four-wheel drive systems are Trail Rated. The Jeep Trail Rated® badge on the 2008 Jeep Commander shows that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: Traction, Ground Clearance, Maneuverability, Articulation and Water Fording.

Jeep Trail Rated is a unique methodology used by Jeep Engineering to measure and predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles today and into the future. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, Jeep Trail Rated provides a consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web jeephorizons.com