Well the rumors are out there but is there any evidence at all that the the 8 speed will be released for the 2013 model year? Just wondering if I should wait for 12 month before ordering
My opinion:
8 speed is ok for V6 or CRD, useless for HEMI.
8 speed (I feel) will have also "stop and go" feature, very good to destroy the mechanical and battery faster.
The existing 5 speed (HEMI) is a "issues free" stuff.
The 5 speed for HEMI will be replaced for a 6 speeds by this year, for marketing and for catalogue MPG issues.
You wait till 2013 for 8 speeds, than during the 2012 will be rumors for Hibrid or other news, so You will wait again?
I have friend need PC and is waiting for the BEST... from over 2 years....
from what i hear, eventually the 8 speed will find its way to all the grand cherokee models. at the initial start the V6 will get the first 8 speeds then subsequently the other trims. so your probably looking at approximately 2014 for the v8 hemi models.