Jeep® vehicles are rightly known worldwide for their capability, utility and distinctive style. Now the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 combines those qualities with Street and Racing Technology's (SRT) balanced approach to performance, resulting in the quickest, most powerful Jeep vehicle ever created, and the ultimate performance sport-utility vehicle.

2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
  • Engine/Motor: 6.1 liter V8
  • Horsepower: 432@6200
  • Torque: 4800
  • Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

"Jeep vehicles lead the way in capability, performance and versatility," said Jeff Bell, Vice President – Jeep, Chrysler Group. "The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 marries Jeep capability with SRT performance to create a vehicle that will leave in its dust competitors that cost twice as much."

Powered by a 6.1-litre HEMI® V-8 producing 432 hp and 420 lb.-ft of torque, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's performance numbers include a 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 5 sec. and 100-0 km braking distance of approximately 38.1 m (125 feet).

"When we set out to create the quickest, most powerful Jeep vehicle ever, the Jeep Grand Cherokee presented us with an incredibly capable starting point," said Dan Knott, Director – Street and Racing Technology, Chrysler Group. "With an infusion of SRT DNA, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the new benchmark performance SUV. It has the raw power to outperform the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, while providing exceptional ride and handling, world-class braking, race-inspired interior appointments and functional, performance-oriented exterior enhancements."

Four-wheel-drive System

To create the first SRT vehicle with full-time four-wheel drive, SRT engineers developed a drive system that was lightweight, yet robust and reliable enough to handle the massive amounts of horsepower and torque from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's powertrain. One part of the equation was to create a new transfer case, housing components from two existing units with the upgrades needed to make it SRT-capable.

SRT engineers opted to use the front half of a Jeep transfer case – chosen for its capability and light weight – mated to the rear half of a heavier-duty case, chosen for its ruggedness and ability to house the electronic full-time four-wheel-drive system components. The transfer case output shaft was upgraded to handle the high torque generated by the SRT 6.1-litre HEMI®. The result is an all-new unique transfer case, which provides the necessary power-handling capabilities for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.  

Under normal driving conditions, five to 10 percent of torque is directed to the front wheels, but as much of the 6.1-litre HEMI®'s torque as needed can be directed forward when additional traction or stability is required. Remaining torque is sent via a heavy-duty driveshaft (originally designed for the European Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel model), to a Dana 44 rear differential upgraded with a larger ring gear (crown wheel) within a new axle housing.

"We wanted acceleration characteristics that only four-wheel drive can provide," said Knott. "Our goal for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was to have a well-balanced vehicle with a high fun-to-drive factor. The SRT-developed electronic four-wheel-drive system is perfectly suited to this."

Powertrain

Providing horsepower and torque to the unique SRT four-wheel-drive system is a specially tuned version of the new 6.1-litre SRT HEMI® engine. Inspired by the original family of HEMI® engines, the SRT 6.1-litre HEMI® employs the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers that provide power and efficiency, while retaining classic HEMI® visual cues, including the orange-painted cylinder block and black valve covers.

SRT engineers who developed the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's engine achieved more horsepower by adding more cylinder capacity, increasing the compression ratio, and redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust systems for better gas flow and increased engine speed.

For more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in the HEMI® by 3.5 millimeters each in order to increase the total displacement to 6.1 litres from 5.7 litres. The compression ratio was also increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, increasing engine efficiency and power.

Engine breathing was increased with new higher-flow cylinder heads, a specially designed intake manifold and fresh air induction system, and exhaust headers with individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell. All these features are unique to the 6.1-litre HEMI® engine. Larger-diameter valves and reshaped ports in the heads allow for maximized air flow. The intake manifold was designed with larger-diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed tuning. Exhaust is routed through a large-diameter 70 mm (2.75 in.) 10-percent bigger exhaust system with 101 mm (4 in.) chrome tail pipes.

To further increase horsepower, performance-oriented camshaft profiles were developed to allow more air in and out of the cylinders, and to cope with  higher engine speeds. SRT engineers increased the HEMI®'s peak power output engine speed nearly 20 percent to 6000 rpm from 5000 rpm. Intake and exhaust valve stems are hollow, and the exhaust valve stems are filled with sodium to help dissipate heat more efficiently.

The high-performance SRT 6.1-litre HEMI® is strengthened with redesigned components, including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft, ?high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil squirters), and a sump-modified to manage oil return at high engine.

Power from the SRT 6.1-litre HEMI® is sent through a special torque converter to an SRT-upgraded five-speed automatic transmission. Torque is then sent to front and rear differentials through a specially designed transfer case. 

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Ride and Handling

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is endowed with the signature SRT characteristic of world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range.

