2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 8 Speed Transmission Review

Jeep Grand Cherokee is the flagship of the brand and for many years was the quintessential SUV. Today, the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee seats a family of five, drives well on route or off and sports archetype good looks.

There have been few changes for 2015 following a major refresh for 2014 that included exterior and interior upgrades, an 8-speed automatic manual, and the add-on of a diesel engine.

New for 2015: A new Summit California Edition appearance parcel is available, along with an optional Argentina Tan leather interior. Active Noise Cancellation is standard on 2015 Grand Cherokee Summit models. Engine output for the 2015 1000 Cherokee SRT has increased to 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque; and there's a new special-edition Red Vapor version. The other 2015 K Cherokee models acquit over unchanged from 2014. The concluding fourth dimension Grand Cherokee was completely redesigned was for the 2011 model year.

Rear-wheel drive comes standard on about models. Rear-cycle-drive versions account for a pocket-size fraction of sales, and we think they miss the indicate, merely of course they exercise go better fuel economy than the four-wheel-drive versions.

Four-wheel bulldoze and all-wheel drive are available, depending on whether the driver needs outstanding adequacy for rugged terrain or wintry weather condition, respectively. 4-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and a full-size spare tire, all required for genuine off-road activities, are available and there is a choice of suspensions.

Four engines are available. Chrysler'due south 3.vi-liter V6 engine is standard and more than sufficient for anything but heavy towing. EPA estimates for the 3.six-liter V6 with 4WD are 17/24 mpg City/Highway.

A 5.seven-liter Hemi V8 is available, useful for towing with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-anxiety of torque. A 1000 Cherokee with the 5.vii-liter V8 and iv-bike drive is EPA-rated at fourteen/twenty mpg.

Diesel ability is available. With 240 horsepower and 420 pound-anxiety of torque, the EcoDiesel engine delivers effortless power for towing or traversing rugged terrian. The EPA estimates for the diesel with four-wheel drive are 21/28 mpg Metropolis/Highway. EPA estimates for diesels tend to the pessimistic side, counter to ratings for gasoline and hybrid vehicles, which tin be optimistic.

In its current form, Thousand Cherokee displays a cleaner, more integrated look than in the by. You can trace some development of the 1000 Cherokee back far enough that it paralleled the Mercedes-Benz Yard-Class, but with the latest electronics it will feel familiar to drivers of other Chrysler products. (The diesel engine hails from VM, office of Chrysler'south Fiat link). If there'due south a condom characteristic you want that isn't standard, you can often get it as an option.

The Jeep One thousand Cherokee competes against a spectrum of vehicles including four-bicycle-drives such every bit the Land Rover LR4, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser. Rivals also include meaty-to-mid-size crossovers and niche models, and to a bottom extent, the big Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. If you want seven-passenger seating, the closest choice is the Contrivance Durango.

SRT is a standalone brand within Chrysler, simply we include the Grand Cherokee SRT hither considering it is essentially a faster Jeep Grand Cherokee for on-road utilise and it can be purchased at whatsoever Jeep dealership. This steroidal functioning wagon competes against the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5M and X6M, Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, and perhaps the Audi SQ5 or Cadillac CTS-V wagon. It's the fastest, well-nigh expensive, thirstiest Grand Cherokee, and the last ane yous want to use in the same sentence with off-road. It isn't a rational option, simply we don't believe choosing a car must be rational. Nosotros accept irrational vehicles in our ain garages and we beloved them.

Model Lineup

The 2015 Jeep M Cherokee comes in five versions, all only one with a choice of rear-bike drive or all-wheel drive (AWD) or 4-bicycle bulldoze (4WD).

Grand Cherokee Laredo ($29,995) and Laredo AWD ($31,995) come up with a 3.6-liter gasoline V6, 8-speed automatic with paddle shifts, cloth seating, fold-flat front passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, fog lamps, 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, automated headlamps, power heated mirrors, rear launder/wipe, laminated forepart door glass, floor mats, tilt/telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, prowl control, illuminated visor mirrors, trunk-color trim, trip computer, and 12-volt auxiliary outlets.

