2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Road & Track Test

Lastly, I want to say a few words regarding how sensational the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 looks in all of its three exterior colours,

Hmmm... wouldn't these two cars make the perfect garage? (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Inferno Red, and how all of its body-colour bits and pieces, especially the grille, help give it a racy appearance. Slicing off the roof rack was a great way to improve aerodynamics and reduce wind howl, while making the SUV appear longer and even lower to the road than it already is. A deep front valance (actually an entirely new front clip) adds to the look while peeling air away from the front of the SUV and filtering it around its sides, where it helps, not hinders forward momentum, aided in the tail by a new, extremely sporty looking diffuser. Finishing off the rear end is a rather unique and utterly sporty combination of exhaust pipes comprised of two four-inch diameter chrome tips.

From every angle, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is simultaneously one of the best and meanest looking SUVs on the planet, and the fact that it can be purchased for one third the price of the only competitor that can match its performance is simply astounding.

Specifications:

• Price (base MSRP): $48,495
• Body Type: 5-door SUV
• Layout: front engine, 4WD
• Engine: 420-hp, 420 ft-lb of torque, 16-valve 6.1L HEMI V8 with MDS
• Transmission: 5-spd auto with manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
• Wheels & Tires (front/rear): 255/45WR20 / 285/40WR20
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Capacity (seat up/down): 978 / 1,909 L (34.5/67.4 cu ft)
• Towing Capacity: 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Audi Q7*, BMW X5 4.8is, Cadillac SRX V8, Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged*, Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Volkswagen Touareg V8/W12 Sport*, Volvo XC90 V8
• Website: www.jeep.ca