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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Concept Special Edition 
A new special edition 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee was making the waves at the recent Houston Auto Show except that the SUV still didn’t have a name. Sounds odd, right? Apparently, the production-ready concept vehicle is the subject of Jeep’s "Name My Ride" contest, an online competition that gives Jeep fans a chance to come up with the official name of the Grand Cherokee concept. The contest is currently being held at Jeep’s official website with the top three choices being elevated to another round of voting before the official winner is announced in May 2012. As for the vehicle itself, this one-of-a-kind Grand Cherokee is based on Jeep’s Laredo X package and is highlighted by a bevy of stealth-inspired custom touches, including a Brilliant Black exterior finish, a black mesh grille, a chrome lower bumper trim, black headlamp bezels, a black liftgate light-bar, and a new set of 20" glossy-black aluminum wheels. The interior also comes with plenty of special features, particularly the leather-trimmed seats and heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, as well as key technological components, including a 9-speaker 506 watt amp sound system with subwoofer, iPod/MP3 connectivity, Parkview rear back-up camera, ParkSense rear-park assist system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, and last but certainly not least, the Uconnect hands-free communications system. "Jeep enthusiasts have always appreciated limited-edition models and the ability to customize their vehicles," said Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep. "This new Grand Cherokee comes with a unique, ‘factory-customized’ stealth appearance directly from Jeep, and is certain to attract interest from an array of potential customers." "If the level of excitement is what we anticipate, this new Grand Cherokee will be in Jeep showrooms this spring." To that, we say, bring it on, Jeep! This special, one-off Grand Cherokee looks absolutely stunning. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 by Hennessey
With one little teaser note - "Who Needs Reindeer When You Have an 800 HP Twin Turbo Sleigh?" - Hennessey Performance has given us even more reason to love the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. The American tuning company went bananas on the HEMI-powered SUV, releasing a comprehensive tuning program that includes aerodynamic and performance upgrades that will leave your jaws on the floor. Talking about the former, Hennessey dressed up the Grand Cherokee SRT8 with a new carbon fiber front splitter, a lowered suspension system, a new set of light alloy wheels with 15.1" Brembo brakes, and a custom leather interior with a new Alcantara steering wheel. Pretty good, right? It gets better. Known for being one of the best engine tuners in the country, Hennessey saw the enormous potential of the Grand Cherokee SRT8’s 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine and decided that it could still get some more tweaking. And that’s precisely what they did. Additional modifications include an upgraded transmission system and torque converter upgrade, 15.1 inch Brembo brakes front and rear, a lowered sport suspension system, lighter alloy wheels, carbon fiber front splitter and a custom leather interior with Alcantara steering wheel. Thanks to an HPE800 Twin-Turbo engine package, an upgraded transmission system, and a torque converter upgrade, Hennessey managed to bring the output of the Grand Cherokee SRT8 from its ’regular’ 465 horsepower and 465 lb/ft of torque figures, all the way up to an eye-popping 805 horsepower and 823 lb/ft of torque. These numbers are good enough to drop the SUV’s 0-60 mph number from 4.8 seconds to a mentally disturbing 3.1 seconds and set the quarter mile at 10.9 at 130 mph. Hennessey will only build 24 of these bad boys with the limited numbers reflecting the tuned-up SUV’s price tag: $235,000. Can you say *gulp*? 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT600 by Vilner
Ah yes, red...the color of love. Or if you just happen to fancy Bulgarian tuning at its finest, the color of Vilner’s latest project for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT600. We’ve been fans of Vilner for quite some time now so a lot of the things they do really don’t surprise us anymore. But this one really took us for a loop, simply because they managed to turn a Hennessey-prepped Grand Cherokee into a visual concoction of bloodshot madness. If you recall, this isn’t Vilner’s first take on the Grand Cherokee SRT600, having previously worked on the SUV last year, but that one certainly pales in comparison to this one. What makes this particular project stand out - for better or worse - is the extensive work done on the car’s aesthetics, especially on the interior. Apart from the new headlamps and new LED daytime running lights, the exterior of the Grand Cherokee was left unchanged by Vilner compared to their last project, but the interior is another matter entirely. One look at it and your attention immediately is drawn to the red and black Alcantara that’s complemented with black leather and red stitching. On top of that, there’s a new flat-bottom steering wheel that can be customized to the whims of the owner. As for the powertrain, the modified engine still boasts of Hennessey’s ’Vortech’ turbo system, one that took the SUV’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine and bumped its output from the standard 360 horsepower all the way to a delirious 600 horsepower. Video: Chrysler SRT8 models burnoutThe 2012 Chrysler SRT8 model line-up includes four impressive vehicles: the Dodge Challenger SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler 300 SRT8, and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. With all of these models sporting the same 6.4 liter HEMI V8 engine producing 470 HP and 470 lb-ft of torque, it seemed only natural that Chrysler would want to show them all off in a video doing some killer burnouts. If you’re a fan of screeching tires and white smoke, then this video is for you. If you are more of the data type then you’d be interested to know that Chrysler’s latest HEMI V8 can be mated to either a standard Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission or a dual-disc high performance clutch, depending on the model. The range of models also deliver a decent fuel economy, with our favorite - the Challenger SRT8 - providing up to 23 miles per gallon on the highway, as well as great performance. The muscle car can do the 0-60 mph sprint in the high 4-second range and the quarter-mile in the high 12s. Top speed has been increased to more than 180 mph with the manual transmission (173 mph in the automatic). 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
