2009 Jeep Commander

2009 Jeep® Commander Powers Up with All-new 5.7-Liter HEMI® Engine and Added Interior Features

The first Jeep® vehicle with three rows of seats to carry seven passengers now features an available 5.7-Liter HEMI® engine capable of 357 horsepower (266 kW) and 389 lb.-ft. (527 N•m) of torque. 2009 Jeep Commander customers now can visit more places and enjoy their 'go-anywhere, do-anything' lifestyles with a HEMI under the hood, and they'll enjoy better fuel economy, too.

The 2009 Jeep Commander's new 5.7-liter HEMI engine provides better fuel economy, improved idle quality and overall refinement, along with an 8.2 percent increase in horsepower and a 3.7 percent increase in torque compared with the previous generation engine. The HEMI's new Variable Valve Timing (VVT) improves fuel economy in two ways. First, it reduces the engine's pumping work by closing the intake valve later. Second, it increases the expansion process of the combustion event. This allows more work to be transferred to the crankshaft instead of being rejected out of the exhaust port as heat. Essentially, VVT improves engine breathing, which improves engine efficiency and power.

The new HEMI® engine also gives drivers its fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology, which seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.

In addition to the new engine, the 2009 Jeep Commander also features new customer amenities including available auto-leveling High-intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, dual-zone automatic temperature controls, rain-sensing wipers, new interior appearance upgrades, an iPod interface on navigation radios, a new 9-inch rear DVD screen and new wheel options.

A new Leather Appearance Group is standard on 2009 Jeep Commander Limited and Overland models. The package includes leather wrap on the upper front- and rear-door bolsters, the center console armrest/lid and front door grab handle, as well as chrome rings around the instrument panel front face vents and the two-piece shift knob.

Leather-trimmed front seats with a map pocket on the passenger side of Limited models and both sides on Overland models also are available on the 2009 Jeep Commander.

The vehicle's instrument panel has been upgraded to include modifications to the Laredo model Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) warnings in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center.

On the outside, the 2009 Jeep Commander features several new wheel options. Customers can now select from the following: 17-inch aluminum machined-face wheels with painted pockets (standard on Sport models), 17-inch, five-spoke aluminum machined-face wheels with painted pockets (standard on Limited models) or 18-inch, seven-spoke aluminum chrome-clad wheels (standard on Overland models).

The Jeep brand has been building industry-leading 4x4 vehicles for more than 65 years. The Jeep Commander has Jeep's legendary off-road capability combined with on-road driving comfort. As a result, the Jeep Commander is the most capable three-row, seven-passenger 4x4, and of course, it's Jeep Trail Rated.®

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2009

EXTERIOR

• HID headlamps with auto-leveling feature (Optional on Limited models, standard on Overland models)

• Body-color exterior mirrors (Standard on Limited models)

• Rain-sensing wipers (Optional on Sport models equipped with the Ú package)

INTERIOR

• Instrument panel upgrades to include Tire Pressure Monitoring System

• uconnect gps with iPod interface

• New 9-inch rear DVD screen replaces 8-inch screen

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS


• New 5.7-liter HEMI engine

• 17-inch aluminum machined-face wheels with painted pockets (Standard on Sport models)

• 17-inch, five-spoke aluminum machined face wheels with painted pockets (Standard on Limited models, optional on Overland models)

• 18-inch, seven-spoke aluminum chrome-clad wheels (Standard on Overland models)

PACKAGES


Leather Appearance Group (Standard on Limited and Overland models. Includes: leather wrap on upper front- and rear-door bolsters, the center console armrest/lid and front door grab handle, chrome rings around the instrument panel front face vents and the modified two-piece shift knob)

DESIGN

Introduced in 2006, the Jeep Commander is immediately recognizable as an authentic Jeep due to its classic Jeep design elements: seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings, round headlamps and flat surfaces, plus a steep windshield, backlight and rear end. The result is a rugged, constructed appearance that says 'Jeep.'

