Six-shooter gets gun V8 power

A new V8-powered Jeep for people with serious four-wheel-drive needs and towing in mind has just gone on sale in New Zealand.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo now comes with an optional 175kW Power Tech V8, Quadra-Drive four-paw system and a variable ride height suspension package previously restricted to the flagship Limited model.

The Laredo up until last week was only available with a 4.0-litre straight-six engine. The uprated specification puts the price of the Laredo at $72,900, still several thousand dollars below the cost of the Limited.

"There has been demand for a lower specification Grand Cherokee with a V8 engine ever since the new model Limited was launched last year," said Brett Aspden, the national manager for Chrysler New Zealand, the distributor of Jeep vehicles.

"The V8 Laredo will be popular with customers who demand off-road ability coupled to additional power.

"These include professional users like surveyors and engineers, through to those people who want a powerful vehicle for towing."

The Power Tech engine was designed especially for the Grand Cherokee and is the first all-new overhead camshaft V8 from the company in recent years.

It develops 400Nm of torque delivered via a five-speed automatic transmission and can tow a maximum braked trailer weight of 3250kg.

Chrysler says the V8 technology provides good power-to-weight ratio and is capable of good fuel economy.

Jeep's Quadra-Drive four-wheel-drive system has been praised worldwide.

By using hydraulic pumps in the transfer case and two axles - rather than electronics - it senses when one or more wheels is slipping and diverts power to those with the most grip.

Even in difficult terrain, when grip might only be available on one wheel, the system copes without further input from the driver.

The new suspension package includes Jeep's Up Country system, where shock absorbers are uprated and ride height is improved to aid the going off-road.

The new-look Laredo isn't as well appointed as the Limited, but standard equipment nevertheless includes speed sensitive power steering, climate air-conditioning and electric front seats.

The safety poackage includes ABS anti-lock brakes and dual front airbags.

Meanwhile, the new-look Cherokee range will be launched in the United States next year.