[Herb4372]

Hey folks. First post here. Like all of you I've been really excited about the ecodiesel. Ready to order one. I'm wondering what happened to the gaggle of diesels that all the media writers test drove out in Austin earlier this year. Is there anywhere you can go to test drive one?

 

[curio]

I will have a test ride tomorrow, opposite end of the world: Frankfurt /Germany

Will report!

Happy Day

Achim

 

[1973Commando]

Hey folks. First post here. Like all of you I've been really excited about the ecodiesel. Ready to order one. I'm wondering what happened to the gaggle of diesels that all the media writers test drove out in Austin earlier this year. Is there anywhere you can go to test drive one?

I am curious how different those were from the ones they are about to start making. Clearly they look like 2014's but are we sure they have the same advanced Bosch CRS3 Injection system?

Even if they do, these systems are so advanced I believe a small change in the programming could dramatically change the way the engine sounds and performs.

Also, I wonder if a programming change after delivery could change the acceleration and economy.

Therefore, I am wondering whether test driving one of those test 2014 JGC's would be the same as driving one of the first to be delivered...

Here is the video on the Bosch CRS3-20 injection system:
EN | Bosch Common Rail System CRS3-20 for passenger cars - YouTube

 

[Herb4372]

Commando... No doubt there's been some changes. I'd just like to get a general feel for the responsiveness and acceleration of the diesel before pulling the trigger on ordering one.

As it is I'm in Singapore until mid September anyhow. And I love in Houston which is a huge market. I imagine they'll have one of the earliest available on then lot to test drive.

I was more curious if anyone had a chance to test drive them. The reviews are great to read but I'd like to hear from my fellow jeepers.

 

[1973Commando]

Commando... No doubt there's been some changes. I'd just like to get a general feel for the responsiveness and acceleration of the diesel before pulling the trigger on ordering one.

As it is I'm in Singapore until mid September anyhow. And I love in Houston which is a huge market. I imagine they'll have one of the earliest available on then lot to test drive.

I was more curious if anyone had a chance to test drive them. The reviews are great to read but I'd like to hear from my fellow jeepers.

As I have a Diesel Vehicle now(VW Jetta TDi®) I guess I am not as curious. I think the responsiveness and acceleration will be slightly better with my New JGC CRD but really it should be very close.

I bet you could find a diesel in Singapore to test, any modern 3.0 liter diesel in an SUV should give you an idea of how the engine performs. I believe there are quite a few diesels in Singapore, including a "Chrysler 300C Diesel" which might even have the same VM Motori Engine. Drop in to a Singapore Chrysler dealer to test drive.

As far as being a regular Joe with no active contacts in Detroit, I think it would be hard to get a test drive unless you were a member of the media.

The vehicle he will test drive in Europe has a Second Generation Common Rail Injection system while the new JGC here has a Third Generation Injection system. That is, if everything I have read is true. BTW the new Audi A6 BiTurbo TDi® also uses the new Bosch CRS3-20 injection system. Similar 3.0 diesel engine in a much lighter sports sedan. (0-60 MPH in 5.5 seconds)

Also the Singapore Grand Prix is on Sep. 22, looks like you'll just miss that... Oh well, you can always drive to Austin in November.

 

[Herb4372]

Austin in November??

 

[1973Commando]

Austin in November??

Formula One race in Singapore(Singapore Grand Prix) on Sep. 22nd.
(Marina Bay Street Circuit)
Formula One race in Austin Texas(United States Grand Prix) on Nov. 17th
(Circuit of the Americas)

When you mentioned Singapore, I thought of the Singapore Grand Prix and realized you would miss that. That race is on my Bucket List. Also, there are also all star performers at the 2013 Singapore Grand Prix.
Quite a spectacle!
Singapore F1 2013 Entertainment Highlights - Singapore Grand Prix

 

[Herb4372]

Commando, thanks for the update. Ill actually be staying over here for a couple weeks before flying home. Gonna visit Thailand. Was thinking about going to the Singapore race as well... But the tickets are so expensive, it would delay my purchase of a new GC. Lol.

 

[curio]

I will have a test ride tomorrow, opposite end of the world: Frankfurt /Germany

Will report!

Happy Day

Achim

So, heres the report:

3,0 diesel Overland, in Europe almost as completely equipped as the summit (-cornering headlights)

Took a short ride on the Autobahn, since of major importance s the quiteness of the ride.
Great car over all. First: The diesel engine is really awesome. If you don´t know, you will barely or not notice that´s a Diesel at all. It fells a liittlebit weaker than in the Touareg, however, the car is as well a 450 pounds heavier..
The ride downtown is quite comfortable, the air suspension almost as senstive as in my touareg. The elecronics are really nice, especially the configurable TFT speedometer, even a liitle nicer than the touareg.
Autobahn driving: The road handling is really good, comparable to the touareg. Feels rock solid even at higher speeds (100-120mph).
Downside: Its (even only a liitlebit) noisier than the Touareg (wich is however one of the quitest cars over all, even less noisier than a mercedes S-Class.....). So thats the no go for my wife . However, she liked the sunroof very much.

The Grand Cherokee is in my opinion definitely up to its european competitors (Touareg, M-class) and has a big price advantage over those. If not for my wife, I would definitely consider to get one as next SUV. I Didn´t test the offroad capability, but that´s very good anyway.

So for my wife, I have to consider a v8 diesel ofr myself, thats some fun in another way too

So just my impressions, if you want one, get one. You wont notice thats a diesel and my speed requirements are not met in most parts of the world

Happy Day

Achim

 

[4jeepdiesel]

^
Thanks for the report! I'm actually looking forward to hearing a little bit more engine & exhaust noise especially if it's a nice tune! I'm used to my Harley so I guess nothing really bothers me.

