Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

By Benjamin Cyr

Excessive

Everything smacks of overkill and, let’s say it, of irrationality when it comes to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Who needs an SUV with a 420hp V8 engine that consumes 20 litres of Super every 100km? What’s more, who would buy an SUV with molasses-like road adhesion by way of a sport suspension and 20 inch sport tires but with very little bite off-road? Difficult to find logical explanations.....However, if a vehicle could do 0-100 km/h in exactly five seconds regardless of wet or dry roadways and sold for $50,000, would you be interested in such a good deal?

Unbeatable value

If we evaluate the SRT8 strictly on the basis of road performance, a bargain it definitely is. For $50,080, you can buy one of the rare examples of this Cherokee on steroids. The standard package includes a 6.1 litre Hemi developing 420hp and 420lb-ft of torque, orchestrated by a six-speed automatic transmission. Added were a Dana 44 rear differential, Brembo brake pistons, fine bucket seats, 20-inch wheels to hold enormous Run-Flat sports tires, a firmer suspension, thicker stabilizing bars and aesthetic touches to set this asphalt warrior apart from the off-road Grand Cherokee.

The performance is simply impressive. You push down on the accelerator, at any speed, and instantly feel the tremendous torque. The transmission zips through the various speeds and the exhaust sound lets nostalgia rein for the older muscle car crowd. Contrary to the aforementioned, the SRT8 provides great traction due to Jeep’s patented four –wheel traction system. On a wet surface or a dry one, we managed 0-100hkm in 5.05 seconds, not to mention the quarter mile in 13.35. These times are breathtaking even at the exotic vehicle level! In fact, this beats a Porsche Cayenne Turbo worth $130,000.

Think about it twice

The irrational, though, sets in at the service-station. On average (city-country) the SUV consumes 20.5 l/100km. Shameful city consumption but not economical at constant highway speed either where the numbers read 13 litres per 100km. The major problem lies in the much higher revolutions, 2500turns/min at 110 km/h. I think that adding an extra gear could make a difference. For example, a Chevrolet Corvette with a similar engine burns but 81/100km on the highway because of lower engine speed (1600 revs/pm). This vehicle, on the other hand, does not weigh anywhere near 2200kg or use two differentials. We must point out, as well; the Jeep’s consumption climbs just slightly higher than the other versions of the Grand Cherokee equipped with the Hemi 5.7 litres.

As to versatility, the interior volume seems adequate; five adults can sit comfortably and the cargo space looks good. The materials, though, used in the cab showed be rethought because of poor quality; if you like a lot of plastic, you have arrived!