G Cherokee Laredo East ($31,595) and Laredo Eastward 4WD ($33.595) get an option grouping that adds five more than colors to the palette, along with bright roof rail, SiriusXM radio, ability driver's seat with lumbar aligning, plus a slew of extra available options that includes four packages: Security and Convenience, Trailer Towing, All-Weather and Off-Road Take chances I. (All prices are MSRP and do not include destination charges.)

K Cherokee Limited ($36,895) and Limited 4WD ($38,895) upgrade farther with leather-trimmed upholstery, more chrome exterior trim, dual exhaust outlets, four heated seats, power passenger seat, heated steering wheel, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, 115-volt outlet and rear USB ports, remote start, power liftgate, cargo cover, rear photographic camera and park sensors, driver memory system, Selec-Terrain for 4WDs, and a security organisation. Limited options include the diesel and V8 engines, either of which is required for Quadra-Drive Two 4WD or air interruption. Available extras include a front end moonroof, a panoramic moonroof, rear-seat DVD entertainment, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, ventilated front seats, bi-xenon smartbeam headlamps, 20-inch wheels, 506-watt ix-speaker stereo, eight.iv-inch Uconnect with XM TrafficLink, navigation, air pause (with 4WD), adaptive cruise control with collision warning, bullheaded-spot monitors, rear cross-path detection, and towing bundle.

M Cherokee Overland ($43,295) and Overland 4WD ($46,295) come with air intermission (on 4WD only), existent woods trim and leather seating with pipage, ventilated forepart seats, forest and leather power tilt/telescope heated steering wheel with memory, power liftgate, cargo encompass and net, navigation with voice-recognition and SiriusXM travel-traffic information, 20-inch aluminum wheels, body-colored fascias with chrome trim, LED running lights, dual-pane moonroof, bi-xenon smartbeam headlamps, power-folding mirrors, chrome tow hooks, 20-inch wheels, full-size spare tire, and 506-watt stereo. Options include the V8 and diesel, tow and off-road packages, a Technology Group that contains adaptive cruise control and forward standoff alert, and rear-seat entertainment.

Grand Cherokee Summit ($48,695) and Elevation 4WD ($51,695) offer one unique paint pick, chrome mesh grille, headlamps washers, premium 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, 19-speaker 825-watt Harman Kardon sound organization, and embroidered leather upholstery. Essentially, everything is standard except for rear-seat entertainment, V8 or diesel engine and 4WD. The new California Edition appearance bundle ($995) includes trunk-colour lower torso trim, mirror caps and door handles; platinum chrome accents on grille, lower fascias and side sills; foglamp bezels; and rear pace pad. Satin Carbon painted 20-inch aluminum wheels also are included.

M Cherokee SRT ($66,690) has active on-demand 4WD and comes with a 475-hp 6.four-liter V8, eight-speed automatic, unique steering and break, Brembo brakes, Bilstein adaptive damping, Pirelli 295/45ZR20 run-flat tires on forged aluminum wheels, SRT-specific seats and heated steering cycle, heated forepart/rear seats, ventilated front seats, unique spoilers and bumpers, vented hood, blackness chrome exhausts, and a one-twenty-four hours track driving SRT experience (highly recommended). SRT features split the line between Overland and Summit. Options consist of a total-size spare tire, carbon painted or black chrome carve up five-spoke wheels, a panoramic moonroof, Sepia cabin color, remote CD actor, 19-speaker 825-watt Harman Kardon audio system, iii-season Pirelli P-Zero tires, tow package, and engine block heater. The new Red Vapor edition of the SRT ($70,685) gets an choice group that includes black chrome wheels, gloss black exterior trim, backlit SRT logo on steering wheel, light black chrome and Radar Red accents, and crimson-trimmed engine beauty covers.

Rubber equipment on all Grand Cherokee models includes electronic stability command with roll mitigation, ABS with brake traction control organisation, trailer sway command, hill start assistance, frontal airbags, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, driver'southward knee airbag, agile head restraints, and tire force per unit area monitor. Safety options include hill descent command, colina ascent control, rear camera, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with collision alarm, bullheaded-spot monitors and rear cross path detection. Note: All prices are Manufacturer'southward Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP), which may modify without observe at any time. Prices do not include destination charge.

