The concept’s private reveal is said to be a highlight event at the company’s biennial dealer gathering in Las Vegas, unnamed sources have told Automotive News.
Appearing nearly a quarter century after the last wood-paneled SJ-generation Grand Wagoneer rolled off the assembly line, the resurrected SUV is expected to offer seating for seven occupants. Rumors suggest it will be built upon a brand-new platform, which could eventually underpin other models from Dodge, Chrysler and Fiat.
The Jeep Commander borrowed a few styling cues from the original Grand Wagoneer, but was discontinued after just four model years due to lackluster sales. The revival will be differently positioned, larger than the Commander and with a focus on upscale luxury. The Jeep brand has experienced a general sales boom in recent years, and FCA appears to be taking direct aim at the Land Rover Range Rover and domestic rivals such as the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.
FCA’s outspoken chief executive recently voiced frustration that his company doesn’t already have an entry in the luxury SUV segment, noting that his “blood boils” whenever he sees a Range Rover on the street. The sentiment may not be strong enough to accelerate the project schedule, however, as the Grand Wagoneer is not expected to arrive on the market until near the end of the decade.
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