Grand Cherokee gets SRT HEMI

Jeep has announced the release of a high-performance Street and Racing Technology (SRT) version of its flagship Grand Cherokee. Jeep says less than 60 Grand Cherokee SRT-8s will offered locally in 2006.

Rated at 313kW/569Nm the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is equipped with a 6.1-litre HEMI V8 withn five-speed automatic, and can manage standstill to 100km/h in the low five-second range, on its way to a top speed of 245km/h.

According to Jeep the 6.1-litre HEMI engine offers 30 per cent more power than the 5.7-litre version, making the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 the quickest, most powerful Jeep ever produced.

Jeep devised an all-new four-wheel drive system for the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 but is quick to point out the system was designed to suit urban road conditions. "When Jeep set out to create its quickest-ever model, it was with the race track rather than the mud track in mind," said Gerry Jenkins, managing director of Chrysler Group Australia.

"The SRT-8 is not intended to be off-road capable. Instead, with this injection of SRT DNA, the new Grand Cherokee SRT-8 establishes a fresh benchmark for high-performance SUVs. It has the raw power to out-perform the likes of a Porsche Cayenne Turbo at a fraction of the price."

SRT enhancements include 20-inch alloy wheels, lower ride height, Brembo brakes, new front fascia, air intake ducts to help cool the front brakes and dual exhaust tail pipes. Inside the Grand Cherokee SRT8 features front seats with performance suede inserts and a 276 Watt sound system.

Standard features include: multi-stage air bag system and side curtain airbags, ABS and ESP, brake assist, rear park assist and rain sensitive automatic windscreen wipers.

Available from dealers now. Prices start at $85,990.