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WL Order Placed for '23 GCL SR w/ Hemi

1871 Views 43 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  Stoopalini, 
Stoopalini
5
I've been searching for my wife's next vehicle since November, and finally placed the order this past Saturday. From Stellantis, we considered a SRT Durango, a Wagoneer and a GCL. We test drove a SRT Durango and also took a Wagonner and a GCL home for an extended test drive. We found the Wagoneer to be just too large for her, but she really loved the tech in it. So when we took a GCL home for a weekend, I made sure it was a Hemi equipped Summit with the same tech as the Wagoneer ... and she was sold.

Here is what I ordered:

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee-L Summit Reserve
Velvet Red two-tone
Black interior
2nd row 60/40 split
Advanced ProTech Group IV
High Altitude Package
Luxury Tech Group V
5.7L V8 Hemi



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Unfortunately the eLSD is still on delete :( I was hoping if we waited until Q2 to order, it would be available again. But I just got the Order Confirmation notice and it's showing as deleted.

Back in 2016, I ordered a Durango R/T for the wife to replace her then 2012 Durango Crew which we bought new in 2012 (11 years of driving Durangos!).

One of the 1st things she wanted done on the R/T was dual (SRT style) rally stripes added to give it a more aggressive look. I also added an aFe Momentum cold air kit, as well as an unlocked Diablo PCM with Hemifever tuning. She loves this vehicle, and it's been great for the past 7 years. We're only replacing it due to the mileage getting up there (112k right now), the 8yr MaxCare expiring at 120k, and all the new tech which is now available. We strongly considered an SRT Durango as the replacement, but the tech is so outdated in that platform now we decided to move on to something else. I can only imagne how dated the Durango tech will feel in another 4-5 years from now.

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We're definitely car people, and she really likes a more aggressive look to what she drives, hence opting for the high altitude package. So she was asking about doing something to the GCL after we receive it, but we don't think rally stripes would suit the GCL look like they do the Durango.

I've found a few hood designs for the WK2 platform which might be a good fit to accomplish this, but not much on the WL's yet. Of the few I did find she likes the Demon design ...

Automotive parking light Vehicle Car Automotive side marker light Grille


Car Tire Wheel Vehicle Grille



And also this one, which is a functional 'ram air' design vs just heat extraction like the Demon; although I'm not sure if they make this one for the WL platform

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Definitely open to input on hoods, or other ways of tastefully giving it a more aggressive look, if anyone has ideas?


The other thing she commented on was the exhaust note. She loves the Durango R/T's exhaust growl when she steps into the throttle along with the aFe CAI installed. Although the GCL Summit we took home for the weekend had the Hemi, when she stepped into it, she found the exhaust note leaving her wanting. I'm not sure if it's just because she's so used to the R/T and will get used to the GCL SR after a while though.

The aFe CAI I bought for the Durango R/T was actually the one for a 2016 Grand Chreokee; since they didn't offer one for the Durango at the time. So I may be able to move it over, unless the WL platform is different under the hood than the WK platform.

I also see aFe makes the Vulcan catback which doesn't seem overly obnoxious (from watching videos from folks who have installed it). This might be a good option if she decides it's just too quiet.

