Well, what do we have here? Massive five-spoke wheels? Check. Huge tires? Yep. Lowered ride height and beefier front aero? Oh yeah. It doesn't take a sharp eye to know that this is the forthcoming 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 undergoing hot weather testing in the American Southwest. This new SRT Jeep (ignore that Chrysler badge) should pack not only the new ZF 8-speed transmission, but also the new 6.4-liter Hemi V8. This new V8 is said to push just about 480 horsepower, a solid jump from the 420 horsepower currently extracted from the 6.1.
But there's a twist! That bumper just in front of the Cherokee SRT8? That's an X5M. And in this harshest of climates, Jeep is benchmarking BMW's ultra-SUV which packs a twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V8 cranking out 555 horsepower. It also weighs 5,300 lbs compared with the Jeep's (2007) 4,800 lb rating.
So while weight is an issue, we're guessing we'll see power output of at least 500 when the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 drops for real sometime next year.
More photos after the jump.
audisport says:
12:46 PM, 08/23/10
It's going to look mean! I'm sure that all of the chrome will be replaced by body colored pieces. Sweet ride, if I could afford to put fuel in it.
octane77 says:
01:06 PM, 08/23/10
And it apparently has a trailer hitch! The old Jeep SRT8's didn't have a spot for the reciever (center exit exhaust) or a tow rating.
-B
coxwill says:
01:19 PM, 08/23/10
I'll be bummed if it looses the center exhaust
jeepsrt says:
01:20 PM, 08/23/10
@octane77
Actaully Mopar did sell a trailer hitch that mounted between and above the center exhaust, and the SRT8 is rated to tow 3500#. As for this new one I'm looking forward to seeing it without camo, looks mean.
exnevadan says:
03:14 PM, 08/23/10
beefy
j33p says:
03:22 PM, 08/23/10
This is going to be ONE SWEET A$$ RIDE! I cant wait... I am relocating to Vegas next year, I think this may be my new toy. I hope they keep the center exhaust too.
xxchevyguyxx says:
03:38 PM, 08/23/10
Yaawwwnnnn!! Im guessing all it needs now is a mechanic?
smilez says:
03:56 PM, 08/23/10
Oh fanboys, always glad to see you make an asinine comment. Thanks xxchevyguyxx.
I guess it will be good competition to the Trailblazer SS...oh wait, I forgot. Sorry.
uwisc says:
04:19 PM, 08/23/10
Indeed, she will drink the dead dinosaurs.
activ8 says:
06:19 PM, 08/23/10
when an American SUV looks smaller than a European one, its a write-off right there. Looks girly and sure as hell won't have BMW's X-Drive capability either, so what exactly is the point? Should've been Range Rover sized and be targetted at the G55 for performance, the X5M isn't much off-road anyways, which is Jeep's USP
newcar71 says:
06:32 PM, 08/23/10
Ummm... Why is it wearing a Chrysler Badge???
wrinklebump says:
07:42 PM, 08/23/10
Looks appropriately mean.
ed124c says:
08:23 AM, 08/24/10
@activ8: It looks girly? Well, then, the BMW looks like a STATION WAGON!
Anyway, as I keep saying, the styling is subordinate to what's underneath.
moparmadness says:
08:55 AM, 08/24/10
I can't wait to see the final product! I never truly liked the standard 05'-10' Grand Cherokee body style but as soon as they threw the SRT model out things changed. I never expected it to look as tough and sporty as it did but it did and I had no reason to complain. Now that the 2011's came out I love the standard Grand Cherokees(v8 is a must); they're one of the best looking trucks I've seen to this day and I could only imagine how they're going to blow my mind with the SRT next year. Hell, even if the X5M is still faster I'll blame the forced induction and still buy 2 SRT jeeps over that Subaru-looking VienerMobiile.
ptcdawg says:
12:17 PM, 08/24/10
Ed124...they are both station wagons...not that there's anything wrong with that.
zoomzoomn says:
04:43 AM, 08/25/10
Using the X5M as a performance benchmark? Priceless.
chrissluggo says:
02:21 AM, 08/26/10
Yes yes we know jeep can build a fast suv, thats not the problem. Work on the quality of the product as well as making a decent interior!!! We owned a jeep and while taking it up to the bay area in the middle of rush hour, the car just dies. it started right up but the dealer could never figure out why it shut down. So if the bench mark is the X5 M version thats going to take a lot of engineering!!!!!