4" Superlift for Commander
Superlift developed a 4" lift for AEV's first project Commander. The lift
and larger 32" tires really improve the look of the Commander, not to mention
its off-road capability.
Superlift claims the Commander's V8 is powerful enough to run 32" tires
without re-gearing.
AEV chose the Commander for their Iceland exploration project. Read about
the vehicle preparations on page 9 here
http://www.jpfreek.com/Images/JPF_Issue-01.pdf
While the Commander looks like a traditional Jeep, the Grand
Cherokee has the advantage of the Mercedes diesel engine.
The Grand Cherokee with 3.0L diesel is EPA rated at 20mpg city,
while the Commander with 4.7L gas V8 is rated at 14 city.
Unfortunately, Chrysler has made the diesel available only in
the top of the line Grand Cherokees, and they are charging a
huge premium for the motor. I guess they think buyers will
be cross-shopping against the Mercedes GL 320.
Given that the Commander body style will not be available
after 2007, I think Jeep dealers will be offering incentives to
move the Commanders. A discount of $12,000 or more from
the cost of the diesel Grand Cherokee will buy a lot of gas.
Chip Haven