So far I have not seen anything that would indicate that HEMI would get 8spped. Seems like V6 only at least for the time being.

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/03/chrysler-confirms-pentastar-v6-and-8.html


"Starting in late 2012 through 2013, we plan to include this transmission in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Dodge Durango and Ram 1500 pick-up truck," Chrysler said in the report.
Thats year not Model Year = 1 full Year

One thing I'm certain of is nobody associated with Chrysler/Jeep has any interest in signaling the 8 speed is coming any time soon. Sales of the 2012 would drop off as people waited for the new transmission. I'll wait until June when 2013 ordering begins. Won't be surprised to see the 8 speed with the 6 from day 1.

I was thinking the same thing.

2013 ordering for the Grand Cherokee will open up on June 6th...

I can assure you 100% that the 8-speed WILL NOT be available for order this year. If ANYONE wants to place a side bet on that just let me know, I could definitely use some extra mod/mad money .

I'd go with Milous on this one.

I saw that up/down thing and frankly made no sense. It looks like 5th locked would be lower rpm than 6th unlocked & with 2:1 torque converter multiplication tossed in which gear is higher when becomes a bit confusing.

Normally you use many gears for an engine that is either has a lot of cam or a narrow rev range (big diesel). For an engine like the pentastar which has over 90% of its peak torque from 2000 to 6000 rpm, I really wonder. Yes, I suspect that dropping the revs further on the Interstate might help but is already barely over 2000 rpm at 70 MPH and torque drops off below that. Biggerst gain would be from reduced IHP.

I'd be curious what the effect of 33" tires on cruise MPG would be, revs would be about the same as with a .67 top.

When you get right down to it, the critical factor in the flatlands is the frontal area and the cd. For the WK2 the first is about 31.5 sq. ft and the second is .37-.39 for a cdA of 12.2 which is not great (my dustbuster is around .30/28.6/8.58 & gets 25 MPG at 70 with an old iron 3800, the Vixen is even lower with .29 and despite a curb weight of 6300 lbs can get 27-30 mpg). Wonder if skid plates help, suspect folding the mirrors in might.

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Web home. Notary Sojac Y'all
One of these is a diesel:

Sadly, have to concur. Just glad we didn't put off purchase for a year because of the expected ZF-8.

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2012 Cherry Overland V6, ADG

Milous, what is your guess at a realistic timeframe for when DIESEL W/ 8 SPEED will be delivered (not available for order)? I've heard you say maybe late Q1 2013, but is summer or MY2014 (fall 2013) more realistic?

Would love to know this as well.

I have also waited 6 Months for the V6 gas or Diesel 8 Speed tranny word.
From all my searches it looks like 2014 MY . To long for me i am done waiting. Good Luck to all who can stand the wait!

Same here, too long to wait. The unforseen thing about the 8 speed is that it is going to have to prove itselve reliability wise in the market. I've been holding out for 8 speed hemi, but that might not happen for years from what I've read. The v6's sound like they are getting it first.

I would assume the specs for the 2013's will be out in April, and I will determine whether it makes sence to get the 2013 or go ahead with the 2012 and book a better deal.