What is it?
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
What's special about it?
Jeep calls its 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 the most powerful, technologically advanced, high-performance Jeep ever. And when it arrives in dealers this summer with a 6.4-liter V8 cranking out 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, few will argue.
Jeep is making some pretty serious claims about the latest version of the Grand Cherokee, too: zero to 60 in 4.8 seconds, zero to 100 and back in the mid-16-second range and the quarter-mile in the mid-13-second range, a 155-mph top speed and 60 to zero in 116 feet.
Certainly, those numbers are impressive, but they aren't any better than the previous Grand Cherokee SRT8, which we tested in 2007. That truck hit 60 in 4.7 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds at 102.3 mph.
Even so, the new 6.4-liter V8 cranks out an additional 45 hp and 45 lb-ft of torque relative to the old 6.1-liter V8 in the previous-generation Grand Cherokee SRT8. Cylinder deactivation via an "active valve exhaust system" improves fuel consumption by a claimed 13 percent and increases highway range to 450 miles. Power hits the ground through all four wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually via paddle shifters on the steering wheel or the floor-mounted shifter.
Perhaps most impressive is Jeep's claim of lateral acceleration of up to 0.90g on the skid pad — a considerable increase from the 0.84g we measured in the first-generation Grand Cherokee SRT8.
Handling response and ride quality are variable via an adaptive damping system. Jeep's SelecTrac system controls the SRT8's adaptive dampers, stability control, shift logic, front/rear torque split, rear electronic limited-slip differential, throttle calibration and cylinder deactivation. Five modes are available: Auto, Sport, Tow, Track and Snow.
Serious performance car hardware like Brembo brake calipers at all four corners — six pistons up front, four out back — combined with 20-inch forged wheels wrapped in 295/45ZR20 Pirelli P Zero run-flat tires provide, well, performance carlike grip and stopping power.
Sitting 1 inch lower and utilizing body-color wheel arches, a ducted hood and a large rear spoiler that both reduces drag and increases downforce, the new Jeep has a purposeful look.
Inside there's an SRT-specific leather-wrapped steering wheel and Napa leather and suede seats embroidered with the SRT logo. Both the front and rear seats are heated, as is the steering wheel. The Electronic Vehicle Information Center displays horsepower, torque, 0-60 time, 60-0 distance, lateral acceleration (in g) and quarter-mile time.
This is a serious Jeep. And we can't wait to mash its accelerator.
Inside Line says: Whether it's any faster in a straight line remains to be seen, but Jeep's latest creation certainly looks menacing and its chassis should be a considerable improvement. — Josh Jacquot, Senior Editor
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dizzi says:
04:11 PM, 04/21/2011
....Oooops forgot to mention that love the SRT8 Jeep (no surprise). The hood is very kewl and sexy.
For the record, dig the direction of the NEW Chrysler Co. Sergio is creativly moving them in the right direction as fast as he can without destroying the current models. I can't wait to see the blend of Alfa's and LOVE the new Fiat 500 !!!
Hell, commute with the 500 and pull the boat to the lake with the SRT8 ! Love it!
JMO ... I could be wrong.
autodidact says:
03:57 PM, 04/21/2011
What some of these comments are missing is the marketing angle. These halo cars are modest investments on established vehicle platforms and the main purpose is to enhance brand image and drive showroom traffic. Chrysler and others are following the lead of BMW, which established the precedent with the M Series. While the Ms clearly don't support the company, they greatly enhance the brand's image. Every carmaker today is attempting to burnish their performance credentials because it makes business sense.
I own a new Grand Cherokee Overland, and I love it, it's an exceptionally competent, well-executed vehicle. Though I'm disappointed that the new SRT doesn't move the needle further, especially in terms of the transmission and styling, I know they'll get there. It's a balancing act of what's possible, but it's clear that they're going in the right direction and will survive under this new leadership.
roger03 says:
03:54 PM, 04/21/2011
Dinosaur!
carpaul1 says:
03:52 PM, 04/21/2011
@smilez,
So much of car business is perception.
What does it mean, when at NY show, we see SRT8 SUVs, and 300c SRTs, and probably a charger version. Does that help the perception? What do you think people think when they hear the name Prius? Do you think they think technology? Do you think they think fuel efficiency? If you answered yes to both of those, understand that is where Chrysler needs to be.
