AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast Community - Jeep: Grand Cherokee News

New redesigned "WK" series ("WH" for Europe). Overall exterior design rumored to be slightly similar to the current WJ but "boxier"; revised side styling, slightly larger overall dimensions. New interior, new style seats, new dash layout.
The last WJ will roll off the assembly line in mid May 2004. WK production start-up is scheduled for July 19, 2004 with test runs starting one week earlier. The WK will arrive in dealer showrooms in October of 2004.
WJJeeps.com prediction: Near-finished production models will be shown for the first time to the public at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in January 2004. An extended GC based prototype ("XK") model may also be shown.
Rumored features, options and specifications:

Engines:
4.0 V6 HEMI (rumored, standard, 250 hp/260 torque est.)

4.7 V8 (optional, 235 hp@ 4,800 rpm / 295 lb.-ft. @ 3,200 rpm)

5.7 V8 HEMI (optional, 340 hp@ 5,400 rpm / 375 lb.-ft. @ 4,200 rpm).

A new advanced version of the 5.7 Hemi engine may be used on the WK and/or XK, having a feature called "Cylinder Deactivation". The engine is designed to automatically shut down four of the eight cylinders during light-demand situations, such as highway driving, by electronically controlling the flow of oil to valve lifters. Production of Hemi engines with this new feature is scheduled begin in early 2004.

Slightly expanded interior width (and length) for increased passenger room, larger cargo volume, better rollover resistance, and to accommodate the wider HEMI engine.

IFS (Independant Front Suspension)

SRA (Solid Rear Axle, all-new suspension)

Unibody frame made by Valient

W5A580 5 speed automatic transmission (?) (Mercedes-Benz developed)

Auto/manual load-leveling and height control rear SRA suspension

Conversion to CAN (Controller Area Network) Bus communications

Newly designed side air bags

Overhead console EVIC message center display moved to the newly designed instrument cluster, Temperature/Compass will remain in overhead display (?)

Instrument cluster hood will be "oval" instead of current "squared" style.

New interior seats with improved structure, thinner and more aggressive style, very "Jeep" like. Limited/Overland seats will be of a different design structure from those of the Laredo.

Bumper height zone matching that of passenger cars

Door-mounted front seat power switches (in "shape of seat" layout?)

VSC (Vehicle Skid Control) safety system.

Upgraded Premium audio system components, by Rockford

Fosgate (MY 2005 or 2006). WK may use 385-watt Infinity Intermezzo™ system initially (with Subwoofer). Possible use of
Ceramic Metal Matrix speakers.

Upgraded NAV system with larger screen, double-din size, center dash mounted. Built-in 6-disc CD changer with CD, CD-R, CD-RW and MP-3 capability. Satellite radio ready. Will also operate optional rear seat DVD video system. The advanced radio system may also contain other integrated features as well as having the ability for future firmware upgrades.

Uconnect offered as a factory-installed option.

New advanced air bag system that includes dual stage front air bags and an occupant-sensing system for the passenger-side front air bag. The new system can detect the presence of a child seat and automatically deactivate the air bag.

High-Intensity Discharge Headlamps. (?)

New braking system with a twin-stage booster and electronic brakes distribution for better panic stops.

Telescoping steering wheel. (?)
Power liftgate with obstacle detection system. (?)

New features and options for 2005-2006 models*

New WK shared platform "Wagoneer" luxury model, designated "XK" ("XH" for Europe), extended wheelbase, 7-passenger.

Estimated launch: 2nd quarter 2005

"Land Rover" styling direction (?)
5.7 Hemi engine (or larger) with cylinder deactivation feature

Three-row side curtain air bags

Rear climate controls

Center-mounted, three-point shoulder belt incorporated into the second-row seating area

Heated first & second row seats (?)

Superior off-road capabilities

Advanced navigation and audio systems, rear DVD video

Auto-tire pressure system (?)

Advanced safety features

Adjustable suspension system

*Note: Some of the information listed here has not been confirmed, meaning that it may be preliminary, rumored, speculative, predicted or even inaccurate (Also a little wishful thinking along with some good guesses). This information may be subject to change without notice.

Source: www.wjjeeps.com