I have to admit, the GC SRT8 got a little silly on that last turn, even scaring me a bit as I nudged the edge of the pavement on exit.
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| The SRT8 remained stable over Monroe Ridge, was sensational at close to 210 km/hh down the Wing's Leg straight and even remained stable during the ensuing 900-degree radius aptly named Sweeper, but it got a bit silly when Sweeper turns into a slightly off-camber 600-degree radius at turn 9, just before the straight. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Later that day, after running the course with the Charger SRT8, 300C SRT8 and Viper SRT-10 Coupe, all of which felt more balanced and allowed for greater speed through all, especially that last corner, I managed to maintain better composure with the Grand Cherokee going around both turns two and nine, achieving higher speeds from finding the right line, so that the SUV didn't feel as if it was being pulled off balance. I have to say though, that this sport utility vehicle, normally set up to climb rocks and ford streams, could almost keep up to the amazingly agile Charger and 300 SRT8 sedans, both much lower to the ground and therefore less inclined to lateral gravitational forces. Consider that I was entering turn eight at about 130 mph (210 mph) and exiting at about 110 (77 km/h) to 115 (186), and feeling almost comfortable doing it, and you'll get some idea of how good this SUV is at managing corners. This is why, on the road up from L.A., it hardly felt less capable than the aforementioned sedans.
Really, the only disappointment with the vehicle wasn't its performance, braking being equally as phenomenal as acceleration and handling, thanks to massive Brembos at all four corners. No, it comes down to interior quality, not fit and finish per se, which is quite good, but the ever-present cheap pickup truck grade plastics. Dash plastics have gone way down since the previous generation GC, and pretty well everywhere else, except for the window sills where bare arms often
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| Only nterior quality is questionable, and not its fit and finish per se, which is quite good, but rather the ever-present cheap pickup truck grade plastics. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
rest, less than premium surfaces abound. Why Jeep didn't step up to the plate and deliver a higher level of perceived quality probably comes down to the financial situation Chrysler Group was in when the SUV was under development four or five years ago, at which time such decisions would have been made, and therefore it is likely (and it comes from a good internal source that I'm right on this guess) the brand is in the process of upgrading the plastics for the GC's mid-cycle upgrade, expected in a year. So, if cheap plastics don't bother you, this is probably the ultimate driver's SUV, price not even being an object. But if interior quality matters, you'd be better off spending twice the price for the much slower Ranger Rover Sport Supercharged, or three times the price for that Porsche Cayenne Turbo S that matches the Jeep's acceleration - or better yet, giving $10 or 20K to a California chop-shop to install a customized full leather package to cover all the shiny vinyl and while their at it, replace the "environmentally friendly" faux woodgrain with some bird's eye maple. Oh well, a guy can dream, can't he?
