The top-tier Jeep features a voice-activated DVD navigation system, satellite radio connectivity, and U-Connect Bluetooth
interactivity for ultimate wireless operation, plus of course, a superb Infinity audio system featuring a multi-disc stacker in the console. Of course there's a great deal more offered as standard, and yet other options, but why go on about such rudimentary elements when there's yet more performance details to discuss.
Throughout the review I've made mention of a few items that probably deserve greater attention, the first of which are those giant Brembo brakes. They look gorgeous, poking through an elegant set of 20-inch five-spoke alloy rims, but the four-piston calipers aren't painted red as on other SRT cars, but rather, black with Brembo etched in metal, to give a more upscale appearance. The rotors measure 360 mm (14.2 inches) in front and 350 mm (13.8 inches) in the rear, making it possible to pull the hefty SUV from 96 km/h (60 mph) to nil in about 38 metres (125 feet).
Another specialized bit of Grand Cherokee SRT8 engineering is its new hybrid transfer case (and in this case hybrid doesn't refer to hybrid electric), derived by combining the front half of the lightweight stock unit and the rear half of a heavy-duty transfer case, the latter which contains the electronic components for the full-time four-wheel drive system. The change was necessary to compensate for the SRT8 6.1-litre engine's 420 lb-ft of torque, and considering its beefier capabilities,
which include a heavy-duty output shaft, its amazing that it came in 27 kilos (60 pounds) lighter than the stock heavy-duty transfer case. Also, the stock rear differential has been exchanged for a Dana 44 from the Euro-only Grand Cherokee turbo diesel, plus a larger ring gear was added.
So how does it all work together? As I've gone on and on about, taking you on a ride up the Angeles Crest and Angeles Forest highways to and then around Willow Springs earlier in this review, it works very well. I think what I like best is how its rear-wheel bias of about 90 to 95 percent, helps it to feel like a rear-drive vehicle. While I never encountered any slippery conditions, I'm told that power can be apportioned to any wheel that finds grip making the vehicle an all-weather super-SUV.
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| Those potent Brembo four-piston calipers look gorgeous, poking through an elegant set of 20-inch five-spoke alloy rims. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Throughout the review I've made mention of a few items that probably deserve greater attention, the first of which are those giant Brembo brakes. They look gorgeous, poking through an elegant set of 20-inch five-spoke alloy rims, but the four-piston calipers aren't painted red as on other SRT cars, but rather, black with Brembo etched in metal, to give a more upscale appearance. The rotors measure 360 mm (14.2 inches) in front and 350 mm (13.8 inches) in the rear, making it possible to pull the hefty SUV from 96 km/h (60 mph) to nil in about 38 metres (125 feet).
Another specialized bit of Grand Cherokee SRT8 engineering is its new hybrid transfer case (and in this case hybrid doesn't refer to hybrid electric), derived by combining the front half of the lightweight stock unit and the rear half of a heavy-duty transfer case, the latter which contains the electronic components for the full-time four-wheel drive system. The change was necessary to compensate for the SRT8 6.1-litre engine's 420 lb-ft of torque, and considering its beefier capabilities,
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| The Grand Cherokee SRT8 isn't just a warmed over GC 5.7L HEMI, but rather features a number of significant upgrades such as a new all-wheel drive transfer case, needed to cope with the SUV's 420 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
So how does it all work together? As I've gone on and on about, taking you on a ride up the Angeles Crest and Angeles Forest highways to and then around Willow Springs earlier in this review, it works very well. I think what I like best is how its rear-wheel bias of about 90 to 95 percent, helps it to feel like a rear-drive vehicle. While I never encountered any slippery conditions, I'm told that power can be apportioned to any wheel that finds grip making the vehicle an all-weather super-SUV.