• Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8: one of the world’s fastest four-wheel drives
• Power - 30 per cent more
• Limited availability – less than 60 vehicles in 2006

Jeep has released a Street and Racing Technology (SRT) version of its Grand Cherokee, boasting 313 kW, 569 Nm and a 0-100 km/h time in the under six second range.

Priced at $85,990 (RRP), the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the second SRT vehicle to be powered by a 6.1-litre V8, joining the 300C SRT8.

With 20-inch alloy wheels, performance tuned suspension and Brembo brakes the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is engineered for incredible acceleration and stopping power.

The Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) high performance division fitted an enlarged version of the company’s V8 engine into the Grand Cherokee to provide the quickest, most powerful Jeep ever made.

Additional SRT treatment further boosts the performance and driving experience of the Grand Cherokee SRT8. Functional exterior enhancements include a lower more aggressive stance, a new front facia embodying aerodynamic improvements, air intake ducts which help cool the front brakes and dual exhaust tail pipes. Unique interior features include deeply sculpted performance front seats with suede inserts to hold the occupants securely during spirited driving and a 276 Watt sound system with Boston Acoustics speakers.

Although the heart of the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the enlarged 6.1-litre V8 engine, the aim of the enhanced four-wheel drive system is to maximise the traction available to the driver, while being robust and reliable enough to handle the upgraded engine’s massive amounts of power and torque.

The resulting all-new unique transfer case is set up to deliver from five to 10 per cent of torque to the front wheels, under normal driving conditions, with the remaining 90-to-95 per cent being sent to the rear axle. When driving on slippery surfaces, the four-wheel-drive system can automatically transfer up to 100 per cent of torque to the front wheels when additional traction and stability is required.

As well as the high-performance engine and four-wheel drive system, as with all SRT vehicles, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 features evocative race-inspired interior and performance-oriented exterior and suspension features.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 is priced at $85,990 (RRP) and is now available locally.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 becomes the third SRT badged Chrysler Group vehicle sold in Australia. It joins the slow-selling Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 and the Chrysler 300C SRT8 which arrived for sale in April this year.

All SRT vehicles feature powerful engines, unique exterior details, sports suspension and a sports interior.

Grand Cherokee SRT8 standard features
Safety and security

• Advanced multi-stage air bag system
• Side curtain airbags
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) 4 wheel disc
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
• Brake Assist
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Rear park assist
• Central locking with remote operation
• Headlamp on timer delay, levelling system
• Height adjustable front seat belts
• Thatcham 1 alarm and immobiliser
• Rain sensitive automatic windscreen wipers

Performance

• 6.1 V8 engine - 313 kW, 569 Nm of torque
• Performance-tuned five-speed automatic transmission with electronic range select
• Electronic active full-time 4WD system (all-new system is unique to Grand Cherokee SRT8)
• Enhanced chassis and suspension system - specially tuned components and Bilstein monotube Dampers provide excellent ride and handling in a variety of driving conditions

Utility

• Flexible cargo capacity - smart space with large interior volume, 60/40 splitfolding rear seat and large cargo area
• Memory-controlled features - heated eight-way power driver’s seat, radio presets and exterior mirrors, Reconfigurable in-cluster Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC) driver-interactive information display

Style

• Exterior performance styling - unique air dam and sill extensions, chrome exterior accents, dual four-inch exhaust tips
• Choice of Brilliant Black, Bright Silver or Steel Blue exterior colour
• Interior performance styling - unique steering wheel, 300-km/h speedometer, and “refined aluminium” accents. Premium low-back front bucket seats with Royale leather trim, embossed suede inserts and embroidered SRT logo
• Large wheels and tyres - 20-inch wheels with high-performance tyres

Value

• Exclusive SRT modifications
• Significant modifications by Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group turn an already impressive production vehicle into a highly desirable performance model
• High level of standard features
• Dual zone automatic temperature control, tilt/steering column, memory system, leather trimmed seating, ESP, rear park assist system and rain-sensing wipers
• Boston Acoustics sound systems - standard system includes six-disc CD with six Boston Acoustics speakers

Jeep Grand Cherokee prices (RRP)

Grand Cherokee Laredo
4.7L V8 Auto…………..$53,990
3.0L V6 CRD Auto…….$58,990

Grand Cherokee Limited
4.7L V8 Auto…………..$65,990
3.0L V6 CRD Auto…… $68,990
5.7L V8 Auto…..$70,990

Grand Cherokee SRT8
6.1L V8 Auto…………..$85,990

Options
The only option is a power sunroof ..... $3,191 (RRP).

New four-wheel-drive system
Developing the first SRT vehicle with four-wheel-drive, SRT engineers developed a drive train that was lightweight yet robust and reliable enough to handle the upgraded engine’s massive amounts of power and torque. A new transfer casing was designed using housing components from two other units, reinforced for their new role. Engineers opted to use the front half of an existing Jeep transfer case, mated to the rear half of a heavy-duty case, chosen for its ruggedness and ability to accommodate the electronic full-time four-wheel-drive system’s components.