Commander is the first Jeep vehicle with three rows of seats. Firm and broad-shouldered, the seats are positioned theater-style: the second row is higher than the first; the third row is higher than the second. Additional head room is created by literally raising the roof over the second row by 3.15 inches higher compared with the first row, which produces a stepped effect. The second-row seats split 40/20/40; the third row is split 50/50. The middle and third rows fold forward to create a flat load floor for maximum utility. Behind the third row is a storage bin, located in the load floor. Únderneath it are provisions for storing the jack and tools. The bin's top panel is removable and reversible. The carpeted side is level with the third row of seats, and the opposite side is molded-in plastic. It's for storing the gear that active lifestyles demand.

Located in the roof above the second row are available CommandView™ Skylights. These dual skylights of tinted glass are optional and are packaged with the power sun roof that is positioned above the front passengers. Standard on Commander Limited, the package expands the vehicle's sense of interior roominess. The CommandView Skylights also have roller shades that can be used to block out light when desired. An optional rear-seat DVD player is located between the skylights.

An attractive roof rack rail has two integrated tie-downs on each side. Black side rails are standard on Sport models; bright side rails are standard on Limited and Overland models. Assist handles extend from the roof rail down the back of the D-pillars, adding to the rugged, utilitarian appearance of the vehicle. The assist handles are black with chrome inserts on Limited and Overland models. On top of the rear bumper is a diamond-plate-texture step pad. The pad's nonskid surface is helpful when stepping on the rear bumper to gain access to the roof of the vehicle. Reinforcing the constructed look are decorative bolts that appear to attach the classic Jeep trapezoidal wheel flares to the body. These are optional on Limited models and standard on Overland models.

The two-tone color scheme on Commander's instrument panel and interior trim exemplify the vehicle's attention to interior detail. A new Leather Appearance Group is available on 2009 Jeep Commander Limited and Overland models. The package includes leather wrap on the upper front- and rear-door bolsters, the center console armrest/lid and front door grab handle, as well as chrome rings around the instrument panel front face vents and the two-piece shift knob.

Leather-trimmed front seats with a map pocket on the passenger side of Limited models and both sides on Overland models also are available on the 2009 Jeep Commander.

ENGINEERING

Three Four-Wheel-Drive Systems
Quadra-Trac I®
For Jeep Commander customers who want the assurance of full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull, Quadra-Trac I® is ideal. The system is available on vehicles equipped with the 3.7-liter V-6 engine and provides smooth operation of the vehicle over a variety of road conditions.

The NV140 transfer case splits torque 48/52 percent (front/rear) for nearly even distribution of engine power. The single-speed transfer case was designed to rigorous Jeep durability standards, yet offers smooth and quiet operation. The use of the Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) with the NV140 transfer case makes the 2009 Jeep Commander's 4x4 system extremely competent in most driving situations.

Quadra-Trac II®
The Quadra-Trac II® 4x4 system for the Jeep Commander gives the customer the benefit of the NV245 two-speed active transfer case and BTCS.

The NV245 transfer case is the same used in the Quadra-Drive II® system. It takes input from a variety of sensors to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system also uses Throttle Anticipate – sensing quick movement in throttle from a stop – and takes steps to maximize traction before tire slippage occurs. When wheel slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of the available 375 lb.-ft. of torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

Torque is transferred to the individual wheels as needed by the BTCS to maintain traction in changing road conditions. When the system senses tire slip, it modulates brake pressure to the slipping wheel, which directs torque to the tires with the best traction.

Quadra-Trac II features an electronic shift mechanism for ease of use. The transfer case offers a low range for off-road situations and includes a neutral position for trouble-free towing behind another vehicle.

Quadra-Drive II®
The Quadra-Drive II® Jeep Commander 4x4 system offers customers the ultimate in off-road capability. It combines the NV245 full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for best-in-class tractive performance. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to the tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will even anticipate low traction and adjust to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

The heart of the system is the NV245 active transfer case. This transfer case includes a center differential coupled with an electronically controlled clutch pack, varying it from a completely open state to completely locked and infinite possibilities in between. The 4-Low gear ratio is 2.72:1.

A key component in the Quadra-Drive II system is the ELSD, which is an industry-first application front/rear/center and the benchmark for automatic traction differentials. The ELSD uses electronically controlled clutch packs to automatically and instantly vary from slip to lock at each axle. This maximizes traction when needed without any of the on-road drawbacks normally associated with such a robust 4x4 system.

