Jeep Grand Cherokee

Chrysler engineers wanted to maintain or enhance off-road capability while significantly boosting refinement.

Over the past four years, Philip Jansen might have had one of the toughest challenges at Chrysler. As Chief Engineer with responsibility for the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, he had to see one of his company's most important vehicles through development during financial uncertainty and management upheaval. His vehicle had to not only satisfy existing Jeep customers with above-average off-road capabilities, but also had to appeal to heightened expectations for premium on-road refinement.

“We listened to our customers and took it to the next level, adding significantly improved on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand's legendary four-wheel-drive capability,” said Jansen. Early customer input was clear. “They said, first and foremost, get the interior upgraded. Improve the rear-seat package. Make it feel [more] upscale, luxurious. I want better fuel economy; I don't like to fill my tank up too much. [But] give me the capability, the traction, the control that I've become accustomed to [with Jeep.]”