Chrysler is taking on cars like Mercedes ML63, Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5M by offering the new Jeep Cherokee SRT8 in Europe.
This American monster will make its debut in the green continent at the 2011 International Frankfurt Motor Show, and then attack the citizens from the first quarter of 2012. It’s got a fire-breathing 6.4-litre HEMI V-8 engine, producing 470 bhp and 630 Nm of torque, and loads of electronic systems to make it go as good as it… well, I was gonna say look, but to be honest it’s not that much of a looker!
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 features advanced new active damping suspension, which is managed by the new Selec-Track system to optimise road handling, in addition to a new system which allows Fuel Saver Technology to ensure a 13-percent improvement in motorway fuel efficiency and a 450 mile range.
In terms of performance, the Cherokee SRT8 accelerates from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the mid-16 second range, and has a top speed of over 155 mph.
The car comes only in one specification with standard features including Quadra-Trac active on-demand four-wheel drive transfer system, Command-View® dual-pane sunroof, Uconnect satellite navigation system, adaptive cruise control, 20-inch forged aluminium wheels, blind-spot monitoring with Rear Cross-path detection and new SRT high-performance vented Brembo brakes. It also gets carbon fibre accent inserts, paddle-shift gear controls, Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC) and new SRT-styled Nappa leather and suede seats.
The normal versions of the car starts at £36,795 in the UK, the SRT8 is yet to be priced.