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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 First Impressions

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Mathieu St-Pierre
Ultimate hoonage machine
The online Urban Dictionary explains “hoonage” as: “Aggressively flogging a car, but in a manner that stops just short of reckless.” Not all of us are gifted enough to fully exploit a car and earn points while putting a car slideways at an intersection. Fear not, Jeep has you covered.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 front 3/4 view
The GC SRT8 is Jeep's Swiss Army knife: it handles, it growls and it'll go off road . (Photo: Chrysler)

Yes, my friends, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 has been tailor-made for those of us not quite capable of drifting, heel-toeing, and doing burn-outs. The GC SRT8 is Jeep's Swiss Army knife: it handles, it growls, it'll go off road and it has the same effect on neighbouring cars as does a low-flying plane.

The GC SRT8 does not present like a typical Grand Cherokee. However, looks are not especially important as hoonage can be achieved using a regular, run-of-the-mill Civic. I will get back to styling a little later so if looks are important to you, you'll be somewhat served.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is a 6.4L HEMI V8. Up from 6.1L from the previous truck, the new engine now pushes out 470 hp (up from 420) and 465 lb-ft (up from 420). Given these specs, you can clearly see why this SUV so effortlessly flies. And here's how you win: The GC SRT8 features a variable torque-split, full-time AWD system and a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Translation: Crush the go-pedal as hard as you can and hold the steering wheel straight. Without strain – other than trying to keep your head from slamming against the seat's headrest – the GC SRT8 will launch to 100 km/h in 5 seconds every time and anytime. You can line up with any car this side of a Porsche 911 Turbo or Nissan GT-R and you'll win – every time. Nice, eh? This thing is really fast, and the gearbox easily keeps up with the driver's demands.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 engine
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is a 6.4L HEMI V8. (Photo: Chrysler)
Mathieu St-Pierre
Mathieu St-Pierre
Automotive expert
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