Walkaround

The basic body panels on the Grand Cherokee didn't change for the 2014 facelift, but body-color trim around the wheels and revised door sills cleaned up the profile view. Front lighting, wheel sizes and styles, and body-end sections vary amidst the Jeep models.

The shape of the Jeep Grand Cherokee shows you can build a capable-looking utility vehicle without resorting to excessive fender flaring or plastic ramp bumpers. The clearances required for off-highway travel (forepart, rear and underneath) are good. Note that some of the disquisitional off-highway dimensions Jeep claims are with the forepart air dam removed, a few-minute job to be undertaken before you hit the nastier terrain.

The front end utilizes two headlight and 2 foglight designs, with premium models getting LED running lights and turn-post-obit bi-xenon headlamps. With the black plastic trim on the inside edge, we start thought Jeep might take pulled them off the Chrysler 300, but they're unique to the One thousand Cherokee.

Jeep'south trademark grille is 7 slots cut into a console rather than a single grille, with black slats on most models. However, the Summit model'south grille is lined with chrome mesh to mimic Bentley and every other pretender. There's plenty of chrome on upper trim levels, while the entry model's simpler appearance looks more appropriate for Jeep's mission argument. Some have dark tow hooks, the Overland gets chrome, and the Summit has none.

At the other end, all Grand Cherokees have LED-band taillights that echo the headlights, with articulate-lens signals and fill-in lights that actually aid the camera view. Rear lighting is very practiced; the bumper scuff panels vary in color, and some models accept a nicely integrated comprehend for the tow hitch.

The hatch is like shooting fish in a barrel to open up, powered on college trim levels but more of an advantage for those who can't attain information technology when open. or as a convenience, than in effort saved. The manual version is easy, as well. The glass in the hatch does not open separately as on some utilities. Laredos run a unmarried exhaust outlet while the other models get two, regardless of engine.

The bodywork between the wheels, below the door sills, is stamped No Stride at the rear border, equally it looks an inviting place to stand for roof loading. Better to put a foot on the rear tire, on the door scuff plates, or the rear bumper cover.

Everything below the drinking glass on an SRT looks at least a little bit dissimilar from that of the other Grand Cherokee models. Side sills are more aggressive and fenders filled meliorate by x-inch-wide forged blend wheels (and those filled with big brakes). The lights have darkened housings, the front running lights are strips in the bumper, and the chin spoiler is more than prominent. A bulging hood has dual air outlets to release estrus, and you'll see the hot air wafting out while sitting at a traffic calorie-free. At the back, a larger hatch spoiler and big black chrome exhaust barrels back up the SRT badge.

Interior Features

The interior has arguably become the most important role of a Grand Cherokee. It's go get-go and foremost a carriage or sedan replacement, with off-road hazard a secondary concern. That is a wee conundrum, since the best 4WD equipment comes only with the posh heated leather upholstery, simply that's the market.

Hefty price differences across the model range mean a base Laredo will neither look nor feel like a elevation-line Summit inside, but the Laredo has the aforementioned five-passenger seating and cargo infinite. More than of import, the materials and finishes in the Laredo seem meliorate suited to Jeepin' and don't have the disparity between the Summit's suede-similar headliner, stitched dashboard, natural-stop wood, perforated leather and plastic panels on the doors and console sides.

After hours in both, we found no appreciable difference in comfort between Laredo cloth and Summit leather upholstery. The Laredo's cloth absorbed temperature extremes almost besides as the Acme's seat heating/cooling. Infinite is more adequate, while headroom remains sufficient with either moonroof.

The split-fold rear seats offer slightly less room, but anyone under vi anxiety should fit comfortably. Many of them recline slightly, some are heated, and some have power points and dual USB ports.

