“Altitude” Name Chosen for Special-Edition 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Patriot and Compass Versions Coming Too

The votes are in: Altitude is the winning name for Jeep's none-more-black Grand Cherokee concept, which was introduced at the Houston auto show in January. Jeep says there's been so much positive feedback for the original blacked-out Grand Cherokee concept that it has decided to extend the Altitude treatment to the Patriot and Compass as well. Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude: Big Black The Grand Cherokee Altitude (pictured above) doesn't stray far from the concept; even Jeep was calling it a "production-intent concept" at its debut. In addition to the 20-inch black gloss aluminum wheels and grille surround, the Cherokee gets black headlamp bezels, a platinum mesh grille, and a platinum chrome lower-fascia appliqué. Somewhat confusing the darkened issue, the model will be available in Deep Cherry Red, Brilliant Black, Mineral Gray, Bright Silver Metallic, Maximum Steel Metallic, and Stone White exterior colors. Leather seats, a nine-speaker sound system, and a rearview camera are but a few of the standard Grand Cherokee Altitude interior amenities. Rear-wheel-drive models start at $36,520 and 4x4s begin at $38,520. Jeep Compass Altitude: Back in Black The Compass Altitude features 18-inch black gloss aluminum wheels, black gloss roof rails, and a black bumper step pad. The familiar seven-slot Jeep grille is finished in—you guessed it—gloss black as well. The rest of the body is available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Mineral Gray, or Bright White. Power heated exterior mirrors and heated seats, remote start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel help Altitude-spec Compass buyers get high on the inside. Starting price for a front-wheel-drive model is $23,070 and $24,820 with all-wheel drive. Jeep Patriot Altitude: Black is the New Black The Patriot Altitude rolls on 17-inch high-gloss black (starting to see a recurring theme here?) aluminum wheels; a bright chrome lower fascia and step pad appliqués team with bright polished roof rails to put some shine on the exterior. Heated seats, power windows and locks, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel come standard on the Patriot Altitude. Like the Compass, this special-edition Patriot is available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Mineral Gray, and Bright White exterior finishes. Standard features mirror those of the Compass Altitude. The Jeep Patriot Altitude starts at $21,120 for a front-driver and $24,155 for an all-wheel-drive model. All three of the Jeep models—Grand Cherokee, Compass, and Patriot—will be available in Altitude attire starting in May of this year. Now, how about a retro remake of the 1970s "Golden Eagle" CJ? from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

puts the internet to work for you. via task 647533