Chrysler introduced two new SRT8 models at the 2011 New York Auto Show, but the one that jumped out at us the most was the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Our apologies to the Chrysler 300 SRT8, but we just like the bigger and more rugged look a tad better. The new Jeep comes with performance-oriented styling, world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking, and race-inspired interior. This monstrous machine is powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 that delivers an estimated 465 HP and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Coincidentally, it’s the same engine used in the Chrysler 300 SRT8, but we can fit the kiddies and the dogs in the back. "The all-new 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the ultimate performance SUV, delivering a combination of Jeep capability and utility, world-class performance, luxury and refinement, and advanced innovative technology," said Mike Manley, President and CEO — Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Jeep vehicles have long been known for their off-road capability. In addition to Jeep four-wheel-drive traction and utility, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 takes capability to a new level by giving driving enthusiasts extreme performance for the street and track." Hit the jump to read more about the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Full story 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition
The 2011 Grand Cherokee is one of Jeep’s crown jewels, a luxury SUV that has stood the test of time since it was first introduced in 1992. Now on it’s 18th year, the Grand Cherokee remains one of Jeep’s hottest selling models. Now that Jeep is celebrating its 70th anniversary, it only seems fitting that when the company decided to roll out special edition models commemorating their 70 years in existence, the Grand Cherokee would be chosen as one of them. Joining the Grand Cherokee in this prestigious line-up is the Jeep Wrangler, the Jeep Liberty, the Jeep Patriot, and the Jeep Compass. Similar to all the 70th Anniversary models, the special edition Grand Cherokee received a lot of interior upgrades and will come in three different color options: Bronze Star, Bright Silver, and Black. Anybody interested in owning any one of these SE models will be happy to know that Jeep is scheduled to roll them out to dealerships no later than April of this year. Details on the Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition after the jump. Full story 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit
Jeep will be coming to the Los Angeles Auto Show with some new special editions that have been added to their 2011 model line-up. The first of them is the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit, priced at $42,495 for 4x2 models, and $45,995 for 4x4 versions. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit special edition will be distinguished by a unique front appearance with a fully chromed grille and fog lamp bezels, 20-inch bright, polished aluminum wheels, and a unique Black Olive burl real wood trim blended into the instrument panel for the interior. The wood trim is also used on the standard, leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. Standard equipment will include an Advanced Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control group, which consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross-path detection systems. The new special edition will also be offered with special Mineral Gray, White Gold, and Black exterior colors. Press release after the jump. Full story Jeep Bringing a Whole Load Of Stuff To SEMA
The SEMA Auto Show doesn’t get going until next week, but we already have a good idea of what will be coming to the show in Las Vegas. Today, Chrysler’s Mopar Underground department has just unveiled three new off-road vehicles for the aftermarket show. The first on offer will be two Jeeps, the J7 Stripper and the NuKaiser 715. The former will be a stripped down Wrangler with a two-inch lift kit and 35-inch Mickey Thompson off road tires. The latter will be based on the Egyptian-built J8 military-spec Jeep. It has a diesel motor and an AEV-sourced pickup bed. That bed is connected to a custom cab. It will also feature a few Mopar toys, such as rock rails, a winch bumper, and 38-inch Mud-Terrain tires. On top of those Wranglers, Jeep will also bring one more, the Sahara Mopar Edition. There are no images of this vehicle as of now, but we do know that it will be lifted and given 35-inch tires with AEV alloy wheels. For playing in the rough stuff, the Sahara will feature steel front and rear bumpers, an integrated rear tire carrier, and a Mopar/AEV hood to add protection. Hit the jump to see what other projects are heading to SEMA, plus a sneak preview video. Full story Texas Gives Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram Awards
Dozens of automotive writers representing the Texas Auto Writers Association have just named the Jeep Grand Cherokee the “SUV of Texas.” Not a bad choice, as we found the new Jeep to be brilliant and a massive step forward for the company. Jeep also managed to get the 2011 Wrangler Unlimited a trophy for being the “Mid-size SUV of Texas”. We’re not sure about this one, but to each their own, especially in the great state of Texas. More than 40 members were given two-days of on- and off-road evaluation time with the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler, as well as their competitors. Everything was taken into consideration, including exterior style, off-road ability, and the overall value and fuel efficiency. Though it might seem like Chrysler had a big day already, more was yet to come, as the 2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn was named the “Truck of Texas.” The Ram swept every category it entered, dominating the competition. Well done Chrysler. Texas sure does love you.
2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT600 by Vilner
Who knew a Bulgarian auto tuner could dress up a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT600 into something that seemingly overflows with leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber? Vilner – yes, that’s their name – decked this Grand Cherokee SRT600 out with so much leather that it would put all other leather-upholstered vehicles to shame. And the best part is, these guys didn’t even waste a second bragging about their so-called Bulgarian job. Vilner turned the interior of the Grand Cherokee inside out and completely overhauled it with nothing but leather, alcantara, and carbon leather, which the company said was used because real carbon fiber was “outrageously expensive”. We have to admit; we got a chuckle out of that. In any case, to complement the whole leather treatment of the SUV, Vilner also surmounted them with red seams to match the Grand Cherokee’s paint job. There are also woven inscriptions of “600SRT” all over the car, signifying just how many ponies there are sitting underneath the hood of the vehicle. Overall, Vilner’s Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT600 is about as good as it gets for all leather and alcantara obsessed car owners out there. You know what they say about too much of something bring bad. Apparently, these guys have never heard of that adage. Hit the jump for the press release. Full story
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