All in all, I think we'll be pleased with the choice ... now it's just a waiting game!
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Four Litre Beater
Personally I would hold out on a hood for a bit. I think eventually they will release a sporty edition SRT replacement. (Hopefully with the HO hurricane)
At that time they will design a good looking hood for the WL thats sporty and classy.
I liked the heat extractors on the SRT hood.
unfortunately there isn’t anything for the WL yet.
I personally don’t think a scoop suits it, but style is subjective.
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Jim_in_PA
Four Litre Beater said:
I think eventually they will release a sporty edition SRT replacement.
Click to expand...
Honestly...I'm not very confident that will happen. Even Dodge is going a different direction for performance vehicles and it doesn't include gasoline.
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GCOverland
Jim_in_PA said:
Honestly...I'm not very confident that will happen. Even Dodge is going a different direction for performance vehicles and it doesn't include gasoline.
Click to expand...
That 'SRT' could very well be the upcoming 'Wagoneer S' so what you're saying seems plausible.
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Stoopalini
Four Litre Beater said:
Personally I would hold out on a hood for a bit. I think eventually they will release a sporty edition SRT replacement. (Hopefully with the HO hurricane)
At that time they will design a good looking hood for the WL thats sporty and classy.
I liked the heat extractors on the SRT hood.
unfortunately there isn’t anything for the WL yet.
I personally don’t think a scoop suits it, but style is subjective.
Click to expand...
Thanks, that’s most likely what we’ll do. I just figured I would start looking to see what’s out there. I would have loved to have had the option of the HO Hurricane! That motor in a GCL would be phenomenal.

I like the SRT hood as well, and am a big fan of using OEM parts when possible. I suppose we’ll just keep an eye out on things over the next 8-12 weeks and see what happens.

Who knows, maybe once it arrives the wife will be content the way it is? Possible … but not probable :ROFLMAO:
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Four Litre Beater
I think there is space for non hybrid / electric sport vehicles.
That new HO hurricane has got to have somewhere more interesting to go than just wagoneers and pickups…
I realize “SRT” is dead as a sub brand, but I’m going to hold on to hope that an exciting, sporty version of the Grand Cherokee will be available.
the 4xe is a neat addition to the lineup… but it has zero visual impact as a sport model.
I think something more exciting is missing in the lineup.
I hope the future of performance isn’t solely measured in watts…
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M
I just don't see this current design/shape as "sporty" at all - the lines don't lend themselves to that. Making this look "sporty" (say as opposed to the WK2) just feels like a clash of styles. I'm not saying that the WL is bad looking by any stretch, but it isn't a "sporty" look. It has more upscale elegance in its lines.
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Jim_in_PA
Four Litre Beater said:
I think there is space for non hybrid / electric sport vehicles.
Click to expand...
There is certainly enthusiasm from some drivers, but the automakers seem to be backing away a bit on that. Ford is the only one keeping their "muscle car" for now with the Mustang (article on CNN right now about that); Camaro is going away although Corvette is still there...for now. ICE Charger/Challenger are going away; Etc. The industry is seeming to be moving pretty swiftly toward hybrid and EV for performance vehicles. Euro brands are also moving quickly to hybrid/EV. Even "supercars" are headed that way. Jeep did the higher performance JGC for quite a run, but it more or less petered out toward the end of the "WK2" decade. There was enthusiast demand, but the numbers must not have been there. Durango is barely hanging on in limbo on the older platform it shared with "WK2" relative about what comes next...the brand name may not even be Dodge for the Durango if there is a new iteration. Rumors for a long time seemed to point to it going back to Body-On-Frame, maybe as a RAM SUV. That combined with FCA/Stellantis disbanding the whole SRT organization kinda became writing on the wall.

This kind of evolution is discomforting for all of us who grew up in the muscle car and/or hot rodding era. And to be honest a big part of that is that we naturally equate "big power" with "big sound". What comes next isn't going to have that sound, but it will likely go faster at least. :)
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Stoopalini
I do miss the old days of SRT, SLP, SVT, etc ... But I can't say I'm not excited for what the future will bring as well. I have high hopes for electric, I just don't think it is ready for prime time yet. At least not for me to trust my family's day to day needs in one.

The wife really wants an electric car, and we considered the GCL hybrid ... I'm just not ready for that yet. I told her we will get a 100% electric car when we can produce our own electricity here at the house. Something like a Tesla roof with enough powerwall battery storage to operate for 5-7 days or so. By then, I would think the battery challenges will be worked through.

My gut tells me when all these electric cars come online, the power grid will either suffer in reliability or the cost of electricity will skyrcket in order to fund the infrastructure upgrades needed to keep the distribution reliable and capable of meeting the increased demand. So having the ability to generate my own seems necessary.

