How to build a hyper SUV

IF YOU keep an eye out for Jeeps, you’ll note that most of these vehicles have a few subtle modifications. The larger SUVs usually boast a set of aftermarket mags, while the Wranglers are generally lifted, with snorkels and sports exhausts.

However, if you wanted more than just the “normal” sort of mods, what do you do? RG Motorsport based in Randburg, Johannesburg, has the answer in the form of a supercharger conversion for the Grand Cherokee.

With Whipple’s third-generation blower bolted in place, RG Motorsport’s Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 6.4-litre Hemi upgrade produces a Trackhawk-whipping 546kW and 928Nm – enough to propel the heavy SUV to 100km/h, from a standstill, in about 3.6 seconds and to a top speed of 290km/h.

The impressive headline numbers are also thanks to a full RGM-Techniflow dual 76mm stainless steel exhaust system, along with ceramic-coated headers. An ECU software download comes straight from the Whipple factory and is fine-tuned by RGM’s team to suit South Africa’s climate, fuel, and conditions. Each Jeep is optimised on the company’s four-wheel-drive dynamometer and, finally, roadtested before you take delivery.

You better have a fist full of cash if you want this thunderous upgrade, though, as RGM’s fullhouse upgrade costs R268 700 – including all management hardware and software, and a 76mm stainless steel Techniflow exhaust system, with ceramic-coated tubular headers.

All RG Motorsport upgrades include a six-month/20 000km warranty, with extended warranties also available.

Jeep SRT owners interested in supercharging their vehicles can contact RG Motorsport at www. rgmotorsport.com.