- Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT-8: one of the world’s fastest four-wheel drives
- Power - 30 per cent more
- Performance - 313 kW, 6.1-litre HEMI® V8
- 0-100 km/h - low five-second range
- Exceptional value - $85,990
- Limited availability – less than 60 vehicles in 2006
Melbourne - Jeep® has unleashed a high performance Street and Racing
Technology (SRT) version of its flagship Grand Cherokee, boasting 313 kW, 569 Nm
and a 0-100 km/h time in the low-five-second range.
Priced at $85,990, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the second SRT vehicle to be
powered by a 6.1-litre HEMI® V8, joining the 300C SRT8, and offers 30 per cent
more power than the 5.7-litre HEMI.
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 renowned HEMI engine into
the Grand Cherokee to create the quickest, most powerful Jeep ever made.
The Grand Cherokee SRT8 uses a unique four-wheel drive system to help it
accelerate to 100 km/h in the low five second range, achieving a top speed of
245 km/h.
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 performance suede inserts to hold the occupants securely during
spirited driving, and a 276 Watt sound system with Boston Acoustics speakers.
"When Jeep set out to create its quickest-ever model, it was with the race
track rather than the mud track in mind," said Gerry Jenkins, managing director
of Chrysler Group Australia.
"The SRT8 is not intended to be off-road capable. Instead, with this
injection of SRT DNA, the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 establishes a fresh benchmark
for high-performance SUVs. It has the raw power to out-perform the likes of a
Porsche Cayenne Turbo at a fraction of the price. At just $85,990 it leaves in
its dust, competitors that cost twice as much.
“With the SRT8’s addition to the Grand Cherokee line-up we now offer a broad
range of engines to suit our customers desires including the highly efficient
3.0-litre turbo diesel powertrain,” said Jenkins.
Although the heart of the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the enlarged 6.1-litre HEMI
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 HEMI 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 and is available from August
2006.
Jenkins added: “If driving enthusiasts want to get their hands on the fastest
Jeep ever they will have to be as quick as the car itself! Less than 60 examples
will be brought into Australia this year.”
The Grand Cherokee SRT8 becomes the third SRT badged Chrysler Group vehicle
sold in Australia, joining the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6, on sale in Australia
since mid 2005, 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.
The addition of the Grand Cherokee SRT8 will grow the Jeep stable to five
models in Australia, joining the iconic Wrangler, the mid-sized Cherokee, Grand
Cherokee and seven-seat Jeep Commander.
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 Program (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 HEMI® 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
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 Hemi® V8 Auto.....$70,990
Grand Cherokee SRT8
6.1L V8 Auto..............$85,990
Options
The Grand Cherokee SRT8 comes with an impressive long list
of standard equipment, with the only option for the vehicle being a power
sunroof with a recommend retail price of $3,191.
New four-wheel-drive system
Developing the first SRT vehicle with
four-wheel-drive, SRT engineers created a drive train that was lightweight yet
robust and reliable enough to handle the upgraded HEMI 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.
Awesome HEMI V8 power
At the heart of the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is
an enlarged SRT 6.1-litre HEMI 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 – its 51.3 kW-per-litre rating exceeds even
that of the legendary 1966 ‘Street HEMI’.
Although the Chrysler HEMI was born in the 1950s and entered into legend in
the 1960s and '70s, today's version took much of its inspiration from the
original, particularly the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers that
provide power and efficiency.
When SRT set out to develop a more powerful HEMI for the Jeep Grand Cherokee
and the Chrysler 300C, they were mindful of the engine’s heritage, adopting
traditional HEMI engine cues such as the orange-painted cylinder block and black
valve covers.
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 90-degree V8 was increased by 3.5 mm, boosting
displacement from 5.7-litres (5654 cc) to 6.1-litres (6063 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 HEMI 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 HEMI’s peak engine speed nearly 20 per cent, to 6,000 rpm (up from 5,000
rpm).
The high-performance 6.1-litre HEMI 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 HEMI’s 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 Program (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 all-new Grand Cherokee
SRT8 was upgraded to provide benchmark braking performance, setting a new
standard for SUVs and a potent counterpoint to the vehicle’s amazing
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 HEMI 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 new Grand Cherokee SRT8
is distinguished by power-adjustable, deeply sculpted performance 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
Jeep customers are offered a choice of
three exterior colours for their Grand Cherokee SRT8 – Brilliant Black, Bright
Silver or Steel Blue – each with the interior finished in Medium Slate Grey
leather.
Security and warranty
Like other Jeep models, the new 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 Hemi 8 Cylinders |
|
| Compression Ratio |
10.3:1 |
| Cylinders |
8 |
| Cubic capacity (cc) |
6063 |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) |
103.0 x 90.9 |
| Valves |
16 |
| Power bhp/rpm |
313 KW @ 6000 |
| Torque lb ft/rpm |
569 Nm @ 4800 |
|
|
| 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 |
508mm @ 8kph |
| Low range ratio |
N/A |
|
|
| Brakes |
|
| Front |
Power assisted ventilated discs with ABS, EBD |
| Rear |
Power assisted solid discs with ABS, EBD |
| Electronic Stability Program |
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) |
1710 |
| Length (mm) |
4785 |
| Width (mm) |
1870 |
| Wheelbase (mm) |
2780 |
| Track front/rear (mm) |
1605 |
| Overhang front/rear |
855/1105 |
|
|
| Weights & Capacities |
|
| Kerb weight (kg) |
2270 |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (kg) |
2750 |
| Max. Payload (kg) |
480 |
| Max Towing Weight braked (kg) |
1587 |
| 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) |
1909 |
|
|
| Performance |
|
| Max. Speed (kph) |
245 |
| Fuel consumption ADR8101 |
16.4 |
| EU4 Compliant |
|
| C02 (g/kg) |
388 |
|