Under normal driving conditions, this all-new transfer case delivers from five to 10 per cent of torque to the front wheels, with 90-to-95 per cent being sent via a heavy-duty propshaft (from the diesel-powered Grand Cherokee) to a Dana 44 rear differential upgraded with a larger crown wheel fitted within a new axle casing. The system was designed to provide a well-balanced vehicle with a high fun-to-drive factor, befitting its SRT badging.

Under severe road conditions, when travelling on slippery surfaces, the four-wheel-drive system can transfer up to 100 per cent of torque to the front wheels, automatically as needed, when additional traction and stability is required.

V8 power
At the heart of the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is an enlarged SRT 6.1-litre V8 engine, which generates 313 kW – 73 kW more than the 5.7-litre version – a massive 30 per cent power boost, with 569 Nm of torque compared to the smaller V8’s 500 Nm.

This normally aspirated 90-degree V8 is the highest specific-output engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group.

The SRT powertrain engineers who developed the Grand Cherokee SRT8’s engine achieved more power by increasing the capacity, raising the compression ratio, redesigning the cylinder head air intake and exhaust systems for increased flow, and enhancing the internal components to allow higher engine speeds (rpm). Strengthened components include a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft and high-strength connecting rods.

The cylinder bore of the V8 was increased by 3.5 mm, boosting displacement from 5.7-litres (5,654 cc) to 6.1-litres (6,063 cc). The compression ratio was raised from 9.5:1 to 10.3:1, unleashing more energy in the combustion process. Maximum power of 313 kW is generated at 6,000 rpm, while maximum torque of 569 Nm is produced at 4,800 rpm.

Engine breathing was increased with new high-flow cylinder heads featuring 16 larger diameter valves (2 per cylinder) and reshaped cylinder ports to maximise airflow. A special intake manifold was designed with larger diameter runners for higher-speed tuning and the exhaust ‘header’ pipes have individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell, routed through a larger-diameter (70 mm vs. 63.5 mm) exhaust system with 101 mm chrome tail pipes – all unique to the Grand Cherokee SRT8’s 6.1-litre engine.

Performance-oriented camshaft profiles were developed to balance total vehicle requirements, simultaneously allowing more air in and out of the cylinders and enabling the engine to attain higher revs. SRT engineers increased the peak engine speed nearly 20 per cent, to 6,000 rpm (up from 5,000 rpm).

The high-performance 6.1-litre is further strengthened with a host of redesigned components, including a reinforced engine block with increased coolant flow, forged steel crankshaft, high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil squirters), an oil sump modified for reduced oil foaming and hollow, sodium-filled intake and exhaust valve stems to help dissipate heat more efficiently.

The 6.1-litre power is channelled through an A580 five-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated AutoStick® driver-selectable range control, which offers fully automatic operation or sequential manual gear selection. A heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sends the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and rear axle.

Ride and handling
The Grand Cherokee SRT8 chassis has been fine-tuned to deliver outstanding SRT-style ride and handling across the broad dynamic range. While the existing Grand Cherokee’s suspension layout – independent with double wishbones at the front and a live axle located with multiple links at the rear – is retained, numerous enhancements have been made.

The SRT8’s unique chassis set-up includes tuned Bilstein dampers, specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings and larger-diameter anti-roll bars. The ride height is lowered by 25 mm, reducing aerodynamic drag, lowering the centre of gravity and enhancing stability and creating an aggressive stance. The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is specially tuned to match the car’s performance characteristics. The power-assisted rack and pinion steering is higher geared for a more agile response, with 2.85 turns lock-to-lock for an 11.3 metre turning circle, compared with 3.14 turns on the regular Grand Cherokee.

Contributing to its aggressive appearance, while providing both a cosmetic hype and genuine performance boost, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is equipped with larger diameter, unique five-spoke 20-inch forged aluminium wheels shod with high-performance 245/45 ZR20 all-season tyres.

Upgraded braking
The braking system of the Grand Cherokee SRT8 was upgraded to provide a counterpoint to the vehicle’s acceleration and performance.

To stop the vehicle safely and predictably from high speeds, all four discs are fitted with ultra-high performance Brembo racing-style callipers, equipped with four pistons for even greater clamping performance. Up front, there are 360 x 32mm ventilated discs, with 350 x 28mm ventilated discs at the rear.

Functional SRT exterior enhancements
Appropriate to its role as ‘the quickest-ever Jeep’ the Grand Cherokee SRT8’s exterior styling follows the SRT credo with functional exterior enhancements unique to this model, which boost performance and resonate with brand character. The new model’s lowered, aggressive stance shows its unmistakable Jeep identity endowed with Street and Racing Technology DNA.

