Grand Wagoneer badge coming to a Jeep

[rickaren]

Jeep Grand Wagoneer 3-Row SUV Coming in 2013, Plus Three Fiat-Based Models
Tuesday August 9 2011

The 2014 model year will see the return of the Grand Wagoneer badge to a Jeep. Set to arrive in 2013 it will share its underpinnings with the Dodge Durango, with three rows and seven seats. Likely to be offered with both the Pensatar V6 and the Hemi V8, this model could be the first use of Chrysler’s new 8-speed automatic transmission in a Jeep. That same auto-box is expected to make its way into the Grand Cherokee as well.

In addition, Jeep is planning three new Fiat-based models, all of which are expected to arrive right around the same time. First up will be a new sub-compact Jeep designed for the North American and Latin America market. For the compact class, Jeep will unveil its replacement for the Compass, based on Fiat’s CUSW platform. Offered in both front and all-wheel drive versions, the first CUSW-based model to arrive will be a new Alfa Romeo crossover in 2012, so look for much of that vehicle to be carried over. While the Patriot is expected to be axed, the Liberty will live on, representing the future of the mid-size Jeep and using a larger version of the CUSW platform, appropriately named CUSW Plus.

All four models are expected to arrive some time in 2013, as 2014 model year cars, representing a refresh of almost the entire Jeep lineup.

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[dhh3]

There has been much discussion concerning this over at jeepcommander.com. The Commander was a slightly bigger body on the Grand Cherokee chassis. As the the Durango is a stretched CG, it makes sense that this new Jeep would be the Commander replacement, and a majority of the members feel that the Commander name should carry on.