The new 3.0-litre VM630 turbo diesel engine (which will also debut in the new Lancia Thema, a rebadged version of Chrysler's 300 series sedan, in Geneva) produces maximum horsepower of 177 kW (241 hp DIN) at 4,000 rpm and torque of 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,800-2,800 rpm in the Grand Cherokee. This translates to 10 percent more power and eight percent more torque than the engine it replaces and is close to its rivals.

Fuel economy for the new 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine is a claimed 8.3 l/100km on the combined cycle, not spectacular but however an improvement of 17 percent over the outgoing Daimler diesel engine. CO2 emissions (combined cycle) are reduced by 17 percent, and now stand at 218 g/km. The V6 turbo diesel engine is fitted with new-generation, 1,800-bar injectors with new MultiJet II technology, developed and patented by Fiat Powertrain and which made its debut in 2009 on the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine equipped on the Punto Evo.

Engine Block Structure

The VM630 engine features a compressed graphite iron, 60-degree block with aluminum cylinder heads and a two-piece structural aluminum oil pan. Bore is 83 mm (3.27 in) and stroke is 92 mm (3.62 in) for a total displacement of 2987 cm3 (182 in3). Bore spacing is 96 mm (3.78 in). The engine isn't exactly svelte or light, though an enforced diet has shed around 20 kgs off the weight. With overall dimensions of 695 mm (27.36 in) in length, 729 mm (28.7 in) in width and 697.5 mm (27.46 in) in height, the weight of the fully dressed new engine is 230 kg (507 lbs).

The engine block features a crankcase architecture with stiffened construction, including a bedplate that provides a rigid and stiff carrier for the crankshaft - says Chrysler - This in turn helps reduce overall noise from the lower reciprocating assembly and contributes to significant improvements in overall noise, vibration and harshness - this action should help tackle another of the VM630's negatives.

Adding to the structural rigidity of the block, the two-piece aluminum oil pan has been designed to provide strength and contribute to the quietness of the engine. The lower pan has been reinforced for off-road use. Crankcase capacity is 7.7 L (2 gal). Cylinder heads are constructed of aluminum and feature a chain-driven, dual overhead-camshaft design with four valves per cylinder. Intake valves measure 28 mm (1.1 in), and exhaust valves are 24.5 mm (0.96 in) in diameter. Combustion-chamber volume is 24.68 cm3 (1.51 in3). A forged-steel crankshaft is supported by four main bearing journals fitted with four-bolt main bearing caps incorporated into the bedplate. Externally balanced, the crankshaft measures 442.2 mm (17.41 in), reducing the overall packaging requirements of the engine. Connecting rods, with an overall length of 162.9 mm (6.41 in), are constructed of cast iron. Lightweight, cast-aluminum pistons are redesigned to provide minimal friction. The compression ratio of the new diesel engine is now 16.5:1, reduced from 18.1:1 on the previous model, contributing to cleaner combustion and providing more power. All main bearings are a “lead free” design for reduced environmental impact during construction and later recycling of the engine.

Engine Performance Features

The induction system includes swirl control to optimize combustion. Fitted between the intake system and the combustion chamber, the swirl control effectively provides an ideal air/fuel mixture at all levels of engine speed. Precise fuel delivery is through a 1,800-bar common-rail fuel-injection system. Thanks to the new MultiJet II technology, which makes use of a special balanced solenoid valve, the new injector is capable of making up to eight injections per cycle with the possibility of managing the two main injections in a single modular profile (IRS – Injection Rate Shaping). This guarantees a reduction in consumption and polluting emissions of approximately 2 percent compared to a traditional injector and ensures a drastic reduction in noise levels. The VM630 diesel engine utilises a single Garrett VGT 2056 turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. Compact and lightweight, the turbocharger provides near-instant response and includes an air-to-air intercooler.

Fuel Economy and Emissions

Fuel economy for the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the VM630 is rated at 10.3 L/100 km on the urban cycle and 7.2 L/100 km on the extra-urban cycle. For the combined cycle, the fuel economy is rated at 8.3 L/100 km. The engine is designed to run on EN590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel. For this engine, cast-iron exhaust manifolds are utilized. Additional emissions controls include a close-coupled diesel oxidation catalyst and standard diesel particulate filter. The engine has also been updated to reach Euro 5 regulations with the emission improvements met through an exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) system that includes an EGR valve with DC motor and a high-performance EGR cooler with bypass valve. CO2 emissions are reduced to 270 g/km for the urban cycle and 188 g/km for the extra-urban cycle. Combined-cycle CO2 emissions are now 218 g/km.

Lineup

Jeep Grand Cherokee will be now offered in Europe in Laredo and Limited trim lines in addition to the Overland version. The Laredo and Limited trim lines will be available with the 3.6-litre V-6 Pentastar engine and new 3.0-litre VM630 turbo diesel, while Overland will be available for the total engine lineup.

The 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine for the new Grand Cherokee will be offered in European markets also as a low-output version, with 140 kW (190 hp DIN) of power at 4,000 rpm and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque across 1,600-2,800 rpm. The low-output version of the turbo diesel engine will be standard on Laredo models (optional on the Limited specification). This will allow Grand Cherokee to meet a wider potential market in Europe.

The new diesel engine will be available in Jeep showrooms by the end of the first half of the year and will join two petrol engines to round out the powertrain lineup. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee features the first application of the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine. This V6 engine with variable valve timing (VVT) delivers 210 kW (286 hp DIN) of power and 347 Nm (256 lb-ft) of torque. The Grand Cherokee is also available with the 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine. Also with VVT, this powerful engine delivers 259 kW (352 hp DIN) of power and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque. The engine’s Multi-displacement System (MDS) helps manage fuel efficiency and can cut fuel delivery to up to four cylinders under certain driving conditions.