Jeep calls its 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 the most powerful, technologically advanced, high-performance Jeep ever. And when it arrives in dealerships this summer with a 6.4 liters V8 engine cranking out 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, some would say.
Jeep is making some very serious statements about the latest version of the Grand Cherokee also: zero to 60 in 4.8 seconds from zero to 100 and back in the mid-range of 16 seconds and the quarter mile in-13 / 2 average range, at a speed exceeding 155 km / h from 60 to zero in 116 feet.
Certainly, these numbers are impressive, but they aren ‘t any better than the previous Grand Cherokee SRT8, tested in 2007. This truck hit 60 in 4.7 seconds and ran the quarter mile in 13.4 seconds at 102.3 mph.
Still, the new V8 cranks 6.4 liters with an additional 45 hp and 45 lb-ft of torque for the 6.1-liter V8-old in the previous generation Grand Cherokee SRT8. Cylinder deactivation through a “safety valve active ” improves fuel consumption by a claimed 13 percent and increases the range of 450 miles of road.
Power reaches the ground through all four wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually via paddle shifters on the steering wheel or floor mounted shifter. Perhaps most impressive is Jeep request for lateral acceleration of up to 0.90g skid pad at 0.84g of a considerable increase in the measured first-generation Grand Cherokee SRT8.
Handling response and ride quality is variable by means of a damping system adaptive. Jeep ‘s system controls the SRT8 SelecTrac ‘ s adaptive dampers, stability control, the logic of change, front / rear torque split, limited slip rear differential, electronic throttle calibration and cylinder deactivation.
Five modes are available: Auto, Sports, Trailer, Trail & Snow. Car serious performance hardware like Brembo brake calipers on all four corners of six-piston front, four back combined with 20-inch forged wheels wrapped in 295/45ZR20 Pirelli P Zero run-flat, thus, a carlike performance grip and stop eating.
Sitting an inch lower and using wheel arches in body color, a layer of ducts and a rear spoiler that reduces both drag and downforce increases, the Jeep has a new look intentional.
Inside, there’s an SRT-specific leather-wrapped and napa and suede seats embroidered with the logo of the SRT. 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 smash the throttle.
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