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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The refreshed 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.0-liter common rail diesel V-6 engine is being readied as a 45-state contender. [/FONT]
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Volkswagen Group and DaimlerChrysler AG’s Jeep division both introduced ’08 bound family-oriented models at the New York Auto Show, upping the U.S. diesel portfolio for the model year.
The refreshed 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.0-liter common rail diesel V-6 engine is being readied as a 45-state contender. The new Grand Cherokee model line-up also has four other gasoline engine variants, including a 4.7-liter V8 that is flex fuel capable, Jeep announced.
Meanwhile, VW took the wraps off the ‘08 Touareg 2, which will contain a 5.0-liter V10 TDI Twin Turbo, rated at a hefty 310 horsepower and a 553 pound-feet of torque. While the Touareg 2 will be a 45-state offering, VW reveals its Jetta SportWagen, joining the Jetta TDI sedan, for all 50 states. Like the sedan, the SportWagen houses a 2.0-liter diesel mill delivering 140 horse power and 236 pound-feet of torque, for sale in early 2008.
General Motors Corp. also introduced a 1.0-liter diesel engine, but only in concept, on the Chevrolet Groove - one of three minicars the Detroit auto maker showcased in New York as possible world models.
Neither Audi AG nor BMW Group unveiled new diesel intenders in New York.
However, Tom Purves, president and CEO of BMW North America, reminded the media that BMW will bring a 50-state diesel vehicle to the U.S. next year. The automaker isn’t saying which model will be the first, but BMW’s X5 SUV has been the favorite in the rumor mill as a mid-2008 introduction. Whichever model BMW designates as the American oil burner, it will receive the 3.0-liter twin turbo diesel in-line 6, which BMW showcased at January’s Detroit auto show. A formal model announcement is expected the 2008 New York show.
A diesel powered BMW X5 would directly compete with Audi’s first U.S. diesel – the Q7 SUV, equipped with the Bluetec-labeled 3.0-liter V-6, also being prepared as a 50-state competitor.