Ahead of the commuter is a dog-os shaped instrument panel with conventional rev-counter on one side and fuel level/coolant temperature on the other. Betwixt is a seven-inch configurable display for speed and a host of lesser data. The sole drawback to a digital representation of an analog speedometer is minor needle ratcheting, similar a quartz lookout man'south second hand only faster, as it rises and falls. Virtually everything in this display is controlled past steering-wheel switches, or redundant from the key infotainment screen.

The 8-speed's shifter is similar an inverted doodle-caput on the left of the console. It requires a more frail touch than the old gated unit, and the lighted icons are not easy to see in daylight. So, information technology's better to look at the dashboard display.

To choose amongst the forrad gears, there are shift paddles: little levers atop the horizontal spokes on the steering wheel. This isn't a new concept, but it'south joined by audio controls on the back sides of the aforementioned spokes. So more than once, we changed volume or station when nosotros really wanted a gear change.

The LED lighting in the cabin works well, to erase the yellow harshness of the erstwhile days. An optional giant dual-pane panoramic sunroof opens broad to the sky. If installed, you tin can run into the stars, perhaps improve than y'all can see out the windows or through the rearview mirror. The generous windshield pillars, sloped backlight and rear headrests compression the space for visibility.

The location and operation of things on the middle stack, such as the electronic switchbank and HVAC controls, is all skilful. Chrysler's Uconnect systems, big touch-screen and voice control work quite well. As a bonus, you can engage seat and steering cycle heaters before "OK"-ing the distracted-driver warnings.

An SRT comes with most luxuries and features standard (may equally well get the 19-speaker sound arrangement because information technology weighs less than the standard stereo). All the same, it gets unique, thick-eternalize front seats, a really hefty steering bike (oar-thick on the bottom one-half), different graphics and finishes, and the displays offer more information catered to the enthusiast commuter.

Cargo infinite is rated at 36 cubic feet with rear seats upwards and 68 with them folded; add a bit more for longer items over the fold-apartment front seat. That'southward virtually par for the midsize SUV class, but information technology's besides within a cubic foot of a Ford Escape and smaller than a Honda CR-Five, demonstrating that mid-size SUVs don't necessarily take more room than meaty SUVs.

There's an affluence of storage pockets and bins, including 2 bins under the cargo floor surrounding the spare tire. That spare may be a temporary-use model or full-size, merely yous won't take to lie in the snow or mud to get information technology out.

Driving Impressions

The viii-speed automatic transmission works well. More gears make it easier for the engines to work at the nigh efficient speeds and meliorate acceleration performance. At a mild footstep, calls for downshifts are quicker and less jarring, and at cruising speeds it just lopes along. Gear changes are quick and seamless; most drivers won't realize how often it shifts.

The three.6-liter V6 is a fully competitive engine. It favors revs and horsepower over torque, which is not ideal for heavy rolling stock but non an consequence with eight forward gears. Unless y'all program on towing, the iii.6-liter gets the task done. Remember, semi-trucks were making do with 290 horsepower and lots of gears when Jeep was discovering round fenders. EPA estimates for the 3.6-liter V6 with 4WD are 17/24 mpg Urban center/Highway.

The 5.7-liter V8 adds a muscular exhaust note, 70 horsepower, and 130 pound-anxiety of torque. Superlative tow rating is 7400 pounds, roughly a ton more than than we'd put behind something this size, and EPA mileage is xiv/22 mpg (xiv/20 mpg with 4WD).

The diesel is the fashion to have fuel economy and towing grunt when needed; you'd need a spreadsheet (with fun-to-drive, towing performance, highway range and other objective columns) to find the payoff point for the $4,500 option. This modernistic clean diesel delivers 240 horsepower but 420 pound-feet of torque, more than 2000 rpm lower on the tachometer than the gas engines. At 75 mph in top gear it is at nearly tiptop torque and but goes, whereas the others would need a drop (or 3) in gear. The diesel is inappreciably noisier than some gasoline engines, doesn't fume, and gets the Jeep moving briskly with ease. The EPA estimates 22/thirty mpg City/Highway (21/28 mpg with 4WD) for the diesel.