All components of the system work together, continually monitoring needs, to provide smooth and automatic application of the components for best-in-class tractive performance while improving the day-to-day on-road driving experience. For instance, the ELSD releases the clutch packs in the front axle during turns to allow differentiation and prevent crow hop.

Three Engines
3.7-liter SOHC V-6
The 2009 Jeep Commander's 3.7-liter engine is a powerful standard single-overhead-cam (SOHC) engine that is efficient, durable and smooth. It produces 210 horsepower (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) @ 4,000 rpm. A sophisticated Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions and maintains a consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active. An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, helps increase fuel economy.

4.7-liter SOHC V-8 (FFV)
The 2009 Jeep Commander's 4.7-liter V-8 engine is more refined and offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous-generation 4.7-liter high-output engine.

The 4.7-liter V-8 flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) engine incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI), an increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and an improved combustion system. The result is 305 horsepower (227 kW) @ 5,650 rpm, a 30 percent increase, and 334 lb.-ft. (453 N•m) of torque @ 3,950 rpm, a 10 percent increase and a more than 5 percent increase in fuel economy compared with the previous 4.7-liter V-8 engine. This FFV engine also gives customers the ability to use up to an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) to fuel their vehicles.

Improvements in the 4.7-liter V-8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with an improved cam design, two spark plugs per cylinder and a valve-lash adjuster system. The 2009 Jeep Commander's 4.7-liter V-8 also is equipped with electronic throttle control.

New 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8
The 2009 Jeep Commander's new 5.7-liter HEMI® engine provides better fuel economy, improved idle quality and overall refinement, along with more horsepower (357 horsepower 266 kW) and torque (389 lb.-ft. 527 N•m), than the engine it replaces. The HEMI's new Variable Valve Timing (VVT) improves fuel economy in two ways. First, it reduces the engine's pumping work by closing the intake valve later. Second, it increases the expansion process of the combustion event. This allows more work to be transferred to the crankshaft instead of being rejected out of the exhaust port as heat. Essentially, VVT improves engine breathing, which improves engine efficiency and power.

2009 Jeep Commander customers also will benefit from the HEMI® engine's fuel-saving Multi Displacement System (MDS), which seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.

Suspension Steering Systems and Transmissions
The short- and long-arm (SLA) independent front suspension on the 2009 Jeep Commander provides the driver with a greater sense of control and more precise steering, while reducing vehicle weight and head toss, all without compromising Commander's stalwart off-road performance. The five-link rear suspension geometry, including a track bar, also improves lateral stiffness to match that of the front suspension for optimum handling.

The standard Electronic Stability Program helps the driver maintain vehicle directional stability in severe maneuvers on any type of surface. It works by using signals from sensors throughout the vehicle that then determine the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments for directional stability.

Jeep Commander's rack-and-pinion steering gives more precise steering to the driver, providing quick response during all types of maneuvers.

A five-speed automatic W5A580 transmission that provides smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy is available with the Jeep Commander's 3.7-liter engine. The 4.7-liter V-8 and the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engines are mated to a 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) This transmission's high torque capacity gives Commander class-leading towing capacity of 7,400 lbs., equal to that of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both transmissions feature Electronic Range Select driver interactive shift control. The shifter provides fully automated shifting when in the 'Drive' position. Or the driver can manually select each gear by simply moving the shifter left and right from the 'Drive' position. This gives the driver the ability to precisely match any on-road or off-road driving requirement.

The Quadra-Drive II 4x4 Group available on the 2009 Jeep Commander includes tow hooks, a stamped-steel transfer case skid plate that mounts to the transmission cross member and a fuel tank skid plate that provides off-road protection to the transfer case.

Jeep Trail Rated®
The Jeep Commander's four-wheel-drive systems are Trail Rated.® The Jeep Trail Rated badge on the 2009 Jeep Commander shows that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.

Jeep Trail Rated is a unique methodology used by Jeep Engineering to measure and predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles today and into the future. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, Jeep Trail Rated provides a consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.

Source - Jeep