2008 Jeep Commander

2008 Jeep Commander

The Jeep Commander (XK) is a mid-sized SUV introduced in 2006. It was first introduced at the 2005 New York Auto Show. It is a 7-passenger SUV and is just 2 inches longer than the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has much more boxy styling, with an upright windshield and squared-off sides. The roof is stepped for the second and third-row seats (which are mounted higher than the first-row seats), but is disguised, as on the GMC Envoy XL, by a roof rack. It also features three moonroofs.
Jeep is the fourth company to produce a vehicle called the Commander, after the Studebaker Commander, the Scammell Commander, and the Norton Commander motorcycle.
Supposedly, the Jeep Wagoneer was the Commander's initial inspiration, this may be evident as its exterior resembles the styling. Although its design is very square-like, the Commander's basic platform is based off of the third generation Grand Cherokee.
The Commander offers a base V6 engine with two optional V8s including the new Hemi:
3.7 L PowerTech V6
4.7 L PowerTech V8
5.7 L Hemi V8
In Europe, The Commander offers a V6 Diesel engine developed by DaimlerChrysler with BlueTec technology:
3.0 L CRD V6 Turbo Diesel, 160 kW (218 hp DIN) and 510 N·m (376 ft·lbf)


Manufacturer
Chrysler (2008-09)Magna SteyrDaimlerChrysler (2006-07)
Production
2006-Present
Assembly
Detroit, MichiganGraz, Austria
Class
Mid-size SUV
Body style(s)
4-door wagon
Layout
Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform
XK
Engine(s)
3.7 L PowerTech V64.7 L PowerTech V85.7 L Hemi V8
3.0 L CRD V6
Transmission(s)
5-speed automatic
Wheelbase
109.5 in (2781 mm)
Length
188.5 in (4788 mm)
Width
75.0 in (1961 mm)
Height
71.9 in (1826 mm)
Curb weight
4391 lb (2009 kg)
Related
Jeep Grand Cherokee

2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid

2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid

Chrysler is entering the hybrid market with two versions of its midsize SUVs. The Dodge Durango and its upscale sibling, the Chrysler Aspen, will both offer a gas-electric hybrid model in 2008. In both models, Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V8 will be integrated with a two-mode hybrid system developed jointly by Chrysler, General Motors, and BMW. The system uses an electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) that also has four fixed gears, like a traditional automatic transmission. The ECVT transmission incorporates two electric motors, and the system can operate on the electric motors, the Hemi engine, or a combination of the two. The system will also use the electric motors for braking assist and regenerative braking, as well as running accessories such as power steering and air conditioning. In its new hybrid form, the Hemi engine will continue to use Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation, which "shuts down" half the engine's cylinders in light cruising to conserve fuel. Chrysler says that the hybrid's electric motor assist will enable the engine to operate more frequently in four-cylinder mode.

The new two-mode system uses an electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) that also has four fixed gears, like a traditional automatic transmission. With the combination of both hybrid and cylinder deactivation technologies, Chrysler says the system will deliver a 25 percent improvement in overall fuel economy, and a 40 percent improvement in city driving. This would make for 19 mpg in city driving, a commendable figure for a generously sized SUV (a current non-hybrid Durango or Aspen with Hemi power gets about 13 mpg in city driving).Consumer Guide recently took a brief test drive in a prototype Aspen Hybrid at Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Grounds with a Chrysler engineer riding shotgun. During our test, we applied light throttle pressure from a stop, and the Aspen Hybrid ran on electric power only. We were cruising at about 25 mph on the electric motor when we approached a grade in the road. As we ascended the incline, the gas engine then smoothly kicked in to provide extra power for us to maintain the same speed. Overall, the feel from the driver's seat reminded us of the Toyota Prius's hybrid system operation... only scaled up to suit a big SUV instead of a compact car. Chrysler Group is focusing heavily on across-the-board improvement in the fuel economy of its vehicles, and the new SUV hybrids are a key component of that goal. In addition to the forthcoming hybrid models, the 2008 Durango and Aspen will offer an updated version of Chrysler's E85-capable 4.7-liter V-8. The engine produces 303 horsepower (68 more than the previous 4.7 V-8), and Chrysler says it will offer improved fuel economy as well.