An all-new front fascia embodies aerodynamic improvements that reduce lift and drag, while providing sufficient airflow to meet the increased cooling demands of the larger engine. Unique air intake ducts also help to cool the front brakes. A new rear fascia incorporates an aggressive centre cut-out to accommodate the dual 101 mm diameter exhaust tail pipes.

Unique interior features
The cabin of the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is distinguished by power-adjustable, deeply sculpted front seats complete with uniquely patterned suede inserts designed to hold the occupants securely during spirited driving. The heated front seats are also equipped with memory functions and the steering wheel is height-adjustable. All Grand Cherokee SRT8 vehicles feature an interior trimmed in Medium Slate Grey leather.

Other SRT-only trim includes a special ‘carbon-fibre technical’ leather trim for a more positive grip, which is applied to the steering wheel and gear selector. The centre stack features a unique finish in ‘refined aluminium’ which is also applied to shifter console and door-switch bezels. The steering wheel frames comprehensive instrumentation, including a 300 km/h speedometer, tachometer and engine temperature gauges, all trimmed with a blue accent and located in a carbon-fibre trimmed binnacle.

Premium amenities within the Grand Cherokee SRT8 cabin include a standard AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc CD changer, 276 Watt audio system powering a six-speaker Boston Acoustics speaker system, with steering wheel-mounted controls.

Heating and cooling adjustments are via a dual-zone fully automatic climate control air-conditioning system with infrared temperature sensing.

Choice of three colours
Brilliant Black, Bright Silver or Steel Blue.

Security and warranty
The Grand Cherokee SRT8 has remote control central locking and a Thatcham Category 1 security system incorporating the Sentry Key® theft deterrent system, a sophisticated engine immobilising system that prevents the vehicle being started with a forged key or by directly connecting the ignition wires.

All Jeep models are covered by the company’s warranty scheme, which provides a three-year/100,000 km warranty and three-year roadside assistance.

Technical data Grand Cherokee SRT8

Engine
6.1 V8 (8 cylinders)
Compression Ratio	10.3:1
Cylinders	8
Cubic capacity (cc)	6,063
Bore x Stroke (mm)	103.0 x 90.9
Valves	16
Power bhp/rpm	313 KW @ 6,000
Torque lb ft/rpm	569 Nm @ 4,800
Fuel
Type	Premium Unleaded Petrol 98 RON
Delivery	Sequential electronic multi point injection returnless
Gearbox
Type	Automatic
Gears	5
Gear ratios	1st 3.59
	2nd 2.19
	3rd 1.41
	4th 1.00
	5th 0.83
	Rev. 3.16
	Axle 3.55
Suspension
Front	Short-/Long Arm (SLA) independent design with gas-charged twin-tube coil-over shock absorbers, upper and lower control arms and stabiliser bar
Rear	Live axle, five-link with tubular track bar twin-tube coil-over shock absorbers and stabiliser bar
Steering
Rack and pinion, power assisted
Overall steering ratio (variable)	16.5:1
Overall steering ratio (full lock)	14.6:1
Lock to lock (turns)	2.85
Turning circle (kerb to kerb) (m)	11.3
4x4
System	MD146 SRT, Single-speed Electronic On-Demand 4 x 4, electronically controlled clutch pack torque transfer
Ground Clearance rear axle (mm)	178
Approach/Departure/ Breakover Angles	15.8° w front air dam installed/19.7°/9.7° min
Max Wading Depth	508 mm @ 8 km/h
Low range ratio	N/A
Brakes
Front	Power assisted ventilated discs with ABS, EBD
Rear	Power assisted solid discs with ABS, EBD
Electronic Stability Programme	ESP: Four-channel antilock with active wheel speed, vehicle speed, steering wheel angle, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration sensors, vehicle stability management, traction control, deactivation switch and EBD (4WD)
Tyres
Front/Rear	245/45 R20
Wheels
Front/Rear	20 x 8.0
Dimensions
Height min/max (mm)	1,710
Length (mm)	4,785
Width (mm)	1,870
Wheelbase (mm)	2,780
Track front/rear (mm)	1,605
Overhang front/rear	855/1105
Weights & Capacities
Kerb weight (kg)	2,270
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg)	2,750
Max. Payload (kg)	480
Max Towing Weight braked (kg)	1,587
Max Towing Weight unbraked (kg)	750
Max. Roof Load (kg)	68
Fuel Tank Capacity (Ltr)	77.7
Luggage Capacity (Seats Up) (Ltr)	978
Luggage Capacity (Seats Down) (Ltr)	1,909
Performance
Max. Speed (km/h)	245
Fuel consumption ADR8101	16.4
EU4 Compliant
C02 (g/kg)	388

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