2008 Jeep Liberty Overview
Overview MSN Autos
Jeep showed just how tough it is, “blasting” rocks off its 2008 Jeep Liberty in a pouring rain outside the convention center of the New York auto show.
As news media huddled on bleachers under a leaking cover and looked on, a silver-colored, new Liberty rose from the rock-strewn debris. The 2008 model marks the first major revamp of the Liberty since its original debut in the U.S. in 2002.
Arriving at dealerships later this year, the 2008 Liberty has new sheet metal that gives it a more family resemblance to other Jeeps, such as the Grand Cherokee. It also is a bit larger than the current Liberty, with an additional 2 inches added in length and a half inch in width. This provides larger cargo room, and 1.5 inches of more rear-seat legroom.
There are inviting new features, too. The 2008 Liberty will be the first to offer the optional MyGig, an audio, navigation and entertainment system that includes a 20-gig hard drive in the dashboard for storing music, photos, etc.
The new compact, 5-passenger SUV also offers the first canvas top on a Liberty. Centered in the metal roof, this canvas top slides back so both front- and rear-seat passengers can enjoy sunny skies over their heads.
The engine and transmission remain the same. The 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 with 235 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm can be mated to a 4-speed automatic or 6-speed manual.
Underneath the new Liberty is a new, independent front suspension and multi-link rear suspension for improved on-road ride.
There are two four-wheel-drive systems: A new Selec-Trac II full-time system and Command-Trac part-time system.
Print | posted on Monday, August 20, 2007 11:43 AM