Jeep has given the SRT treatment to its flagship Grand Cherokee and the result is the creation of the firm’s fastest and most potent production model ever. How does a 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration of 4.8 seconds or a quarter mile time in the mid-13 second range sound? This is what the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is capable of, and the reason for these figures lies under the SUV’s bonnet.

The Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology division (SRT for short) equipped the performance SUV with an all-new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that delivers 465 horsepower and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque.

Compared to the outgoing model powered by the 6.1-liter HEMI V8 unit, the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 has an extra 45HP and 45 lb-ft (61 Nm) of torque. About 90 percent of peak torque is available between 2,800 and 6,000 rpm. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 can do 0-100-0 mph in the mid-16 second range and has a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Standard Fuel Saver Technology and a new active valve exhaust system mean the engine can run on 4 cylinders alone on a wider rpm range, delivering better mileage (up to 13 percent better on the highway) and an extended range of around 450 miles (724 km) on one tank of gas.

The engine is linked to an automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. The Quadra-Trac AWD system can transfer up to 100 percent of available torque to one rear wheel in slippery conditions. Add to that the adaptive damping suspension and the five-mode Selec-Track system that tunes the dynamics of the car and you have a complete picture of the SRT8’s on and off-road capabilities. Jeep says the SUV is capable of 0.90 g on the skid pad and that it can brake from 60 mph in 116 feet (35.3 meters).

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 has the looks to match its performance, thanks to its lowered body (by 1 inch/2.5 cm) and the SRT body kit comprising of wheel arches and side sills painted in the car’s color, plus a racing-style front bumper that sports LED daytime running lights and a large air intake in the lower part.

Other modifications include the body-colored grille with a black background and chrome inserts and the sculpted hood fitted with dual black heat extractors for added engine cooling. At the rear, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 features a new spoiler, a new bumper with integrated air diffuser and dual exhaust system.

The interior features a dedicated heated steering wheel, special SRT instrument panel, Nappa leather and suede upholstery and carbon trim, among others. The car debuted today at the New York Auto Show and will reach U.S. showrooms in third quarter of the year.

By Dan Mihalascu

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