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Jeep Launches 152 Mph Grand Cherokee SRT8 For Just Ł40, 585
[June 10th, 2006 – WKJeeps.com] Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) excessive efficiency division has fitted an enlarged model of the corporate’s legendary HEMI engine into the Grand Cherokee, creating the quickest, strongest Jeep ever made.
Powered by a 6.1-litre HEMI V-8 producing 420 bhp and 420 lb ft of torque, the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 is 25 per cent extra highly effective than the usual Grand Cherokee and makes use of a singular four-wheel drive system to assist it speed up to 62 mph in simply 5.0 seconds, attaining a prime velocity of 152 mph.
“When Jeep got down to create its quickest-ever mannequin, it was with the race monitor fairly than mud monitor in thoughts,” mentioned Peter Lambert, Managing Director of Chrysler Group UK. “The SRT-8 is just not meant to be off-road succesful. Instead, with this injection of SRT DNA, the brand new Grand Cherokee SRT-8 establishes a recent benchmark for high-performance SUVs. It has the uncooked energy to out-perform a Porsche Cayenne Turbo at a fraction of the worth.”
Although the center of the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 is the enlarged 6.1-litre HEMI V-8 engine, the purpose of the four-wheel drive system is to maximise the on-road traction accessible to the motive force, whereas being sturdy and dependable sufficient to deal with the upgraded HEMI engine’s huge quantities of energy and torque.
The all-new distinctive switch case is ready as much as ship from 5 to 10 p.c of torque to the entrance wheels, underneath regular driving situations, with the remaining 90-to-95 p.c being despatched to the rear axle. When driving on slippery surfaces, the four-wheel drive system can routinely switch as much as 100% of torque to the entrance wheels when further traction and stability is required.
As effectively because the high-performance engine and four-wheel drive system, all SRT automobiles function a race-inspired inside and performance-oriented exterior options. These options embody an all-new entrance fascia, to scale back carry and drag and offering ample airflow to satisfy the elevated cooling calls for of the bigger HEMI engine, distinctive air consumption ducts that assist cool the entrance brakes, specifically designed aspect sill extensions that assist to extend down pressure, a brand new rear fascia incorporating two giant diameter exhaust tail pipes and five-spoke 20-inch solid aluminium wheels.
To match the automobile’s efficiency traits, the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 presents enhanced trip and dealing with, and first-class braking with an ultra-high efficiency Brembo racing-style braking system. The SRT-8’s distinctive chassis set-up consists of tuned Bilstein dampers, specifically tailor-made spring charges and suspension bushings and larger-diameter anti-roll bars, along with 25 mm decrease trip peak and a re-tuned ESP system.
Peter Lambert added: “This sensational addition to the Jeep mannequin vary is priced at Ł40,585 on-the-road and is on sale to UK clients in right-hand drive from July 2006. If driving fanatics need to get their arms on the quickest Jeep ever they should be as fast because the automobile itself! Only a handful will likely be introduced into the UK this yr.”
New Four-wheel-drive System
Developing the primary SRT car with four-wheel-drive, SRT engineers created a drive practice that was light-weight, but sturdy and dependable sufficient to deal with the upgraded HEMI engine’s huge quantities of energy and torque. A brand new switch casing was designed, housing parts from two current items, bolstered for his or her new function. Engineers opted to make use of the entrance half of a Jeep switch case, mated to the rear half of a heavy-duty case, chosen for its ruggedness and talent to accommodate the digital full-time four-wheel-drive system’s parts.
Under regular driving situations, this all-new switch case delivers from 5 to 10 p.c of torque to the entrance wheels, with 90-to-95 p.c being despatched by way of a heavy-duty propshaft (from the diesel-powered Grand Cherokee) to a Dana 44 rear differential upgraded with a bigger crown wheel fitted inside a brand new axle casing. The system was designed to offer a well-balanced car with a excessive fun-to-drive issue, befitting its SRT badging.
Under extreme highway situations, when travelling on slippery surfaces, the four-wheel-drive system can switch as much as 100% of torque to the entrance wheels, routinely as wanted, when further traction and stability is required.
