To begin with, the car will be unveiled at the 2011 New York Auto Show and according to Chrysler, this model is the fastest Jeep ever built. Furthermore, it is by far the coolest looking Jeeps ever made, at least in our opinion.
The intriguing part is found under the hood where a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that produces 465 hp lives its days and the good news does not end here. Nowadays, every manufacturer adds to performance figures fuel economy stats and the Grand Cherokee SRT8 can be proud of its achievements in this particular chapter.
The model is 13% more economic compared to its predecessor thanks to a new active exhaust system that lets Chrysler's cylinder-deactivating Fuel Saver Technology operate over a wider RPM band. An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing delivers maximum low-end torque while optimizing high-end power across a wider and improved rpm band.
“The all-new 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the ultimate performance SUV, delivering a combination of Jeep capability and utility, world-class performance, luxury and refinement, and advanced innovative technology," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.
"Our new benchmark performance SUV effectively broadens the Grand Cherokee portfolio, and will continue to draw new customers into Jeep showrooms," Manley added.
Fuel economy is very good as the car can easily cover 450 miles (725 km) with just one fill up. The new Grand Cherokee SRT8 features Jeep's new Selec-Track system which incorporates five distinct drive modes. These driving modes include a Sport setting that manages to transform this SUV performance and handling to match those of a muscle car.
The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.8 seconds, 0 to 100 mph (160 km/h) in around 16 seconds and will stop at its maximum speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). The mighty Jeep can cover a quarter mile in around 13.5 seconds.
To be able to achieve these figures, the SUV has to stop relatively quick and the Cherokee SRT8 can slow down from 62 mph (100 km/h) to 0 mph in 116 feet (35.3 meters). Every owner of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle will have reasons to be happy thanks to a one day of professional driving instruction from the Richard Petty Racing School as part of the SRT Track Experience which is designed to boost Jeep’s drivers driving knowledge as well as their skills on street or track.
The interior incorporates all sorts of gadgets and technologies like the SIRIUS satellite radio, DVD and MP3-capable stereo and the new steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The list of optional features is quite impressive and includes a 19-speaker, 825-watt Harmann-Kardon stereo complete with a 10-inch subwoofer, a dual-pane tinted sunroof and a power liftgate.
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will be available on the market starting with the third quarter of this year.
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