You wouldn't know it by visiting a Jeep showroom, but, according to Automotive News, the automaker has built more than 23,000 of its highly anticipated new Cherokee SUV since production began in June. The Cherokee is being held in sales purgatory while Chrysler makes final powertrain calibrations, as the brand is evaluating each individual vehicle before being released to the public. When reached for comment, Chrysler reiterated its line about meeting customer expectations in performance, refinement, and quality, adding that "one the latest powertrain calibration is validated, the company will be able to quickly update the powertrain software on Cherokees already built and ship vehicles to dealerships around the country."
A source within Jeep tells Car and Driver that there are internal concerns that buyers coming from three- and four-speed automatic transmissions might be a little bewildered by Jeep's new nine-speed auto, and for that reason its operation had to be spot on. In our first drive of the four-cylinder-equipped Cherokee, we found ninth gear to be AWOL. We did see the cog in a V-6–powered Trailhawk model, but only when nudged manually with the paddle shifter. In slow, off-road operation it performed seamlessly.
While we applaud Chrysler's resolve to get it right the first time, storing and updating the software for 23,000 vehicles is no small feat. Not coincidentally, Cherokee-laden auto haulers have become a common sight on the network of thoroughfares that serve as arteries for the auto industry in the region. We've also stumbled upon stashes of Cherokees awaiting updates, evaluations, or both at several locations; including the Michigan Technical Resource Park located just northwest of Jeep's production facility in Toledo, Ohio, and Chrysler's proving grounds in Chelsea, Michigan. We took the photos you see here today at the location near Toledo.
- Instrumented Test: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee V-6 4×4
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Our sources tell us that Cherokees should begin arriving in dealerships within the next two weeks.
from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com
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