Overgrown sports car / Jeep test drives

The car's status is backed by a refined SRT eight-cylinder HEMI engine from Chrysler. According to factory data, the SRT8 in a sprint to 100 km/h outperforms rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG (5 seconds) and Porsche Cayenne Turbo (5.1 seconds). When I was first pressed hard into the seat by this dragster-like agility, I immediately recalled American sports cars like the Dodge Viper or Chevrolet Corvette. Such character is delivered by the 6-liter engine. I developed a fondness for the HEMI back during my drives in the Chrysler 300C SRT8. The key feature is the displacement. It's a typical American unit that is 'plenty,' it consumes fuel by the bucket, but generously compensates the owner for this gluttony.

SRT engineers reworked the engine in the most serious way. For comparison: the 'civilian' version with a 5.7-liter displacement produces 340 hp. Here, the displacement is increased to 6.1 liters, new cylinder heads are installed, the camshaft design is changed, and the rev limit and compression ratio are raised — from 9.6 to 10.3. Plus, the block, crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons are strengthened.

The first 100 km/h is reached very quickly, with the five-speed automatic transmission shifting only once. Then the pace doesn't drop for a moment — you don't have time to blink, and the speedometer needle already shows 220 km/h. Accelerations in the 100–200 km/h range are especially enjoyable. It seems there's no limit to the power reserve: the heavy car flies forward easily and effortlessly. Behind the wheel of the Grand Cherokee SRT8, you feel like the master of the road. The high seating position plays a significant role — it feels like a sports car, but with the visibility of an SUV, which is very convenient.

To start smoothly, you'll need to master careful handling of the gas pedal. Press a bit harder — and the car, caught by the rapidly growing torque, powerfully lunges forward. You need to be especially careful in parking lots to avoid accidentally running over some small car. At low revs, the pedal isn't too sensitive — this adds inconvenience. But when the revs rise, the response to presses becomes truly sharp.

As is known, the Grand Cherokee by design is a true off-roader. At the rear, there's a solid axle, and the curb weight is significant. Will the chassis handle such power and serious loads?

The result of the work of the Street and Racing Technologies division pleased. The suspension with new springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars performs its functions excellently. The car sits on stylish 20-inch five-spoke wheels, the steering has become sharper, and the all-wheel-drive system has been refined and lightened.

The Grand Cherokee's ride is somewhat stiff, the car shakes, but there are obvious advantages. The main one is the steering. In true off-roaders, this is usually a weak point, but here the steering wheel is informative in any situation. On a straight line, there's a clear zero; in a turn, you don't need to search for the trajectory: the car goes understandably and even with pleasure. Of course, on a broken road, the rear axle will remind you of itself — the Jeep will 'buck' slightly, may deviate from course, and will definitely transmit jolts from unsprung masses. But overall, the impression of the chassis is positive. In my memory, this is the first Jeep with adequate behavior on asphalt — you can safely use the full potential of the engine.

The all-wheel-drive scheme is now as follows: by default, 95% of the torque goes to the rear axle. When slipping, part of the power is transferred forward quite quickly. This is enough for asphalt, but for sand, for example, it's not. When you add gas, the rear wheels manage to spin and dig in before the front axle engages. This is dangerous on loose ground at low speed. So even on light off-road, this car has nothing to do. Moreover, the front bumper skirt is located low — you won't climb onto every curb in this former SUV. And the tread pattern is purely highway.

The stability control system is only partially disabled. That's what I did, driving onto an asphalt area partially covered with sand. Let's try the car in a slide. The rear-wheel-drive orientation and powerful engine allow all wheels to break into a slide with throttle. The drift develops predictably — you exit into an arc when the rear axle slightly 'overtakes' the front, and then the stability control intervenes, cutting off further antics. In such a car, there's a high risk of rollover, so it's better not to provoke slides.

The brakes are equipped with four-piston Brembo calipers, discs are 360 mm in front and 350 mm in the rear. Braking efficiency pleased, but the pedal feel seemed insufficient. I couldn't overheat the brakes even in a series of intense braking. It's worth noting that the front bumper has air intake openings that feed air through special ducts directly to the calipers. The 'calipers' are constantly cooled.

In the cabin, changes compared to the regular version are minimal. Seats with developed lateral support and embroidered SRT8 inscriptions appeared, leather is used in some places — that's about it.

Externally, the SRT8 is a real beauty. A fit, stately car. All black, including the radiator grille, and the few chrome details add elegance. The profile is especially good. The rear is also effectively designed, with two exhaust pipes exiting through the center of the bumper. Their sound is thunderous and thrilling.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 is a car with a big twist. It's conceived on a fairly simple scheme, without frills in trim, but it's attractive and incredibly fast. And the price is relatively gentle — for ?70,000, you won't find another such supercar in an SUV guise today.

According to official data, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 outpaces the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne Turbo in acceleration to 100 km/h. Behind the wheel of the Grand Cherokee SRT8, you feel like the main one on the road — largely due to the high seating position: it's a sports car, but with SUV visibility. Buying another such supercar in an SUV suit for ?70,000 today is impossible.

PRICES AND TRIM LEVELS

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 costs $67,000. This price already includes ABS, TCS, ESP, front, side, and curtain airbags, full power package, leather interior and steering wheel with audio controls, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, onboard computer, Boston Acoustics audio system with six speakers, alloy wheels R20, Jeep Memory system (remembers power settings for two drivers: radio, mirrors, seat, pedal assembly), power passenger seat, rearview camera, rain sensor, tire pressure sensor, rear parking sensors, and GPS. An electric sunroof can be ordered for an additional charge.