Even without the pickup conversion, space is at a premium in a stock Grand Cherokee. Because of this, and given that the factory-installed Infinity premium-branded amplifier and speaker package has been equalized and optimized for the Grand Cherokee, it was retained in this version of the system's ongoing and continual evolution. The high-powered P-153 turned out to be well-matched to the input sensitivity of the existing Infinity factory-installed amplifier under the rear seat on the passenger's side, in front of the DVD player.
The system's sonic output is powerful and, even though it lacks a dedicated subwoofer, the bass is strong for a factory setup. This appears to be the byproduct of two unrelated issues. First, the equalization selected by Infinity engineers for the standard Grand Cherokee appears to be spot on, especially for the less demanding ears of typical new vehicle buyers. Second, the smaller cabin increases the overall efficiency of the amplifier, especially given the low interior noise levels characteristic of the Grand Cherokee.
Owners of conventional versions of this SUV who might want a similar installation in their vehicles could expect to spend just about $2,500. Installation time would be approximately 50 hours. The pickup conversion is $15,000; and the price for the body modifications totals to $4,000. Being unique has its price. But the end result is something to behold.
This is not to say that further improvements are not planned. In talking with Gerisch, CA&E was told that plans are being drawn to modify the 60/40 fold-down rear seat. This will be accomplished by a combination of reducing the width of the seat on the passenger side and extending the center console to the base of the rear lower bulkhead. The new center console will be able to house a dedicated subwoofer as well as provide additional real estate so that the DVD mounted under the rear seat can be moved to a more convenient location.
As these continual improvements are incorporated in the innovative KirkWood Edition, CA&E will keep you posted. It's safe to say given the talents of Gerisch and the resources of the automotive and mobile electronics aftermarket, that the KirkWood Edition will continue to be a work in progress, showcasing the most cutting-edge components. Already, the second generation version of the KirkWood Edition has been featured in the February 2002 issue of Sport Truck and CA&E's German counterpart, Auto HiFi. At the same time Gerisch is moving forward on several fronts to get the KirkWood Edition's singular bodywork into production so that any 1999 to 2002 Grand Cherokee owner can add the stylish front grille, front and rear bumper fascias, side cladding and LED tail lights to his own rig without having to perform radical surgery. Sounds like a plan to us.
Chopping a Grand CherokeeThe most unique feature of the KirkWood Edition Grand Cherokee is its versatile short bed pickup bed. Gerisch removed the Grand Cherokee's roof behind the C-pillar and grafted part of the rear lift-gate frame to the C-pilliar where the roof was removed. He then designed a special hinge (that has been issued a utility patent) that allows the original lift-gate to rotate up on to the OEM roof rack and lock into place, using the OEM cross rails and notches in the rear end of the roof rack.
The innovation did not stop there. Gerisch designed a new lower bulkhead, one that folds forward after the Grand Cherokee's is folded down. With the glass stored up on the roof and the seats and lower bulkhead folded down with the tailgate lowered, the KirkWood Edition features a load floor of about seven feet from the back of the front bucket seats to the tip of the tailgate.