The Grand Cherokee SRT is Jeep->ke40's real hero car, and the only one to compete effectively with the super-SUV benchmark from Porsche->ke1. The Jeep->ke40's drastic SRT makeover is arguably the most effective across the Chrysler range by blending the huge Hemi V-8's torque with the sure-footed and quite advanced Grand Cherokee platform.

A change across the board from “SRT8” to “SRT” for all the performance trims prepares the range for its next generation of super and turbocharged SRT models - with forced induction making the SRT6, SRT4 etc cylinder counts much less meaningful.

The SRT conversion makes the Grand Cherokee one of the most entertaining models out of Auburn Hills, with all the track attitude and road muscle of the Viper but far fewer tradeoffs in daily driving.

As almost a totally distinct model from the Grand Cherokee range, the SRT version is new for 2014 with the latest interior tech upgrades, a new eight-speed auto transmission, and the tasteful headlight LED accents that were new this year on the base models.

Combined with the menacing nose graphic of the Grand Cherokee SRT, the additional LED lights update the nose appearance nicely. A black lower bumper shroud makes the SRT seem mean even with the lights off, with its 20-inch wheels and giant tires looking very prominent from all angles.

The real news with this latest Jeep is new launch control programming for the cutting-edge autobox that should offer an even quicker sprint than the last model's 5.1-second rush to 60 mph. Smoothness, economy, and tow ratings are also all up across the board, making this Grand Cherokee SRT quite an appealing prospect for hot-rod SUV shoppers.

Will the loss of the "8" on the badge hurt its street cred versus the Range Rover Sport? Is the price premium and five-seat layout a problem versus the Ford Explorer Sport?

Click past the jump for all the latest images and details of the 2014 Jeep ->ke40 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.