Just saw a new 2011 GC Laredo with 5.7 V8 at Pollard Motors in Boulder, CO.
GREAT looking vehicle. The 2011 Laredo interior looks like a Overland of the 05-10 WK vintage. Hight level of fit and finsih and trim. Super exterior styling. Has the bulked up look of GMC Acadia.
Jeep is pushing the 5.7 right now because the V6 has had block casting quality problens
This link shows future of Pentstar V6. Looks like good engine but would give it some time to mature. I'd like to see DI as drove a 2009 Buick Enclave rental on a trip ad was very quiet and as powerful as my 05 4.7 with 26 MPG highway.
I doubt jeep is pushing the v8 over the v6. Look at most of the reviews from magazines and such in every single one they mostly wanted the authors to drive the v6 to show off the "power and fuel efficiency" of the new engine. Not only that but since jeep is now ashamed to use the term HEMI (it offends the treehuggers and blah blah, because fuel efficiency) I dont see them pushing the v8. Also if you go to your local dealers website (at least around here) you can see what they have on order and what is in transit, and most of what everyone has ordered here is the V6 and many are built and on the way.
If they truly wanted to get away from the term HEMI, they would have abandoned it on the engine as well. I'm surprised they didn't hide one of the exhaust tips somewhere so you wouldn't be able to tell at all by looking at it.
What crap. I think I will stock up on HEMI badges so I can put them on a new Jeep when I get another one. I am proud to drive a gas guzzler, and laugh every time I see my old ZJ smoke when it idles.