Just released are the 300C SRT8 and Magnum SRT8 models, featuring a 6.1-litre version of the normally 5.7-liter mill, good for 425-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Next up will be the all-new
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| Jeep has stuffed a 415-horsepower version of DCX's 6.1-litre HEMI V8 into a lowered, performance-tuned Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, making it the fastest in the SUV category... for the time being at least. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Jeep Commander, making use of the 5.7-litrer version, followed by 6.1-litre motivated Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, sporting 415-horsepower - slightly detuned so as not to upset the vehicle's sophisticated four-wheel drive system. Still, this midsize 'ute will out gun Porsche's top-tier Cayenne Turbo, even with its 500-horsepower upgrade. What about Land Rover's new supercharged Range Rover Sport? Not a chance.
Now Chrysler is talking about a Challenger to the new Ford Mustang, literally, and maybe after that a midsize Jeep pickup truck. The HEMI badge on the grille would certainly help this new entry sell well, as it would the midsize Dodge Dakota, which has yet to offer a HEMI under the hood - and you know its coming.
After all, what better way to raise the excitement level of a mid-cycle refresh
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| MDS is standard equipment with all 5.7-litre HEMI V8-equipped Chrysler 300Cs, Jeep Commanders, Jeep Grand Cherokees, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Durangos, Dodge Magnums and Dodge Ram 1500s. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
than pump up power to best in class standards - a position it already occupies by the way. HEMI has a habit of making anything that is already good, immensely better. And thanks to its advanced Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which electronically shuts down four of the engines eight cylinders when under light loads, up to 20 percent of otherwise spent fuel can be saved - an important consideration as pump prices escalate beyond $1.10 per litre in some parts of the country. For model year 2006, MDS is standard equipment with all 5.7-litre HEMI V8-equipped Chrysler 300Cs, Jeep Commanders, Jeep Grand Cherokees, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Durangos, Dodge Magnums and Dodge Ram 1500s.
