2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 8 - Most Powerful Jeep Ever

Chrysler’s Jeep division has unveiled the second generation Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 at the New York International Auto Show, heralding a new era of high performance SUVs.

Offering 465 horsepower and 465 lb-ft. of torque, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is by far the most powerful Jeep ever offered. As a result, Jeep says that it should be capable of sprinting to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with a mid-13 second quarter mile figure. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

That power comes courtesy of an all-new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that builds on the outgoing 6.1-liter model by offering an additional 45 horsepower and 45 lb-ft. of torque. Chrysler says that its engineers worked especially hard to make 90 percent of the engine’s peak torque available between 2,800 and 6,000 rpm.

To reduce fuel consumption, an active valve exhaust system cuts out four cylinders, which Jeep says helps increase fuel economy by 13 percent on the highway. Combined with a large gas tank, Jeep says the Grand Cherokee SRT8 should be capable of a 450 mile range.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 gains steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to control the five-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep says it worked hard to further refine the Grand Cherokee SRT8′s handling by building on the all-new WK2 platform with a new Selec-Track traction-enhancing system. With a name that conjures up images of Jeep’s SelecTrac transfer case, the new Selec-Track interacts with the stability control, adaptive damping, transmission shift strategy, transfer case torque proportioning, electronic limited slip differential, throttle control and cylinder de-activation. Five modes – Auto, Sport, Tow, Track and Snow – ensure ideal traction for any situation. Unlike the previous Grand Cherokee SRT8, the new SUV is designed to be used year round for a variety of uses – even towing.

A single-speed transfer case sends power between the front and rear wheels. Uprated power steering and Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes help the Grand Cherokee maintain control. Jeep says that the new SUV will stop from 60 mph in just 112 feet.

Styling
The 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 is more aggressive looking than before with exclusive front and rear fascias with LED daytime running lamps and chrome bezel inserts completing the look.

A new rear liftgate spoiler is designed to reduce drag and improve downforce at high speeds.

Riding on split five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 will be available with either all-season or three-season Pirelli P-Zero runflat tires.

Inside, the SRT team upgraded the Grand Cherokee’s interior with a three-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom, Nappa leather and suede seats and extensive carbon fiber accents. SRT’s Performance Pages trip computer functions remain, meaning the Grand Cherokee SRT8 can display performance figures like 0-60 time, 60-0 distance, g-forces and one eighth and quarter mile times.

In addition, a new 825-watt 19-speaker audio system boasts a 10-inch subwoofer.