Chassis setup is aimed at balanced performance with SRT-tuned dampers, unique anti-roll bars and specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings. New front suspension knuckles feature a camber angle calibrated for optimum suspension performance. The ride height of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is 25 mm (1.0 in.)  lower than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which reduces aerodynamic drag, as well as the centre of gravity, and contributes to the vehicle's stability and aggressive stance. To meet or exceed handling and safety criteria, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was specially calibrated for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Further contributing to its aggressive appearance, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is fitted with unique forged 20-inch diameter five-spoke aluminum wheels shod with high-performance Goodyear P245/45ZR20 BSW all-season tyres on the front and rear with run-flat capability.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is also capable of towing up to 3500 lbs.

Braking

The braking system of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is designed to provide outstanding capability as a counterpoint to the vehicle's awesome acceleration and performance.

Inside all four wheels there are four-piston performance brake calipers developed by Brembo (finished in gloss black), which clamp down on 360 mm x 32 mm ventilated  discs up front, and  350 mm x 28 mm ventilated discs at the rear. 

Exterior

SRT's credo demands functional exterior enhancements that contribute to performance and resonate with the brand character. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's lowered, aggressive stance shows its unmistakable Jeep identity endowed with SRT DNA.

An all-new front fascia embodies aerodynamic improvements to reduce lift and drag, while providing sufficient air flow to cool the 6.1-litre HEMI® engine. The front fascia also helps to increase brake-system cooling through integrated air ducts.

In the rear, an all-new fascia incorporates an aggressive centre cutout to accommodate the dual four-inch exhaust tail pipes.

Another functional enhancement is sill extensions, which help create downforce.

Three exterior colors are available for this model: Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Steel Blue Metallic. 

Interior

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 cabin is distinguished by power-adjustable, deeply sculpted performance front seats complete with uniquely patterned performance suede inserts to hold occupants during aggressive maneuvering.

Interior accents include a 'carbon-fiber' technical finish on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, complemented by a 'refined aluminium' finishing on the centre stack, shifter and door-switch bezels.

Full instrumentation includes a 180 mph speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges, all trimmed with a unique blue accent and located within a carbon fiber-trimmed binnacle. Oil pressure and temperature may be monitored through a specially configured display unit centrally located in the instrument panel.

Available options on the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 include a DVD-based navigation system with turn-by-turn directions and voice prompts.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 interior is offered in Medium Slate Gray.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will be assembled in Graz, Austria, and will be available in international markets in the second quarter of 2006.

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Prices

Boasting a pair of firsts — the first Jeep-branded Street and Racing Technology (SRT) vehicle and the first four-wheel drive SRT vehicle — the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is available for $39,995, which includes $675 for destination. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 arrives in showrooms this January.

"The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 outperforms competitive vehicles that cost twice as much," said Joe Eberhardt, Executive Vice President – Global Sales, Marketing and Service, Chrysler Group. "With the addition of SRT DNA, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 sets a new benchmark, with incredible on-road and all-weather performance. It's the latest example of the SRT credo of offering benchmark performance at the lowest price."

Powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI engine producing 420 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 gets power to the pavement through an SRT-engineered full-time four-wheel-drive system. With a 0–60 mph time of less than five seconds, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is quicker than Porsche Cayenne Turbo and BMW X5, and is the second-quickest SRT vehicle, eclipsed only by the 510-horsepower Dodge Viper SRT10.

Functional Performance

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 features world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking, functional, performance-oriented exterior design and race-inspired interior appointments.

Ride and handling are enhanced with improvements including SRT-tuned dampers, unique sway bars, and specially tailored suspension bushings and spring rates. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) was specially calibrated for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

The braking system of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 includes Brembo four-piston calipers clamping 360 x 32 mm vented rotors in front, and 350 x 26 mm rotors in the rear.

An all-new front fascia reduces lift and drag, and incorporates ducts to direct air to cool the brakes. Side sill extensions create downforce, while a new rear fascia features an aggressive center cutout for 4-inch dual exhaust tips.

Three exterior colors are offered: Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Inferno Red.

Inside, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is equipped with power-adjustable front seats with aggressive bolsters and performance suede inserts. Comprehensive instrumentation is trimmed with blue accents while the center stack, shifter bezel and door-switch bezels are trimmed with a "refined aluminum" finish. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 interior is offered in Medium Slate.

Available Premium Amenities

Available features on the all-newJeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 include:

  • Heated, power-adjustable front seats
  • Power sunroof with one-touch express open and close
  • Rain-sensing automatic wipers
  • Rear-seat video system with overhead screen and DVD in center floor console
  • DVD-based navigation system with turn-by-turn directions and voice prompts
  • SIRIUS Satellite Radio
  • UConnect™ with Bluetooth™ technology that recognizes up to seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands for hands-free conversations

Street and Racing Technology (SRT)

Formed in 2002, SRT is the industry's leading in-house automotive performance group. SRT creates some of the Chrysler Group's boldest, most distinctive vehicles that deliver benchmark performance at the lowest price.

SRT has created 11 SRT-badged Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep performance vehicles: Dodge SRT4, Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible and Coupe, Dodge Ram SRT10 regular cab and Quad Cab™, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Coupe and Roadster, Chrysler 300C SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.