The 2013 Detroit Auto Show brought another addition to the Jeep Grand Cherokee->ke936 lineup in the form of a new SRT version that adds an aggressive, upscale exterior appearance combined with a luxurious interior. The model is in fact an updated version of the now-famous Grand Cherokee SRT8 version, which will be put on sale later in 2013.

When compared to a standard Grand Cherokee, the SRT version will be featuring a more aggressive exterior look, with updates over the previous SRT8 version, including a new signature LED character lamp treatment, a brawnier grille, a new, one-touch liftgate and a new rear spoiler. On the inside, the model has received a new 8.4-inch touchscreen, a redesigned SRT-exclusive three-spoke and a few more other updates.

However, the most impressive update is the addition of a new 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers smoother, more refined shifting and improved fuel economy.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 470 @ 6000
  • Torque: 465 @ 4300
  • Transmission: 8-Speed Auto W/ Paddle Shift
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

When compared to the 2013 Grand Cherokee SRT8 - the model it replaces - the new 2014 SRT has received a shortened seven-slot upper grille with black screen insert, slimmer bi-xenon headlamps surrounded by a signature LED character lamp treatment and featuring a unique black background.

On the rear, Jeep adds larger tail lamps, featuring LED lights and black surround. The model also receives a more aerodynamically efficient rear spoiler, while the SRT badge no longer makes a reference to the V-8 engine found under the hood – no more “SRT8.”

Customers will have the possibility to choose between seven exterior colors: Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Deep Cherry Red Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Pearl Coat, Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat and Redline Pearl Clear Coat.

Interior

For the 2014 model year, the Grand Cherokee SRT has been updated with higher-quality materials and new technologies, like the new Uconnect 8.4AN radio with touchscreen. The new display will provide info on track times, lateral acceleration, 0-to-60 mph times and much more.

The new system also includes a new feature called Uconnect Access Via Mobile, which allows customers to stream their favorite music into the vehicle using the acclaimed apps Aha, iHeart, Pandora and Slacker.

Jeep also installed a new three-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom, a new leather-wrapped T-handle shifter for the eight-speed transmission and numerous carbon-fiber accents placed on the doors, instrument panel and front passenger door.

As an option, customers will also have the possibility to choose a new 825-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman/Kardon.

The seven exterior colors can be combined with two interior colors: Torque (black) and a new Sepia combination.

Engine

Under the hood, the new Grand Cherokee SRT is powered by a monstrous 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine that delivers a total of 470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 465 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm. The engine is equipped with Fuel Saver Technology that helps improve fuel economy. Unfortunately, Jeep hasn't revealed the final numbers just yet.

The engine is mated to an all-new 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission that can be manually shifted using newly redesigned, more pronounced, ergonomically efficient steering-wheel-mounted paddle controls. The new transmission features two new Drive and Sport shifting modes that can be selected via the T-handle without affecting the chosen suspension, stability control and driveline torque split settings.

Prices

The new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT will make its world debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, with sales to begin later in the year. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Despite dropping the "8" from its nomenclature, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT will continue to compete with the same models: the BMW X5M and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

From all the three models, the BMW X5M is the most powerful one, as it is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine that delivers a total of 555 horsepower. The Cayenne Turbo gets a 4.8-liter V-8 engine that delivers 500 horsepower.

As you can see, the new SRT version is the least powerful model on the market, but we liked it better than both the other two German models mostly due to it being a fraction of the price.