In the meantime, good 'ole fashion V8 power is what we prefer :) but that doesn't mean I wouldn't be open to a smaller displacement engine with forced air. I think turbo technology has advanced significantly over the past decade. A turbo today is nothing like a turbo from 10 years ago in terms of driveability. Watching the development of the F1 teams (at least the stuff which isn't secret) gives a really good look at what the auto industry will see evolve in the coming years. The lagless turbo is a good example .... And F1 is doing some really interesting things with electric.
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Four Litre Beater
Matt_H said:
I just don't see this current design/shape as "sporty" at all - the lines don't lend themselves to that. Making this look "sporty" (say as opposed to the WK2) just feels like a clash of styles. I'm not saying that the WL is bad looking by any stretch, but it isn't a "sporty" look. It has more upscale elegance in its lines.
Click to expand...
I think all it needs is wider fenders and push the wheels out a bit.
exactly the same principle used by BMW with the M vehicles.
the X5 M bulges the fenders to accommodate the bigger tires. It maintains its classy looks but adds an element of sinister evil to the vehicle.
the WL would look fantastic with a wider stance and sportier front/rear bumpers.
I love how wide it looks now, how the fenders stick out past the headlights.
wouldn’t take much to give this thing a menacing look.
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C
Stoopalini said:
I've been searching for my wife's next vehicle since November, and finally placed the order this past Saturday. From Stellantis, we considered a SRT Durango, a Wagoneer and a GCL. We test drove a SRT Durango and also took a Wagonner and a GCL home for an extended test drive. We found the Wagoneer to be just too large for her, but she really loved the tech in it. So when we took a GCL home for a weekend, I made sure it was a Hemi equipped Summit with the same tech as the Wagoneer ... and she was sold.

Here is what I ordered:

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee-L Summit Reserve
Velvet Red two-tone
Black interior
2nd row 60/40 split
Advanced ProTech Group IV
High Altitude Package
Luxury Tech Group V
5.7L V8 Hemi



View attachment 249679

Unfortunately the eLSD is still on delete :( I was hoping if we waited until Q2 to order, it would be available again. But I just got the Order Confirmation notice and it's showing as deleted.

Back in 2016, I ordered a Durango R/T for the wife to replace her then 2012 Durango Crew which we bought new in 2012 (11 years of driving Durangos!).

One of the 1st things she wanted done on the R/T was dual (SRT style) rally stripes added to give it a more aggressive look. I also added an aFe Momentum cold air kit, as well as an unlocked Diablo PCM with Hemifever tuning. She loves this vehicle, and it's been great for the past 7 years. We're only replacing it due to the mileage getting up there (112k right now), the 8yr MaxCare expiring at 120k, and all the new tech which is now available. We strongly considered an SRT Durango as the replacement, but the tech is so outdated in that platform now we decided to move on to something else. I can only imagne how dated the Durango tech will feel in another 4-5 years from now.

View attachment 249689


We're definitely car people, and she really likes a more aggressive look to what she drives, hence opting for the high altitude package. So she was asking about doing something to the GCL after we receive it, but we don't think rally stripes would suit the GCL look like they do the Durango.

I've found a few hood designs for the WK2 platform which might be a good fit to accomplish this, but not much on the WL's yet. Of the few I did find she likes the Demon design ...

View attachment 249704

View attachment 249705


And also this one, which is a functional 'ram air' design vs just heat extraction like the Demon; although I'm not sure if they make this one for the WL platform

View attachment 249706


Definitely open to input on hoods, or other ways of tastefully giving it a more aggressive look, if anyone has ideas?


The other thing she commented on was the exhaust note. She loves the Durango R/T's exhaust growl when she steps into the throttle along with the aFe CAI installed. Although the GCL Summit we took home for the weekend had the Hemi, when she stepped into it, she found the exhaust note leaving her wanting. I'm not sure if it's just because she's so used to the R/T and will get used to the GCL SR after a while though.