Awesome HEMI V-8 Power
At the center of the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 is an enlarged SRT 6.1-litre HEMI V-8 engine, which generates 420 bhp – 85 horsepower greater than the 5.7-litre model – an enormous 25 per cent energy enhance, with 420 lb.-ft. of torque in comparison with the smaller V-8’s 369 lb.-ft.
This usually aspirated 90-degree V-8 is the best specific-output engine ever supplied by the Chrysler Group – its 69.8 horsepower-per-litre score exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 ‘Street HEMI’.
Although the Chrysler HEMI engine entered into legend within the Nineteen Sixties and ‘70s, right this moment’s model took a lot of its inspiration from the unique Fifties model – significantly the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers that present energy and effectivity. When SRT got down to develop a extra highly effective HEMI for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chrysler 300C, they have been aware of the engine’s heritage, adopting conventional HEMI engine cues such because the orange-painted cylinder block and black valve covers.
The SRT powertrain engineers who developed the Grand Cherokee SRT-8’s engine achieved extra horsepower by rising the capability, elevating the compression ratio, redesigning the cylinder head air consumption and exhaust programs for elevated circulate, and enhancing the inner parts to permit larger engine speeds (rpm). Strengthened parts embody a bolstered engine block, solid metal crankshaft and high-strength connecting rods.
The cylinder bore of the 90-degree V-8 was elevated by 3.5 mm, boosting displacement from 5.7-litres (5654 cc) to six.1-litres (6063 cc). The compression ratio was raised from 9.5:1 to 10.3:1, unleashing extra vitality within the combustion course of. Maximum energy of 420 bhp is generated at 6,000 rpm, whereas most torque (420 lb.-ft.) is produced at 4,800 rpm.
Engine respiratory was elevated with new high-flow cylinder heads that includes 16 bigger diameter valves (2 per cylinder) and reshaped cylinder ports to maximise airflow. A particular consumption manifold was designed with bigger diameter runners for higher-speed tuning and the exhaust ‘header’ pipes have particular person tubes encased in a chrome steel shell, routed by way of a larger-diameter (70 mm vs. 63.5 mm) exhaust system with 101 mm chrome tail pipes – all distinctive to the Grand Cherokee SRT-8’s 6.1-litre HEMI engine.
Performance-oriented camshaft profiles have been developed to steadiness whole car necessities, concurrently permitting extra air out and in of the cylinders and enabling the engine to realize larger revs. SRT engineers elevated the HEMI’s peak engine velocity practically 20 p.c, to six,000 rpm (up from 5,000 rpm).
The high-performance 6.1-litre HEMI is additional strengthened with a bunch of redesigned parts, together with a bolstered engine block with elevated coolant circulate, solid metal crankshaft, high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil squirters), an oil sump modified for diminished oil foaming and hole, sodium-filled consumption and exhaust valve stems to assist dissipate warmth extra effectively.
The 6.1-litre HEMI’s energy is channelled by way of an A580 five-speed automated transmission with specifically calibrated AutoStick® driver-selectable vary management, which presents absolutely automated operation or sequential guide gear choice. A heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sends the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and rear axle.
Ride and Handling
The Grand Cherokee SRT-8 chassis has been fine-tuned to ship excellent SRT-style trip and dealing with throughout the broad dynamic vary that enthusiastic Jeep house owners are certain to take advantage of to the fullest extent. While the prevailing Grand Cherokee’s suspension structure – impartial with double wishbones on the entrance and a dwell axle positioned with a number of hyperlinks on the rear – is retained, quite a few enhancements have been made.
The SRT-8’s distinctive chassis set-up consists of tuned Bilstein dampers, specifically tailor-made spring charges and suspension bushings and larger-diameter anti-roll bars. The trip peak is lowered by 25 mm, decreasing aerodynamic drag, decreasing the centre of gravity and enhancing stability and creating an aggressive stance. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is specifically re-tuned to match the automobile’s efficiency traits. The power-assisted rack and pinion steering is larger geared for a extra agile response, with 2.85 turns lock-to-lock for an 11.3 metre turning circle, in contrast with 3.14 activates the common Grand Cherokee.
