Jeep rolls out blacked-out Grand Cherokee 'concept'

Jeep rolled out a new trim package for the Grand Cherokee on Wednesday and is running a contest on the Internet to give it a name.

For now, Jeep bills the new Grand Cherokee as a concept but says it anticipates bringing it to showrooms this spring--timing that implies that the production decision has already been made.

The concept starts with the four-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee Laredo X package, then adds blacked-out trim, a mesh grille and 20-inch aluminum wheels painted in gloss black. There are no mechanical changes.

The SUV was first shown on Wednesday at the Houston auto show. A version painted deep cherry red will be shown on Thursday at the Washington auto show.

Jeep is running a "Name My Ride" contest for the concept. Three finalists will be chosen from the entries, with an online vote determining the winner. The prize is a chance to win a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. You can find contest details at jeep.com/namemyride.

A rear view of the Jeep Grand Cherokee concept.

By Dale Jewett