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500+ HP 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Coming This Summer

 
44 120,510 views Apr 28, 2010
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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 preview sketch

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 preview sketch

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Once upon a time, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 laid claim to being the fastest SUV in the world. Since then, Porsche's Cayenne Turbo and BMW's X5 and X6 M have nabbed the title away. Jeep doesn't look to be content with that scenario, however, and our sources within the company have confirmed that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is indeed still coming, and it's coming this summer.

We don't have any official details on what the crazy-hot SUV might have under its new skin, but as Chrysler previewed last year, we expect a larger, beefier version of the current 6.1-liter HEMI engine, enlarged to 6.4-liters with output over 500 horsepower, and possibly as high as the BMW M SUVs' 555-horsepower figure. That, combined with the new 2011 Grand Cherokee's improved chassis, could prove a brutal combination, and enough to take back the top spot in the nonsensically-fast but awesome juiced-up SUV segment.

Such a truck wouldn't be any help in meeting CAFE standards, but it won't be sold in any considerable volume, either, so the halo shot might be worth it for Jeep. With a suitable suspension setup and enough features thrown at it, it could even pose a reasonable alternative to the German (and English, if you throw in the Range Rover Sport Supercharged) alternatives.

That's all we have on the Grand Cherokee SRT8 for now, but stay tuned this summer for more, as we have a feeling we'll be getting a closer look at what's in store for speed-loving Jeep fans in a couple months.





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Comments (44)

  1. By PJ Posted: 4/28/2010 1:36pm PDT

    YES YES YES!! Build it! PLEASE! My non-sensical self is begging for an update to my Jeep SRT8 :)
     
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  2. By rich Posted: 4/28/2010 2:31pm PDT

    Pointless. Gluttony runs amok. Isn't gluttony what got us into this financial crisis?
     
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  3. By NoNameDenton Posted: 4/28/2010 2:46pm PDT

    rich you don't know what your talking about. Anyways I say bring it on I want to see the 6.4 liter Hemi I keep hearing about.
     
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  4. By SC Posted: 4/28/2010 5:55pm PDT

    I think the U.S. car makers that took bailout money should just concentrate on improving and managing quality, cost, labor, and business.
     
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  5. By TnTPhilly Posted: 4/28/2010 8:19pm PDT

    I give them until 2015 for them to require yet another bailout. Oh Chrysler, when will you learn, har har har.
     
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  6. By NoNameDenton Posted: 4/28/2010 9:05pm PDT

    TnTPhilly, you can say the same thing about GM
     
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  7. By BQ Posted: 4/29/2010 7:08am PDT

    Hey Prius Drivers...This is actually more practical than any Muscle car or sports car out there. You can carry more, drive in inclimate weather and carry the kids with luggage. You don't see me complaining about your contamination your Lithium Ion batteries we'll be dealing with in a short time. Stupid wars got us into this mess. Not high performance vehicles.
     
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  8. By PJ Posted: 4/29/2010 7:48am PDT

    First - this may appear in 2011 but the rumors I've heard, it will be sold as a 2012 (orders possibly opening in July 2011).
    And folks, this version is a LOW VOLUME vehicle, about 3000 per year. They spend the money to develop it as a HALO vehicle for Jeep just as BMW, Porsche and Range Rover do. They compete in the SUV market NOT the mini/sub-compact market.
    Strangely enough there is a market for this type of vehicle. And just so you folks know the Jeep SRT8 (from 2006 through 2009) was sold out. There may be a handful of 2010s on dealer lots right now but they WILL sell them in due time (go ahead and do a search at CARS.COM and you'll see). In my book, that's a successful vehicle that sold at a premium until bankruptcy (ie, no incentives usually dealer mark up!).
    Chrysler needs more of that success in bigger volumes true.
     
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  9. By Rick Posted: 4/29/2010 8:07am PDT

    Too bad it won't look like that picture.
     
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  10. By Bubba Posted: 4/29/2010 8:20am PDT

    SC - Just managing the basic, day-to-day business issues without exciting new product would be a path to oblivion for Chrysler. Low-volume SRT versions of existing products have always been very profitable for Chrysler because the incremental development costs are low and the price premium they can charge over mainstream versions is high and nearly pure margin. And having a "halo" version like this will probably bring more people into the showroom that will actually end up buying the standard Grand Cherokee with its new fuel-efficient V6.
     