How snappy did it feel or do you notice any lag from the turbos?

 

[Herb4372]

^
Thanks for the report! I'm actually looking forward to hearing a little bit more engine & exhaust noise especially if it's a nice tune! I'm used to my Harley so I guess nothing really bothers me.

How snappy did it feel or do you notice any lag from the turbos?

Second. Would like a video of the Diesel with audio of it getting down....

 

[curio]

engine noise is very muffled, exhaust noise not existent. As I told you, you´ll barely notice its a diesel.
For sound i would prever a large Ci V8 on low rpm, or a maserati on high, or a Triumph TR 6 at medium (The last 2 i listen to quite frequently )

Happy Day


Achim

 

[ClarkKent]

It fells a liittlebit weaker than in the Touareg, however, the car is as well a 450 pounds heavier..

Thanks for the report! Did you happen to test drive either the V6 or the V8 as well? I'm curious how the performance (speed off the line, passing on highways) differs between the V6 or the V8. Is it about the same as the V6 and noticeably slower than the V8? Or almost as powerful as a V8 and noticeably quicker than a V6?

Thanks!

 

[Radknight]

Hi Guys. I was leaning towards the EcoDiesel myself but just got back from a test drive in the 5.7L V8 which makes the decision that much harder. Differences are really acceleration and throttle response, as you would expect. The V8 feels (and sounds) like it gets off the line quicker. The diesel is no slouch and gets off the line pretty quick too just in a different way and you just don't feel that kick in the pants like you do in the V8. Once you are up and running it's hard to tell the difference unless you quickly hit the pedal again. The diesel is very quiet even when idling. I think the only thing the V8 offers over the diesel is the 'fun factor'. Probably preaching to the choir but you get more range out of a diesel, the engine last longer and here in Australia, the resale value is higher and when gas/petrol prices are high, resale is harder. But until then, go nuts.

If there was ever a Zombie Apocalypse I know I'd be glad that I got the diesel.

 

[gigi_boy_156]

Hi guys,

I got the new Diesel here in Switzerland and I can tell you... it's a fabulous car!

I test drove the V8 too.

As Achim and the others already told, the Sound of the V8 is of course 'better' but I got a farm together with my brother... I like the Diesel Sound as well, and the VM Engine produce a nice, clear and strong Sound like a big Tractor or like a Truck! Not the same synthetic noise like almost all German Diesel!

The power to drive especially on 'Autobahn' is more or less the same. The V8 is in fact a little bit quicker at the moment, when you push it (big Engine, no Turbo...) but guys, the Torque is it, what we want and need... so when I drive with 80 or 120 km/h and I go ahead... the Diesel is as good as the V8!

I drive it very often for short ways (not the best for big Engines)... actually it takes 9.2 lt. But don't forget, the V8 on the same way uses (tested) 15 - 16 lt. And that's a lot, I mean! Another point why I made the decision for the Diesel.

According to the Sound a - few weeks ago, we hade an invitation from Maserati (my brother got the Quattroporte) for the presentation of the brand new Ghibli. It comes with the same VM Diesel like the GC as well. The Italian boys bring it out with 275 hp and a Torque of 600 Nm. So, with a tuning of the GC, the same power should be possible ;-) but as I wrote... the Sound... they work in fact with a Sound generic system (like Audi and BMW do), that generates a V8 Sound... fantastic!!!

Anyway... take the Diesel. I promise you, you will be veeeery happy with it.

-Gigi

 

[Herb4372]

Gigi: thanks for the post. Those among us that are waiting here in America will take whatever bit you'll feed us about this unicorn.

 

[Temerarius]

Diesel porn... that's what this tread is...

 

[ClarkKent]

Hi Guys. I was leaning towards the EcoDiesel myself but just got back from a test drive in the 5.7L V8 which makes the decision that much harder. Differences are really acceleration and throttle response, as you would expect. The V8 feels (and sounds) like it gets off the line quicker. The diesel is no slouch and gets off the line pretty quick too just in a different way and you just don't feel that kick in the pants like you do in the V8. Once you are up and running it's hard to tell the difference unless you quickly hit the pedal again. The diesel is very quiet even when idling. I think the only thing the V8 offers over the diesel is the 'fun factor'. Probably preaching to the choir but you get more range out of a diesel, the engine last longer and here in Australia, the resale value is higher and when gas/petrol prices are high, resale is harder. But until then, go nuts.

If there was ever a Zombie Apocalypse I know I'd be glad that I got the diesel.

Reading these first hand reviews (and comparisons) really help in the decision making process; thanks to everyone sharing their experiences.

Has anyone also driven the V6? I'm not considering the V8 (don't really need all that torque), so I'd love to also hear someone's thoughts between the V6 and the diesel.

 

[ClarkKent]

Diesel porn... that's what this tread is...

Indeed it is. Probably not too dissimilar to life in the 19th century, when showing a bit of bare calf was considered porn as well. Look at those legs!! :lol:

 

[frydryce]

My personal decision to switch to diesel when it comes out is for the torque and economy especially while towing. The power out of the hole and fun factor are almost the same as a v8 in stock form, however the v8 can barely be tuned so you've hit a wall there. The turbo diesel however has A LOT of gains available for a relatively cheap price and a negligible hit on reliability and economy (diesels love boost and can do more with less fuel), just check out the tuning thread on is same forum. IMHO the diesel version of the JGC WK2 is a no brainier. Just wish CJD would hurry up and release the damn thing.