New Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Chrysler's Street & Racing Technology are very adamant that this all new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the most technologically advanced, highest performing Jeep ever made. I surely believed that this Grand Cherokee on steroids would only be fit for cowboys but it wasn't made to be more rodeo-oriented. I wasn't sure that this new model exceeds expectations against the BMW X5 M but it surely is a very difficult explanation to tell.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 interior

The exterior design looks similar as the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 but because this is the SRT8 version, it gained muscular aero kits from top to bottom in order to create a meaner sport utility vehicle with meaner looks to scare away the predators at the dark. If you see the SRT8 badge at the back, that's how it goes "Nah-Nah-Na-Na-Nah".

In the interior, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is backed by a SRT-exclusive seats, SRT-exclusive steering wheel, carbon fiber inserts, and a 6.5-inch navigation system complete with Electronic Vehicle Information Center which provides real-time information on the Grand Cherokee SRT8. It also provides telemetry and data such as 0-60 mph times, eighth- and quarter-mile times, 60-0 mph braking distances and lateral acceleration figures. For sound quality, it has a Harman Kardon 7.3 Surround Sound System with 19 High-Performance, High-Efficienct GreenEdge Loudspeakers to bring out the best sound experience inside the Grand Cherokee SRT8.

The new SRT8 Grand Cherokee is powered by the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that creates 465 horsepower at 6,000rpm and 465lb-ft of torque at 4,200rpm. It even comes with a Fuel Saver Technology for cylinder management to provide better fuel economy and to accumulate EPA estimated MPG of 12 city/18 hwy. It is armed with a 5-speed paddle shift transmission. As a 4WD, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 comes with the Quadra-Trac SRT full-time all-wheel-drive system that tackles against various road conditions like tarmac, gravel, and snow. It comes with the Selec-Track rotary control that allows the driver to switch through five different modes such as Auto, Track, Sport, Snow, and Tow.

There is an optional Luxury Group Package to provide more luxury to the interior but it can also provide features such as adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning and Blind spot Monitoring. There are 45 Safety and Security features you can find it on the new Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Available in four exterior colors such as Deep Cherry Red Pearl, Black, Bright Silver Metallic, and Mineral Gray Metallic.

My comment:
This is the best Jeep for enthusiasts but it's not as good looking as the regular Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, it's less expensive than the BMW X5 M because the Grand Cherokee SRT8 starts at $54,470 while the BMW X5 M costs $86,400.

Honestly, they messed up with this new model. Well, initially it's a thoroughbred sports utility vehicle but it doesn't. It takes moments to figure out how does the Grand Cherokee SRT8 and the result is that this SUV is not merely a 4WD thoroughbred and it's more complicated than a medium-sized woman.

Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC.