2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD

Ten years from now, the Jeep Grand Cherokee will be recognized as the vehicle that proved mainstream America was ready for diesel. Diesel Power magazine has been itching to get our hands on the new 3.0L Jeep since word of its existence first leaked out two years ago. Thanks to the enormous efforts of Steve Houtman, Jeep Performance and Dodge Off-Road Program Manager, and Steve Lingeman, Product Marketing Manager for the Grand Cherokee and Commander platforms, that day has finally come.

Over the next 18 months, we'll be working with the aftermarket to develop products for the 3.0L Mercedes diesel-powered Grand Cherokee to enhance its already-impressive performance. Our plan is to evolve the Grand Cherokee into a high-performance diesel SUV that is equally capable on- and off-road. We'll also use this opportunity to lay the groundwork for new V-6 diesel performance parts.

Our buildup begins this month with a trip to Detroit, Michigan. We flew in to pick up our new '08 Red Rock Crystal Pearl Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited from Brighton Chrysler Dodge Jeep. General Manager Michael Ryckman and his staff prepped the Jeep to be sent over to our good friends at Diversified Creations in Brighton, Michigan.

Diversified Creations is a family-run, full-service performance shop that does everything from basic modifications to complete vehicle buildups. Mike, Brad, and Deb Copeland have helped us with dozens of projects over the years, and we knew our Jeep would be in great hands. Lead technician Jeremy Salewsky hoisted our Jeep (which had just 16 miles on the odometer) up on a lift and dedicated himself to the project until it was done. Here's what we've built so far.