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  11. fb_1510606196 avatar Carl Thelin Posted: 4/29/2010 8:26am PDT

    Most of the grown up posters see it my way. This is show-off macho stuff with no real income potential. Halo cars (ala Corvette) barely pay their way.
     
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  12. By Saabaru5 Posted: 4/29/2010 10:16am PDT

    I think Chrysler NEEDS exciting halo vehicles to remain relevant. I agree with all of what Bubba said, especially getting more people into showrooms with these type of vehicles. Chrysler has always been known for bringing some of the craziest concepts to production, why should that stop now? IMO, those are Chrysler's bright spots throughout their history. Chrysler is still spending money in the right areas, developing more efficient motors, and technologies. Plus, Fiat will be a huge help in bringing smaller power-plants stateside.
    @Carl
    Are you even an automotive enthusiast at all?! It sounds like you are supporting the automobile becoming more of an appliance, instead of a machine that is part of our culture, helping us to express ourselves, our passion. Just do away with any driving emotion.. Okay.. Pull your head out.
     
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  13. By TnTPhilly Posted: 4/29/2010 11:12am PDT

    This is the same car they've made for 20 years, just more hp.
    "Developing more efficient motors, and technologies." Since when? Since now?
     
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  14. By NoNameDenton Posted: 4/29/2010 3:37pm PDT

    TnTPhilly, that is not close to being true, it will be more fuel efficient and the platform is new, co-developed with Daimler.
     
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  15. By Anonymous Posted: 4/29/2010 3:54pm PDT

    The first basic law of human stupidity asserts without ambiguity that:
    Always and inevitably everyone underestimates the number of stupid individuals in circulation!
     
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  16. By Saabaru5 Posted: 4/29/2010 4:40pm PDT

    @TnTPhilly
    Yes, that is true, now.. Chrysler has their faults, I don't disagree there, but I think they are finally beginning to make the right moves and focus on the right things, now.. With much credit going to Fiat, of course.
     
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  17. By Saabaru5 Posted: 4/29/2010 4:53pm PDT

    Also-
    NND has a valid point, it's not a reproduction of Cherokees built for the last 20 years, it is all new, and the new motor will be the newly developed Pentastar V6 that is also more fuel efficient.
     
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  18. By  kevin Posted: 4/30/2010 12:05pm PDT

    This truck would be a lot of fun to drive until you need to fill the tank. I'm sure it drinks gas.
     
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  19. By NoNameDenton Posted: 4/30/2010 9:13pm PDT

    Actually Keven according to sources the 6.4 liter is supposed to be more fuel efficient then its predecessor and have numerous gas saving techs on it
     
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  20. By cccheung Posted: 5/2/2010 7:16pm PDT

    At last. After reading so much over the last couple of years about the 6.4 liter engine it is finally going into the SRT8 Jeep Cherokee. This is vital for Dodge-Jeep-Chrysler to compete with the Ford and GM engines punching out 550 bhp and available today in showrooms. The 6.4 liter can go into the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 and the Challenger SRT series. Large displacement V-8s with mega-horsepower, that is what America does best. Look at Europe and Asia, not a single car maker can produce so much horsepower for so little money.
    I rest my case.
     
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  21. By Mr. D Posted: 5/6/2010 6:34am PDT

    NonNameDenton the platform for this vehicle is not new. It is a Mercedes ML with a different body and without all of the same ML goodies. I just hope Chrysler spends time on getting a twin turbo clean diesel four cylinder Mercedes engine certified for use in it too. After all our tax dollars need to be better spent getting significantly improved fuel economy from Chrysler and not just helping them churn out more gas guzzlers.
     
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  22. By Duke Posted: 7/2/2010 4:52pm PDT

    i'll say this i work at the plant our trucks are beautiful... Cant wait to see this bad boy hit the streets.. Chrysler is on the come up!!!! CHRYSLER IS BACK IN FOOL EFFECT"
     
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  23. By Corey Locke Posted: 7/7/2010 6:18am PDT

    I had an 07 SRT8 that was fully loaded... It was an absolute beast at 425hp/425 torque with all week drive, etc. However, they just didn't get the brakes right. My Brimbo brakes squealed from day one and they changed the pads about a dozen times and changed the rotors and then told me that was just the way they were and nothing could be done. They also don't tell you that the brakes are a one time use...if you have to replace the pads then you have to replace the rotors and these are not cheap...about $1500 to do the brakes. One tire costs $500...it is just an expensive car to own. Nice if it's a toy, but mine was an everyday driver. 2011 looks BA though!
     