Though heavy, the Grand Cherokee chassis is quite rigid, a key benefit to its experience of overall quality. When y'all combine a rigid chassis with a well-executed independent suspension, the result is a vehicle that feels much like the High german triumvirate it competes with. Three tons of people and car are not ideal for swift directional changes, simply the Jeep goes where you point information technology, soaks upward bumps large and small, and delivers a comfortable, worry-gratis drive.

Autonomously from the SRT, our favorite Grand Cherokee to drive on paved roads was a 2WD Laredo with E pack and some options. It's more 800 pounds lighter than the tubbiest Grand Cherokee, with a lower per centum of weight on the forepart end, and its 18-inch tires are more than compliant.

Worth noting: Every high-stop example nosotros saw on 20-inch wheels wore Goodyear Fortera tires, while every lower-trim Grand Cherokee on 18-inch wheels had longer-wearing, higher-rated, more than-expensive Michelin Latitude tires. Nosotros besides find that many people purchase a 4WD for the snow, but none of these are snow/winter tires. A set of proper winter tires on a 2WD G Cherokee will end and turn better, and often climb besides, in snow and ice than a 4WD on its standard tires. Of class, the optimum winter setup would exist a Chiliad Cherokee 4WD with snow tires. That would be a very good wintry atmospheric condition setup, indeed.

A short trail course demonstrated that the electric current Grand Cherokee will go where any previous 1000 Cherokee would, unless it can't clasp between the trees or boulders. Few owners will do this in a $fifty,000 bling-mobile and fewer withal will remove the front end air dam to do this. Merely if you pop for Quadra-Bulldoze II and the air suspension, fewer than a dozen other utilities on the market will likely be able to cover the same ground.

Driving off-highway is easier with the current Grand Cherokee than with whatever previous version, cheers to a 44-percent better crawl ratio (axle ratio 10 low-range ratio x start-gear ratio), because of the 8-speed that enthusiasts will appreciate. Besides helpful, on V8 models, is Hill Ascent that controls climbing speed just as Colina Descent controls downhill progress. With its massive low-rpm torque, the diesel fuel doesn't need annihilation more than a steady, light throttle foot to climb.

An important point to annotation is that the air suspension and low-range four-wheel drive are non bachelor on the base of operations all-cycle-drive model; plan on spending a lot more for that level of trail ability. The all-wheel-drive system on base models is meant for balmy off-road utilize and choppy weather; low-range gearing is available as an option on Laredo Due east, but standard on the diesel and V8.

Selec-Terrain electronically coordinates powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shifts, transfer case, traction control, and electronic stability command. What this means is that anyone following a watch's steering instructions can bulldoze a Jeep 1000 Cherokee over extremely rugged off-road courses. The computers will practice it all.

The SRT uses a 391 cubic-inch V8 like that in the Challenger 392 and other rear-drive SRT sedans. With 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, a well-baked-shifting automatic, full-time all-wheel drive and foot-wide gluey tires, it moves swiftly. Jeep didn't merits whatever big improvement in 0-threescore fourth dimension, but even without a timer, y'all tin can tell those extra gears made information technology quicker. Acceleration lifts the bow and braking brings nosedive, both tradeoffs for the solid ringlet command to go on the big, 5200-pound box stable. Don't even think of driving it off-route.

Most every component that affects performance, be information technology bodywork, motel pieces, electronic or mechanical, is addressed past SRT, resulting in a parcel that isn't overpowered, underbraked or unable to use its power. On the opposite, the SRT likes to be pitched into a plough where it takes a set and you simply stand on the gas and let the all-wheel drive sort out the traction; the dynamics are impressive at this toll. Similar BMW's X5M, Mercedes's ML63 AMG and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the Grand Cherokee SRT proves a utility vehicle tin can make good fourth dimension on the pavement.

The Grand Cherokee gets adaptive dampers from Bilstein. That means a choice of Touring comfort, which is fine even for unknown winding road, and Sport, in which things are buttoned up tighter.

Of class, the SRT carries penalties typical of super-sport utility vehicles. Gas mileage is unremarkably closer to the EPA urban center rating of 13 mpg, and the tires, easily used up making a heavy truck work like a sports car, run around $475 each.