Contributing to its aggressive look, whereas offering each a beauty hype and real efficiency enhance, the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 is supplied with bigger diameter, distinctive five-spoke 20-inch solid aluminium wheels shod with high-performance 245/45 ZR20 all-season tyres, with a run-flat functionality.
Upgraded Braking
The braking system of the all-new Grand Cherokee SRT-8 was upgraded to offer benchmark braking efficiency, setting a brand new customary for SUVs and a potent counterpoint to the car’s superb acceleration and efficiency.
To cease the car safely and predictably from excessive speeds, all 4 discs are fitted with ultra-high efficiency Brembo racing-style callipers, geared up with 4 pistons for even higher clamping efficiency. Up entrance, there are 360 x 32mm ventilated discs, with 350 x 28mm ventilated discs on the rear. Stopping from 62 mph is achieved in simply 125 toes (38.1 metres).
Functional SRT Exterior Enhancements
Appropriate to its function as ‘the quickest-ever Jeep’ the Grand Cherokee SRT-8’s exterior styling follows the SRT credo with practical exterior enhancements distinctive to this mannequin, which enhance efficiency and resonate with model character. The new mannequin’s lowered, aggressive stance reveals its unmistakable Jeep identification endowed with Street and Racing Technology DNA.
An all-new entrance fascia embodies aerodynamic enhancements that cut back carry and drag, whereas offering ample airflow to satisfy the elevated cooling calls for of the bigger HEMI engine. Unique air consumption ducts additionally assist to chill the entrance brakes. A brand new rear fascia incorporates an aggressive centre cut-out to accommodate the twin 101 mm diameter exhaust tail pipes. In addition, specifically designed aspect sill extensions assist to extend downforce.
Unique Interior Features
The cabin of the brand new Grand Cherokee SRT-8 is distinguished by power-adjustable, deeply sculpted efficiency entrance seats full with uniquely patterned suede inserts designed to carry the occupants securely throughout spirited driving. The heated entrance seats are additionally geared up with reminiscence features and the height-adjustable steering wheel ensures that each driver can discover the ‘excellent’ seating place from which to completely exploit the SRT-8’s efficiency. All Grand Cherokee SRT-8 automobiles function an inside trimmed in Medium Slate Grey leather-based.
Other SRT-only trim features a particular ‘carbon-fibre technical’ leather-based trim for a extra constructive grip, which is utilized to the steering wheel and kit selector. The centre stack includes a distinctive end in ‘refined aluminium’ which can also be utilized to shifter console and door-switch bezels. The steering wheel frames complete instrumentation, together with a 180 mph (290 km/h) speedometer, tachometer and engine temperature gauges, all trimmed with a blue accent and positioned in a carbon-fibre trimmed binnacle.
Premium facilities inside the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 cabin embody an ordinary AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc CD changer, 280 Watts audio system powering a six-speaker Boston Acoustics speaker system, with steering wheel-mounted controls.
Heating and cooling changes are by way of a dual-zone absolutely automated local weather management air-conditioning system with infrared temperature sensing. Other customary options embody a full display satellite tv for pc navigation system, whereas a rear seats leisure DVD system is offered as an possibility.
Choice of two colors…
Jeep clients within the UK will likely be supplied a alternative of two exterior colors for his or her Grand Cherokee SRT-8 – Brilliant Black Crystal Pearlcoat or Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat – every with the inside completed in Medium Slate Grey leather-based.
Security and Warranty
Like different Jeep fashions, the brand new Grand Cherokee SRT-8 has distant management central locking and a Thatcham Category 1 safety system incorporating the Sentry Key® theft deterrent system, plus a classy engine immobilising system that forestalls the car being began with a solid key or by straight connecting the ignition wires.
All Jeep fashions are coated by the corporate’s guarantee scheme, which gives a three-year/60,000 mile mechanical guarantee, seven-year anti-corrosion guarantee and 12 months European roadside help.