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The SRT8 version of the 2006 Grand Cherokee is here to show us that SUVs are not to be ignored and are strong contenders in the world of sport vehicles. Traditionally, most any SUV purchased never sees “true” off-road conditions. Rather, they are mostly driven as commuters and in inclement weather. Why spend all that money on something that never gets used off-road—spend it on something than can perform ON the road. The SRT flavored Grand Cherokee breaks the mold in the tradition of features meant for extremely rugged terrain and packs a strong punch in a modern Jeep skin.
Take a peek underneath the hood and you’ll find, yeah, you guessed it….a HEMI. The strengthened 6.1 liter V-8 begs to be revved to redline, setting the occupants back in their posh leather seats all the way. The SRT twist on the un-bored block does not have the displacement-on-demand technology as the standard Grand Cherokee, so buyers should expect to have a few more drops of fuel put in the tank per mile. But then again, who would buy this screaming SUV to just tool around in? 420hp at 6200rpm and 425 lb-ft of torque in a 4,788 pound package are not exactly figures expected to be synonymous with economy. These numbers help launch this SUV ahead of the competition with a 0-60 mph time of less than 5 seconds, 0-100 mph in less than 19 seconds, and a top-end velocity of 155 mph; decent numbers for any car, let alone an SUV.
Chrysler’s Autostick transmission transfers all that power to the ground and the powertrain is finished off with a permanent all-wheel drive setup. Rear wheels do most of the work and request front end assistance when traction issues arise; and even on dry pavement, traction may become an issue. A complete Bilstein suspension setup with dampers, enhanced sway bars, firm springs & bushings as well as Brembo 4-piston calipers on all four corners make the SRT8 handling quite capable for a vehicle of its stature. Finishing out the footing on the SRT8 Grand Cherokee is Z-rated, run-flat rubber on the 20-inch wheels, courtesy of Goodyear.
The outside of the Grand Cherokee wasn’t ignored in the process of updates, either. Jeep designers have added a bit more menace to the front fascia, added new rocker panels, new rear bumper, twin tail pipes, and a slightly lower ride height compared to the non-SRT relative. Inside, front buckets, carbon-fiber trim, sport-inspired gauges, and various SRT8 applique finish the interior in an eye-pleasing manner.
Jeep lovers who sacrifice ruggedness for rumble and grunt will be satisfied with the SRT modifications in place on this new model. The SRT8 Grand Cherokee has style, speed, and decent handling for under $40K (USD).
Read more about the Jeep SRT8 |
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