Chrysler Delays Jeep Cherokee’s Media Intro

Chrysler Group LLC has delayed by at least a month a planned international media "ride-and-drive" for the redesigned 2014 Jeep Cherokee SUV.

Chrysler tells reporters it discovered "the opportunity to further improve powertrain calibration" and would allow media to drive the new midsize Jeep after it completes the updates. The company adds that the adjustment won't alter plans to begin retail sales in September.

The delay is the second for the Cherokee. Production was to begin at Chrysler's Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio, in late May. But the launch was postponed for a month, reportedly to allow time to resolve fit-and-finish issues and to adjust the behavior of the Cherokee's ZF-developed 9-speed automatic transmission.

The Cherokee will debut with a standard 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine that makes 184 hp. A 3.2-liter V-6 rated at 271 hp is optional. Buyers also can choose among three four-wheel-drive configurations.

Chrysler has repeatedly emphasized that it won't release the new SUV for sale until it is satisfied the vehicle is ready.