Summary, Prices, Specs

The Jeep Thou Cherokee boasts a capable chassis, comfy interior that'southward utility useful or manner friendly, and some of the near efficient powertrains in its grade. It offers the off-route adequacy that mid-size SUVs should evangelize, forth with substantial towing adequacy. The SRT puts the Germans on observe that there are super-ute alternatives, and this 1 costs $xx,000 to $40,000 less. A Laredo E Off-Road is the nigh Jeep and the one we want most.

G.R. Whale filed this study to NewCarTestDrive.com later his test drives of all versions of the G Cherokee near Austin, Texas.

Model Line Overview
Model lineup:	Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo ($29,995), Laredo 4WD ($31,995); Laredo E ($31,595), Laredo Eastward 4WD ($33,595); Distance ($36,290), Altitude 4WD ($38,290): Limited ($36,895), Limited 4WD ($38,895); Overland ($43,295), Overland 4WD ($46,295); Height ($48,695), Summit 4WD ($51,695); SRT ($66,695), SRT Crimson Vapor ($70,685)
Engines:	240-hp 3.0-liter dohc V6 diesel fuel; 290-hp dohc 3.6-liter V6; 360-hp ohv 5.vii-liter V8; 475-hp ohv 6.iv-liter V8
Transmissions:	8-speed automated
Safe equipment (standard):	dual-stage frontal airbags, front side-touch airbags, side curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, tire pressure monitor, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control
Safety equipment (optional):	all-cycle drive, hill descent control, hill ascension command, rear photographic camera, park sensors, active cruise control with standoff warning, blind-spot monitors, rear cantankerous path detection
Basic warranty:	three years/36,000 miles
Assembled in:	Detroit, Michigan

Specifications Every bit Tested
Model tested (MSPR):	Jeep Yard Cherokee Summit 4WD ($50,995)
Standard equipment:	leather embroidered upholstery, dual-zone climate control, 18-carat woods trim, power heated folding mirrors/seats/liftgate/tilt-and-telescope heated steering wheel, driver memory system, heated seats front and rear, ventilated front end seats, panoramic moonroof, 20-inch wheels, 115-volt outlet and rear USB ports, Selec-Terrain, security system, bi-xenon smartbeam headlamps with washers, polished aluminum 20-inch wheels, xix-speaker 825-watt Harman Kardon sound system, Dinamica headliner, 8.4-inch Uconnect Access via Mobile, navigation with voice-recognition and XM travel/traffic info, cargo cover, adaptive cruise control with collision warning, blind-spot monitors, rear photographic camera and park sensors, cantankerous-path detection, and towing package
Options equally tested (MSPR):	EcoDiesel engine ($iv,500)
Destination charge:	$995
Gas guzzler tax:	North/A
Price equally tested (MSPR):	$56,990
Layout:	four-wheel bulldoze
Engine:	3.0-liter DOHC V6 turbodiesel
Horsepower (lb.-ft @ rpm):	240 @ 3600
Torque (lb.-ft @ rpm):	420 @ 2000
Transmission:	8-speed automatic
EPA fuel economic system, city/hwy:	21/28 mpg
Wheelbase:	114.8 in.
Length/width/height:	189.8/76.5/69.iii in.
Track, f/r:	63.nine/64.1 in.
Turning circumvolve:	37.one ft.
Seating Capacity:	v
Caput/hip/leg room, f:	39.9/57.0/40.3 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:	North/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:	39.2/56.2/38.half-dozen in.
Cargo volume:	68.3 cu. ft.
Payload:	N/A
Towing chapters:	7200 Lbs.
Suspension, f:	independent, coil springs, antiroll bar
Break, r:	independent, multi-link, ringlet springs
Footing clearance:	North/A
Curb weigth:	5374 lbs.
Tires:	265/50R20
Brakes, f/r:	vented disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:	24.half dozen gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle. All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSPR) effective equally of February twenty, 2015.Prices exercise not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges. N/A: Data non available or not applicable. Manufacturer Info Sources: 800-925-5337 - www.jeep.com

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Source: https://www.newcartestdrive.com/reviews/2015-jeep-grand-cherokee/

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