Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: On and Off Road Exhilaration

by: Matthew C. Keegan


Call it MOPAR madness or call it sheer, ingenious automotive marketing and engineering, but whatever you decide to call the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, you must realize one thing: no production vehicle has effectively combined off road ruggedness with on road durability. Until the Grand Cherokee SRT8 came along that is. Yes, not since the GMC Typhoon has an SUV proven to be a highway dominator as well as an off road maven. However, the Jeep Cherokee SRT8 goes well beyond any 4x4 vehicle by delivering a versatile, pavement pounding, all-around SUV.

The folks at Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group could not leave well enough alone. From the Neon to the Viper and from the 300C to the Ram pickup truck, no model has been too sacred to receive a proper work over from the team. First it was a bevy of Dodge models, then it was the Chrysler 300C, but no Jeep model had yet been targeted for the group’s overhaul. The Grand Cherokee however was past due as fond memories of the GMC Typhoon likely played a part in the decision to inject “SRT steroids” into a widely acclaimed Jeep model. Indeed, the SRT group knew that 0 to 60 in five seconds with the Grand Cherokee would beat the Typhoon’s numbers by about four tenths of a second, easily making the Jeep model the all time leader on the road as it is already off the road.

Much like the full size SRT cars sold by Dodge and Chrysler, a 6.1L Hemi V8 was the engine of choice for the SRT team tasked with building the beefy Jeep. With 420 h.p. and 420 lb.-ft of torque, the burly Hemi would serve duty in the Grand Cherokee SRT8 along with 20 inch Goodyear performance tires, Bilstein shocks, four piston Brembo brakes, a Quadra-Trac On-Demand four wheel drive system, and a capable five speed automatic transmission. Indeed, when the project was completed, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 was paired against the Porsche Cayenne SUV and the Jeep won!

If the Grand Cherokee SRT8 isn’t fast enough for you or if you want to experience a rich, deep tone while driving, then the aftermarket parts industry has just what you need.

Magnaflow Exhaust has developed a performance exhaust system that pairs well with the Grand Cherokee SRT8. Developed from airliner quality stainless steel, a Magnaflow Exhaust delivers more horsepower, frees up more torque, and provides a rich tone not found on the typical Jeep exhaust system.

When it comes to air intake systems, Dubair and Airaid have induction systems that work great with your engine. Dirt is filtered out and cool air is invited in to deliver more horsepower, enhanced torque, while offering a deep, throaty tone that is certain to inspire you.

Naturally, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 has something that neither the current day Porsche Cayenne or the long since past GMC Typhoon could offer: thorough off roading capabilities. Like all Jeep SUVs, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is trail rated so you get the best 4x4 capabilities matched to its top notch road competency. A true competitor no matter where you take it: the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8!


About The Author

Copyright 2006 – Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer for Premier Truck Accessories: http://www.premiertruckaccessories.com a leading retailer of aftermarket SRT products: http://www.premiertruckaccessories.com/srt8.html including Dubair Intake Systems: http://www.premiertruckaccessories.com/dubair.html. Please stop by our online shop today to explore our gigantic array of performance parts and accessories.