I can assure you in Atlanta, where I live, Chrysler does not have a presence. GM has little presence. And Ford is fighting an uphill battle. Atlanta is a city of large commuters. I drive 32 miles each way to work. Traffic is horrendous. It is a mini-LA with about 6M in population. In this city, you see Toyota, Honda, and looks like every day nowadays Koreans. The perception is fuel efficiency and quality. That is what Chrysler needs to target. Yes there is also a sprinkling of Germans and high end Japanese.
As I said before, the regular Garnd, is a great SUV. I sat in it, touched the material, at a Car MAx, and truly enjoyed the feel. Expensive, yes, but a fine looking and feeling SUV. But you don't need to invest in anything above and beyond the base and the regular overland versions. Anything else, is a waste of money and resources not to mention perception.
What does it say if you have a low volume and you sell out, if your R&D costs far exceed the production? I say that is still a losing proposition.
This practice needs to come to an end now. We don't need gas guzzlers beyond the regular V6s for mainstream American lines. Notice I don't even think a V8 is necessary. That does not help the perception, or the future viability of Chrysler. History (recent history of bankruptcy) has shown what I tell you, is the truth. The sooner that page is turned, the sooner Chrysler may have a future. Focus on fuel efficiency in the day of $4 regular unleaded.
traven72 says:
03:35 PM, 04/21/2011
Not sure why, but it looks like a Saab performance cross-over-ute. It's not exactly ugly, at least not Juke ugly.
dizzi says:
12:50 PM, 04/21/2011
You can't tow a boat with a Prius ??????
What is the first thing that MOST people talk about (on this site) with MOST cars??? First words are PERFORMANCE ! It's got "pep" ... "good pickup" "rides nice, handles great, stops on a dime, ALL non synonymous with the word PRIUS. The only, I MEAN ONLY word, you can use are "OKAY" to "DECENT" MPG with a Prius.
That's right, just okay, for the PRICE, FEEL, COMFORT not to mention RIDE and SAFTEY. Just OKAY!!!
My 1984 Dodge Omni got almost 40 mpg on the hi-way. That's right, a carbureted 2.2 Omni 5-speed over 25 years ago. So Prius and technology = FAIL !!!!!
However a 400 hp car 25+ years ago got 8mpg comparably 4000+ lbs. Charger, 300 and Challenger on the hi-way can achieve 25-27 mpg (I know this) MENTION Ride , comfort, handling, P E R F O R M A N C E !!! and MPG ??? I hear MANY car owners here in South Florida wanting the Charger and Challenger and others V8 powered vehicles still getting away from the anemic 4 cyl HEAVY full sized car. Camery's and Altimas get good mileage however are non performers, if you TRY to make them performers (V6 premium pkg) .... $$$$$$ UP ... Milage DOWN !!!!
You can't tow a boat with a Prius ??????
JMO ... I could be wrong.
noobnox says:
02:33 PM, 04/20/2011
I like the new Grand Cherokee...it's the only thing under the Chrysler/Fiat umbrella that I would actually consider owning myself. Having said that, the SRT8 version looks as though it would sacrifice a little offroad capability with the low profile tires and deep front fascia. Can't argue with the performance though..
rlyon says:
01:44 PM, 04/20/2011
Old SRT8=Hot.
New Jeep=Hot.
New SRT8 Jeep=Ugly.
How did they manage to do that?
smilez says:
12:47 PM, 04/20/2011
carpaul1 -
My only issue with your argument, and I'm not screaming here, is that I read your posts as though the SRT line-up is the face of Chrysler. They are simply niche vehicles that sell well, definitely take more gas, but are not screaming of earth destroyers and something that the public (as minority as it may be) has asked for.
Look throughout the rest of the Chrysler line-up and tell me they don't offer fuel effiicent vehicles...Show me a link that says they are done bringing out small efficient cars.
And I agree with Lostboyz that the majority of this vehicle was not only done before the bailout, but also didn't take all that much R&D to complete.
Chrysler, with major help from Marchionne, has done amazing things in a very short period of time.
Of course they have a ways to go, but please compare the vehicles out now with their namesakes from just a few years ago and tell me they haven't jumped leaps and bounds. It's only going up, and it's just getting started.
smilez says:
12:40 PM, 04/20/2011
wikiwiki -
We GET IT! Troll on buddy.