Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 News: Official Photos

[Vintalage]

"Jeep's marketing has always centered around off-road abilities. Higher performance for a Jeep has always meant ability to climb a steeper grade or tackle a rougher trail. Now these prototypes, caught during summer testing, indicate a new type of high-performance - performance on the road rather than on the trail.

Jeep engineers were spied recently with two similarly equipped high-performance Grand Cherokees. Some disguise covers the front end, but one can still clearly see the huge lower bumper air intake scoop that is much larger than the standard intake. This indicates the need for additional engine cooling as used on high-performance engines, typically those that are turbo or supercharged. Considering that the standard Grand Cherokee already can be equipped with a HEMI V-8 engine, this even more powerful model must indeed pack in the horsepower.

The prototype vehicles are equipped with large diameter six-spoke alloy wheels shod with very low-profile high-performance tires - tires meant for use on the street and not off-road. It is also interesting to note that the big dual exhaust pipes are located in the center of the rear bumper - taking up the slot normally used for a trailer hitch. No trailer towing for these street racers!

But what will Jeep call this high-performance, street model? They have no history of such Jeeps. Perhaps they will borrow a designation from Dodge and call it the R/T, or maybe one from Chrysler and call it the SRT. Whatever it is called, you can be sure it will be one fast Jeep."

- The Car Connection

[jake3217]

Eh, looks nice, but I have to wonder who's going to buy this car...Jeep has always pandered to the offroading crowd, and this is hardly an offroader. People who want an SUV will probably buy Navigators, Explorers, et al, and those who want fast SUVs will probably buy Cayennes or X5s. It's an interesting idea, but I don't think there's much of a market for this Jeep.

[ZakkWylde470]

They should have done a Rubicon edition with a lift and bigger tires instead.

[Mike3800]

Originally Posted by jake3217

Eh, looks nice, but I have to wonder who's going to buy this car...Jeep has always pandered to the offroading crowd, and this is hardly an offroader. People who want an SUV will probably buy Navigators, Explorers, et al, and those who want fast SUVs will probably buy Cayennes or X5s. It's an interesting idea, but I don't think there's much of a market for this Jeep.

Don't forget who held "world's fastest SUV" title in the mid and early 90's.

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by ZakkWylde470

They should have done a Rubicon edition with a lift and bigger tires instead.

NO!

[Mike3800]

Originally Posted by Vintalage

NO!

They won't.

[hotgt]

the same people who buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited will buy the SRT-8....jeep has a luxo SUV, not every one who buys Jeeps buys them for offroading

plus, big mud tires, lift, and big plastic peices would look retarded on a Rubicon edition SUV

edit--plus, this jeep will probably cost in the $40k's...right up there with the Navi's, explorer limiteds (v8 model), and so on....i say Chrysler is kickin butt with their new line-up! good job!

now there will be three engine choices...v6, hemi, and SRT...enough to cover the average full size SUV market

[ZakkWylde470]

Originally Posted by Vintalage

NO!

Originally Posted by jake3217

Jeep has always pandered to the offroading crowd

[Gold99HO]

Originally Posted by Mike3800

Don't forget who held "world's fastest SUV" title in the mid and early 90's.

and you wont see another one like it from GM - GMC.

[jake3217]

^^

Speaking of which, I certainly wouldn't mind getting my hands on a Cyclone...wow, those things really scoot.

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by hotgt

the same people who buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited will buy the SRT-8....jeep has a luxo SUV, not every one who buys Jeeps buys them for offroading

Yep. They studied the demographics and realized that most of the time, the Grand Cherokee sat in a garage next to a luxury car.

[zhd1000]

i'm starting to feel like the hemi is being played out...

[AznGA]

Originally Posted by Mike3800

Don't forget who held "world's fastest SUV" title in the mid and early 90's.

mmhmm
Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited

[Mike3800]

Originally Posted by Gold99HO

and you wont see another one like it from GM - GMC.

Real SUV.. I forgot about the grounded but brutal Typoon. I recall reading "not for off road use" somewhere in the vehicle when they were brand new.

[Mike3800]

Originally Posted by AznGA

mmhmm
Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited

Yep!!

[teambeechstreet]

wow, a jeep id actually like to ride in

[Jagey]

Originally Posted by zhd1000

i'm starting to feel like the hemi is being played out...

I agree. All that's left is for them to slap a hemi into the neon and the PT cruiser, and they might as well change their name from 'chrysler' to 'Hemi' already

[Vintalage]

6.1-Liter Hemi with 425hp and 425 lb.-ft. of torque
W5-A580 5-speed auto transmission with Electronic Range Select
Quadra-Trac active on demand 4WD system
NV146 single-speed t-case
Axle, front, 200MM
Axle, rear, Dana 44/226MM
Axle ratio, 3.73
Body color mirrors
Bodyside molding, chrome
Boston Acoustics sound system (same as standard WK)
Brakes, larger diameter rotors w/Brembo calipers and functional brake ducts
Bright roof rack finish
Cargo storage bin, reversible/waterproof
Dual exhaust system with chrome tips
Emergency Brake Assist
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Fascia, unique, body color
Fuel tank, 20.5 Gallon
Grille, platinum finish w/honeycomb textured grate
Halogen headlamps
Interior decor, race inspired
Interior trim bezels, custom
Power steering cooler
Seats, power 8-Way driver, 4-Way passenger
Seats, leather trim with preferred suede
Shift knob, leather wrapped
Sill extensions
Spoiler, rear, bodycolor
Steering, performance tuned
Suspension system, custom w/lower ride height
Tires, front - speed rated GoodYear 255/45ZR20 ASP run-flat tires
Tires, rear - speed rated GoodYear 285/40ZR20 ASP run-flat tires
Wheels, front - 20" x 9.0" aluminum Wheels
Wheels, rear - 20" x 10.0" aluminum Wheels
Windows, power front with 1-touch up, 1-touch down
180-mph speedometer

[Vintalage]

I saw the show this yesterday morning and was amazed. Fantastic appearance.

[crazypontiac03]

Originally Posted by ZakkWylde470

They should have done a Rubicon edition with a lift and bigger tires instead.

I agree, Who wants a High Performance Jeep, They were designed to have fun with off roading, so much for that.