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  24. By Rigo Posted: 7/10/2010 8:52am PDT

    I own a 2006srt8,it's the best machine I have ever owned. I have owned GTO's and TransM6.6 but nothing compares to the jeep.Its a pleasure to drive it on an open road.Hope to see the 2012 soon.
     
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  25. By Johnny Posted: 7/12/2010 11:25pm PDT

    Please Keep the old body style If I was going to buy something that looked like an infinite or porche I would buy one of them.
     
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  26. By Johnny Posted: 7/12/2010 11:37pm PDT

    Also I must say for those who are worried about expenses like gas, tires, insurance, normal repairs, etc. You can't afford this vehicle don't buy.
     
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  27. By billy Posted: 8/5/2010 8:44pm PDT

    these are amazing machines. i have one. as for all of you bitching about it ,its big engine ,the cost to use and maintain it ,ect...this b.a.truck is not built for sissies, wellfare recipients ,or d.a.'s with s--- jobs quit looking at it and reading about it and leave the men play with our new awsome toy!!!! (pantiewastes)
     
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  28. By Alex Posted: 8/8/2010 5:49pm PDT

    At first, I was reluctant to own an American car. At 18, my 1st car was a BMW 525i, then an Audi A4, next Benz CL 430 and lastly BMW x5. I loved each car I owned, but felt compelled to buy this car the moment I saw it. The power and price were a great combo. I feel better that I'm supporting our country and that more dollars due to my purchase are staying stateside. A deal breaker would have been a bad sound system which I always upgraded to the best with the European models. The srt8 passed the test. The only complaint i have is that living in nyc now the side mirros not turning electronically drives me nuts! I have to reach out over the passenger seat as if I was driving an economical car. I got more complements on this car than any of the others I owned. I love the limited production.
     
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  29. By John Posted: 8/28/2010 7:28am PDT

    @Johnny - "If I was going to buy something that looked like an infinite or porche I would buy one of them"... Yeah, and you wouldn't have a Jeep SRT8 under your seat... If you really wanted a Grand Cherokee SRT8 you wouldn't choose only based on the looks... You'd choose based on the mechanics under the body. I for one have made my choice.
     
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  30. By f jews Posted: 9/20/2010 8:29pm PDT

    PLEASE JEEP PLEASE MAKE THE SRT8 BETTER THEN THE 2009 1 PLEASEEEEEEEE MAKE IT FASTER ILL BUY 1 I PROMISE
     
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  31. By MYCTS-V1 Posted: 11/1/2010 12:15pm PDT

    I love love it, My CTS V is getting boring already.. I want AWD 500hp+!!!
     
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  32. By HemiSpherical Posted: 11/3/2010 4:46pm PDT

    I am a proud owner of a '07 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8. For you doubters, go to BMW and price up a X5 M. You will see the price tag pass $100,000. So, buy American and be proud. PS, I am a former 7-Series owner and the obvious differences aside, the Jeep out brakes, out corners, out accelerates, and out sounds the BMW. Add $50,000 in savings and guess what, you have enough to buy the new Jeep SRT-8 in 2011. Thank you Chrysler for making me relive my teens every day. Those doubters out there, test drive ANY Hemi 6.1L engined car. If you still feel the same after the experience, go out a buy yourself a lesser vehicle. Just remember to stay out of the left lane.
     
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  33. By madSRT Posted: 11/19/2010 11:24am PST

    Interesting perspectives on this one. I have a 2010 SRT8 Grand Cherokee and it is a pretty fun car. I've owned the full range of vehicles and am coming out of a 2006 MB C55....gotta tell you. MB, which I've owned plenty of, is a joke. Great quiality, etc, but the cost of ownership is beyond obscene.
    For all those arguing about gas from the perspective of how thirsty a 6.1L is....gotta tell ya Captn Obvious, you can't afford it.
     
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  34. By RON TAYL Posted: 11/30/2010 7:17am PST

    Bring on the 2012 SRT....I am ready. I have the 08 and absolutly love it...great driver, best stock sound I've ever heard, great power, attitude. Just rolling through a parking lot it looks and sound like pure fun. I am 71 and it make me feel great.
    Wifes favorite ride also and she has a 2010 Jag in the garage!!!
     
