It's badged as a 4x4 Limited model, but there's little doubt that this is a prototype for the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8. Note for instance the enormous front fascia that hangs low just like the original Grand Cherokee SRT8's did. Note further the pooched-out fenders, big black wheels, massive tires and conspicuously lowered ride height.
Around back, you'll see there's no central-exit dual-exhaust, but as with the badging and extraneous chrome trim, that's easily changed on a production version. Nothing's a done deal in the current era of Fiat-Chrysler, but assuming Sergio Marchionne likes what he sees, we'd guess this will be a 2012 model.
The most likely engine for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 is the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 in development for Chrysler's next generation of high-performance (SRT-8) models. The folks at Allpar, who have their ears to the ground for all things Mopar, predict that this engine will make about 480 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque in the Challenger SRT-8, so look for similar numbers in the Jeep. This would be a pretty significant increase over the original SRT8 Jeep (420 hp, 420 lb-ft). And with the 6.4-liter matched to the ZF-designed 8-speed automatic transmission in the works for all Grand Cherokees, this should be a very quick SUV.
slickersdrip says:
06:49 PM, 06/28/10
Bittersweet to see the central exhaust get shelved in lieu of a trailer hitch... but understand it. My parents ended up buying a Trailblazer SS over the SRT-8 just for the towing ability.
cr_driver says:
07:02 PM, 06/28/10
Bring it on!
Considering the current SRT-8 weighs more than 4800lbs and delivers 11 city /14 hwy, yes, it is a gas-guzzler pig, this new generation must do something about it.
But hey, ain`t the new 2011 cherokees 5000lbs of fun?
How much is thing gonna wait then?
It must deliver 60 more horses with the new HEMI, yes it should, considering his massive weight penalty and how the new cayenne lost 400+ lbs and gained a new 8 speed auto.
The 09 cayenne turbo had 12 city/ 19 hwy fuel economy. Wow.
Imagine the 2011 numbers!!!
Acceleration wise the new srt-8 probably will remain a strong performer, like it is today, but it would be very nice if they could improve slalom, braking and grip numbers, where it falls short.
threemopars says:
07:54 PM, 06/28/10
How does .88G on all season tires, with a stability program that can' be defeated be considered as "falling short".
Considering the last test that Car and Driver did the Jeep is a performance bargain: the Cayenne Turbo S costs around $150K and you can't exactly shake that "petty" Jeep out of your mirror.
BTW try real world economy, instead of EPA estimates. Some get higher, some get lower. The same test showed that none got over 14 MPG combined.
bearsdkills says:
08:30 PM, 06/28/10
@ slickersdrip
Trailblazer SS or SRT8? FAIL.
roadburner says:
09:28 PM, 06/28/10
I'd like to have an SRT8, if only to watch the bulging veins in the foreheads of the eco-weenies that I drive past...
rodger_victor says:
11:40 PM, 06/28/10
I love it! Can't wait to drive one!
wrinklebump says:
04:14 AM, 06/29/10
Want
danielpund says:
07:01 AM, 06/29/10
"pooched-out"
half_ton says:
07:39 AM, 06/29/10
Am I the only one who thinks 480HP from a 6.4L is a little . . . low? The current-gen ML 6.3 AMG makes 503HP so I hope those are conservative estimates. I do agree though that it would be sad to see the center tailpipes go.
audisport says:
08:52 AM, 06/29/10
The 6.4L will make 500hp. They are being modest. The new SRT-8 will be sweet. I want one, but would never put something that got such poor mpg in my garage.
jeepsrt says:
10:18 AM, 06/29/10
I read on another site that the SRT8 should get the new 8 speed transmission, I think it will compare more to a Cayenne with the air suspension and higher quality interior.
csubowtie says:
10:47 AM, 06/29/10
I won't miss the center exhaust. It was neat to be different, but not being able to tow anything takes away a big part of the coolness of a sportSUV.
half_ton says:
12:41 PM, 06/29/10
@csubowtie
You have a valid point but the STR Jeep was never intended to do much "pratical" use anyway.
carguyjake says:
01:35 PM, 06/29/10
I own a current SRT-8 Grand Cherokee, and the loss of the center tailpipes is not that big of a deal. The new Nissan Rogue uses them, and thats pretty weak. Also, when retrieving things from the rear hatch, I won't miss the heat from the center exit exhaust cooking me! I will say the Jeep is just as quick and nimble as ANY of the other SUV's in its category of "nuts"! Most owners of the Porsche, BMW or Range Rover won't push their luxo-barge-hot rods to the same level as a Jeep owner will.
rlyon says:
06:31 AM, 06/30/10
The wheel looks small.
originalschmo says:
03:38 PM, 08/30/10
The designers really screwed the pooch on this one! The only good thing about the 2012 model is the new 6.4L engine. The new front end has lost the aggresive look of the 2011 model, and where are the center-mounted dual exhaust pipes like the 2011??? This gave the 2011 model a unique look that stood out from the rest! Go back to the design drawing board!!!!!
originalschmo says:
03:44 PM, 08/30/10
slickersdrip,
You say "Bittersweet to see the central exhaust get shelved in lieu of a trailer hitch... but understand it." A trailer hitch?!?! The only thing a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 should haul is ASS!!!
slickersdrip says:
12:53 PM, 09/ 5/10
Well, it would be nice of my parents could afford to have a separate truck for hauling and one for going fast... but in our situation we've gotta make a few compromises. So for a truck to haul things it's pretty good, plus scooting the family around. For just pure speed my dad's 700+ horsepower Cobra Terminator does just fine. Unfortunately carrying a family of four in comfort while towing a car to a racetrack isn't its forte.