March 23, 2005
New York Auto Show
Grand Cherokee SRT8 fastest Jeep ever
New York, New York – Jeep’s flagship Grand Cherokee gets a boost in 2006: the company has unveiled the 6.l-litre SRT8 version, the quickest and most powerful Jeep ever built.
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It becomes the first four-wheel-drive in the SRT line, and Jeep claims its zero to 100 km/hr acceleration is quicker than that of Porsche Cayenne Turbo or BMW X5.
Powered by a 6.1-litre Hemi, the 2006 Grand Cherokee SRT8 makes 415 hp (85 hp, or 25 per cent more power than a 2006 5.7-litre Hemi Grand Cherokee) and 410 lb-ft of torque. It reaches zero to 100 km/hr in under five seconds, zero to 160 km/hr in the low 19-second range, and 100 km/hr to zero braking in approximately 38 metres.
To accommodate the extra power, Grand Cherokee SRT8 uses the front half of a lightweight Jeep transfer case mated to a heavier-duty rear half, with an upgraded output shaft capable of handling the higher torque. The unit weighs 27 kg less than a Jeep heavy-duty case. Under normal conditions, five to 10 per cent of torque is directed to the front wheels, but as much as is necessary for traction or stability can be redirected when required.
The new Jeep rides on unique, 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels with Goodyear run-flat tires, and features four-piston Brembo brakes.