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  35. fb_1594730761 avatar Collin Davis Posted: 12/27/2010 10:57am PST

    As being an owner of a 2007 grand cherokee srt8 I'm thinking about doing a trade in when they come out but its a fast vehicle I love making little boy toy cars that are all sooped up look like little girls in front of there woman and mine is stock! Go jeep! Bring on the fun!
     
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  36. By damon Posted: 1/11/2011 3:01am PST

    i luv it!!! my fav vehicle in the world, sold jeeps for 2 years...and this and the rubicon will ALWAYS SELL OUT! jeep will always do well know its time to claim that title back!!!!
     
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  37. By Sash Posted: 1/17/2011 11:08am PST

    Have 08 JGC SRT8 and its amazing "performance" truck (toy). Solid overall no issues with over 50K on it. Yes brakes are expensive but this is not Wrangler either. Had to change my brakes at about 25K. Just purchased the new 11 JGC Limited and can't wait for 12 JGC SRT8 to come out. FYI I come from Audi family and I never looked back. New 11 interior is nite and day to previous gen so they got it right in that dept as well. Great job guys!!!
     
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  38. By anonymous Posted: 1/23/2011 2:20pm PST

    Come on folks... Let's face it this is a big boy toy! If you want gas milage get the Hemi 5.7 or the V6 with over 20 MPG, if you buy this it is because you have the means and deserve it! As far as chrysler goes this is a "Private" company don't bring "tax dollars" into it, these are share holders keeping a good thing alive for an nation built on a passion for automotive excellence. Yes we have stumbled and made our share of mistakes but are you telling me Audi and its excelleration sticking issues in the 80s which stopped sales in the states and now Toyota with very similar issues are not a big problem? not to mention the amount of gas those big trucks and SUVs suck down!! come on, if you don't like it don't buy it!! ...for all us MOPAR guys we say; BRING IT!!!
     
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  39. By anonymous Posted: 1/23/2011 2:21pm PST

    Come on folks... Let's face it this is a big boy toy! If you want gas milage get the Hemi 5.7 or the V6 with over 20 MPG, if you buy this it is because you have the means and deserve it! As far as chrysler goes this is a "Private" company don't bring "tax dollars" into it, these are share holders keeping a good thing alive for an nation built on a passion for automotive excellence. Yes we have stumbled and made our share of mistakes but are you telling me Audi and its excelleration sticking issues in the 80s which stopped sales in the states and now Toyota with very similar issues are not a big problem? not to mention the amount of gas those big trucks and SUVs suck down!! come on, if you don't like it don't buy it!! ...for all us MOPAR guys we say; BRING IT!!!
     
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  40. By Varinder Posted: 2/20/2011 10:20am PST

    This car is the most amazing car in the world...I can't wait until i get my hands on it.May god please give me this desired car that i want. This is one in a million car. Best SUV car in the WORLD. This is Varinder Singh, and i approve this message that this is the best SUV in the world.
     
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  41. By  bossman Posted: 2/22/2011 5:48pm PST

    I don't own one [yet] but yes i do plan to buy soon no matter the year or cost,jeep lovers rock on haters sit down!!!!!
     
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  42. By chris in SA Posted: 4/5/2011 4:54am PDT

    The SRT8 is considered the hottest SUV in the country. I own a 2007 SRT and really cant wait for the 2012 version. For those of you who complain I'm sorry that you cannot experience real adrenalin. The cost of gas is small compared to the thrill. Well done to Jeep for giving us something to appreciate.
     
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  43. By Chris in SA Posted: 4/5/2011 5:03am PDT

    Often people say that the SRT8 is not a genuine 4x4. I have had the front scoop trimmed by 15 cms, and it really goes anywhere. Just lock in 2nd gear and the torque pulls you up anything. Also have higher profile tyres and it made a huge difference.
     
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  44. By Jeep Joe Posted: 4/23/2011 7:50pm PDT

    Yeah all the nay sayers that want to poke at Chrysler for developing their new and unbelievable products. Lets just let the chrysler family of vehicles prove what the have before we start to use the oh oh bailout. Perhaps if more people bought american made products like the new 2011 grand cherokee the bailout would not have been needed. But lets just let all you snapperheads buy your toyotas and volkswagens.... Support the japaneese and german economy when will we learn. Remember folks I'm sure you have someone in your family that fough and maybe died during WWII. That was afterall aginst the Japaneese and Germans right... enough said I think.
     
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