The aFe CAI I bought for the Durango R/T was actually the one for a 2016 Grand Chreokee; since they didn't offer one for the Durango at the time. So I may be able to move it over, unless the WL platform is different under the hood than the WK platform.

I also see aFe makes the Vulcan catback which doesn't seem overly obnoxious (from watching videos from folks who have installed it). This might be a good option if she decides it's just too quiet.

All in all, I think we'll be pleased with the choice ... now it's just a waiting game!
Click to expand...
I own a 2022 GC SR with Hemil V8.
To the best of my knowledge the 2023 MY Hemi is no longer available. For the SR the only engine option is V6. And the online build does not offer the V8.

How did you order a V8??
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B
Capejeep said:
I own a 2022 GC SR with Hemil V8.
To the best of my knowledge the 2023 MY Hemi is no longer available. For the SR the only engine option is V6. And the online build does not offer the V8.

How did you order a V8??
Click to expand...
WL75 3 Row still available with the Hemi…
I have the 2022 WL74 2 Row SR Hemi which is no longer available for the 2023
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C
Marspeed on YouTube features the latest activity in the CJD world including future vehicles.
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Stoopalini
Capejeep said:
I own a 2022 GC SR with Hemil V8.
To the best of my knowledge the 2023 MY Hemi is no longer available. For the SR the only engine option is V6. And the online build does not offer the V8.

How did you order a V8??
Click to expand...
The difference is I ordered the 'L' version, which is the three row ... and the Summit Reserve has 4x4 as standard.

You can still configure and order a Hemi in a Grand Cherokee as long as it's an Overland or higher model L (ie: 3 row) trim, with 4x4.
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Stoopalini
As I think about the PDI which will occur when the vehicle arrives, I've started a list of things I want to communicate to my dealer on how to handle it:
  • Do not install a dealer emblem anywhere on the vehicle (other than a license plate frame to hold the temp tag)
  • Do not install any dealer options (wheel locks, undercarriage protection, interior scotch guard, etc, etc ...)
  • Do not install the front license plate bracket, as I will install it myself after PPF has been applied
  • Do not remove the plastic protective film from any of the piano black interior pieces. I will have PPF applied to these and want to keep them protected until the appointment due to how fragile the paint/coating is
  • Please be sure the Summit/Summit Reserve brake and gas pedals are installed. They should be found somewhere inside the vehicle as they are shipped loose and not installed
Is there anything else I should be considering for the PDI?

I have a 2nd list for me to check personally:
  • Check under hood fuses and ensure all are seated properly
  • Check battery cable routing for proper orientation
  • Check harness connections to the module located in the front passenger's foot well
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Stoopalini
D1 status reached yesterday ... Order placed on April 20, C status on April 22, and D1 status on April 28

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Stoopalini
Just confirmed with my dealer "D1 - Gateline" status, as well as an estimated ship date of May 21 is now showing on the order.

May 21 seems overly optimistic to me, but we'll see.
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GCOverland
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My two vehicles (GC Trailhawk 4xe & GC Summit Reserve 4xe) were ordered just 3 days after yours.

Summit Reserve hasn't moved yet but Trailhawk went into D1 the day after ordering:

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Rectangle Font Parallel Brand Logo
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Stoopalini
GCOverland said:
My two vehicles (GC Trailhawk 4xe & GC Summit Reserve 4xe) were ordered just 3 days after yours.

Summit Reserve hasn't moved yet but Trailhawk went into D1 the day after ordering:

View attachment 249785

View attachment 249786
Click to expand...
See if your dealer is showing an estimated ship date on the order yet .... here is what mine is showing now

Font Circle Magenta Art Rectangle
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Stoopalini
Order reached E status yesterday ... Dealer is still showing 5/21 as the estimated ship, and I'm in Texas. Not sure how accurate the EST Arrival Date is here, but 6/23 would be right around 9 weeks from the order date.


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