The Grand Cherokee SRT8: The Fastest Ever Jeep!
Jeep has unveiled the most powerful and technologically advanced Jeep vehicle ever at the 2011 New York Motor Show. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 goes on sale in the U.S. in the summer packed with performance-oriented revisions including an aggressive but functional bodykit, a completely reworked chassis and a race-inspired interior.
The heart of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is, of course, its engine. Its tremendous 6.4-litre Hemi V8 delivers a whopping 465hp and 633Nm of torque to the tarmac via the Grand Cherokee's all-wheel drive system and five-speed, paddle-operated automatic transmission. All that grunt translates into a 0-100km/h time of around five seconds and a 250km/h top speed but thanks to huge six-piston Brembo brakes (four-piston Brembos at the rear) the Jeep Grand Cherokee can come to a complete stop from 96km/h in just 35m and can scorch from zero to 160km/h and back to zero again in less than 17 seconds.
The Grand Cherokee isn't just Jeep's fastest ever vehicle, however - it's also its best handling. The chassis has been completely recalibrated by SRT engineers and, using the vehicle's Selec-Track controls, its handling and performance characteristics can be altered depending on the driving situation. There are five different setting for the stability control system, adaptive damping, transmission shift strategy, torque distribution, Electronic Limited Slip Differential (ELSD) performance, throttle control and cylinder de-activation and in its most potent 'Track' mode, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is capable of generating an astonishing 0.90g of cornering force on the skid pan.
Standard equipment includes 20-inch forged aluminium wheels, Pirelli P Zero tyres, a unique body-kit, dual-sport exhaust system, a heated leather steering wheel with shift-paddles, Nappa leather and suede bucket seats, carbon fibre accents and satellite radio, and to ensure owners get the best from their Jeep Grand Cherokee they also receive one day of professional driving instruction from the Richard Petty Racing School.
There are no plans to offer the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 in Ireland or Europe at this time.