Super-ute performs like a muscle car
But this Jeep falls short of Porsche, Range Rover
The Street & Racing Technology (SRT) division of Chrysler has been getting a lot of attention lately for the success its halo entry, the SRT Viper, is having on racetracks worldwide.
However, this engineering firm works its magic on a whole host of Chrysler offerings, including one very special Jeep.
SRT is all about high-performance, so when the product planning team set its sights on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the goal was to produce a domestic product that would offer world-beating performance at a price that would make it a much more attractive alternative to offerings from prestige brands such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Range Rover.
While the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is much more refined than the previous model, it still falls short in this department when compared with other super-utes such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and the potent Range Rover Sport SC.
Sure, the cabin is well-appointed and outfitted with the latest in technological accessories, but the level of fit and finish in the big Jeep is a step below that of its more expensive rivals. From the sound the doors make upon closing to the operation of the various accessories, levers and switchgear, I still felt like I was in a utility vehicle rather than a luxury offering as I sat perched high up on the overly firm leather seat.
When I slide behind the wheel of one of the European offerings, it is immediately apparent that these vehicles have been designed to replicate the ride, comfort and handling of the modern sports sedan.
The Grand Cherokee SRT, on the other hand, seems to have been modelled to perform like a modern muscle car. For some consumers, the bad-boy image carried by the latter will definitely have appeal.
The Grand Cherokee SRT is big, heavy and loud. Gloriously loud! Under the hood you will find the same 6.4-litre HEMI power plant that fills the engine bays of the SRT variants of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger.
This iconic V8 packs a pretty potent punch, as it produces 470 horsepower and 465 pound feet of torque.
Sprints from 0 to 100 km/h take place in a mere five seconds, but by engaging the electronic launch control system, hard launches in the 4.5 second range can be executed with ease.
All-wheel-drive traction hastens delivery of all those ponies to the ground, and the big Pirelli performance tires adhered to the asphalt like Krazy Glue.
With Jeep’s proven Quadra-Trac four-wheel-drive system, the SRT is sure-footed enough to navigate sloppy road conditions and all but the most demanding off-road conditions. Should you be one of the few wanting to test the SRT’s mettle off road, you would be wise to invest in a more suitable tire.
With the substantial increase in both power and performance, you would expect to pay a significant penalty at the pump, but the combination of Fuel Saver technology (cylinder deactivation) and an eightspeed transmission with Eco mode (makes the vehicle start in second gear), the 2014 SRT is more fuel-efficient than the outgoing model, which was fitted with a smaller displacement 6.1-litre engine.
Chrysler’s annoying Autostick shift lever has been replaced by a set of steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, which allow the driver to make more efficient use of the engine’s broad torque curve. This new transmission features closer gear ratios, which permit very consistent power delivery as you make your way through the full range of the gearbox.
There is also a new rev-matching feature to help smooth out the transitions as you gear down.
The SRT’s suspension is firm enough to satisfy the enthusiast driver, but it still manages to insulate the passenger cabin from major bumps and road irregularities with aplomb. When operating in the Sport or Track modes, the SRT displays precise and predictable handling once you get comfortable exploring its limits. After tossing this 2,336 kilogram rig into corners at near triple digit speeds it becomes apparent that the engineers working at SRT take pride in their work.
The engine has been set low and the wheelbase stretched, and the sturdy body structure and chassis give the vehicle a dynamic feeling usually reserved for sports cars. A G-Force meter is included as part of the instrument cluster, which will allow you to brag about the SRT’s handling prowess to your friends. Big, six-piston Brembo-engineered brakes have been fitted to ensure that the driver will be able to rein the vehicle in without any drama.
While this is far from your typical SUV, the typical SUV buyer is looking for a vehicle versatile enough to handle a multitude of duties. In the case of the Grand Cherokee SRT, this may include pampering as many as five adults in its spacious and luxurious cabin, hauling up to 1,945.4 litres of cargo (with the seats folded flat), or nipping at the bumpers of Porsches at a local track day. Whatever you ask from it, it will deliver, even if it fails to impress the neighbours.