I got a chance to spend a week with the uber-Grand Cherokee SRT recently. SRT, which stands for Street and Racing Technology, is a group within Chrysler that creates super versions of cars such as the Viper sports car and the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.
In this case, the already formidably sized and shaped SUV receives a monster 6.4 liter Hemi V8 under the hood that grunts out a hefty 470 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Regular Grand Cherokees offer lesser powerplants, including the 3.6-liter V6 that's likely to be under the chiseled hood of most of them. It has "only" 290 horsepower.
The SRT shoots down the road like a rocket, and even comes with a Launch Control button and a set of Performance Pages on its 8.4-inch dash screen, so you can drive like a professional driver, bringing engine, transmission, driveline, stability control, and suspension in line for a launch worthy of a racetrack. I regret that I didn't get to using it in my week of commuting and errand running.
The 8.4-inch screen also gives you access to Uconnect Access Via Mobile, an all-new feature that lets you stream your favorite music into the car using Aha, iHeart, Pandora or Slacker. You also get access to Bing Internet searches and can even use voice texting – something that I didn't get a chance to try but can imagine is a big selling point for those who simply must communicate at every waking moment.
The SRT's instrument panel features a 180-mph speedometer, and this feels like a car that can use most of that. You can get readouts for ongoing miles-per-gallon and other trip information too.
The SRT is loaded with anything you'd want in a luxury high-performance vehicle. The interior has been upgraded for materials, design and access. The new three-spoke steering wheel has a flat bottom, and with fine materials and textures, feels different when making turns. The leather seats are extra luxurious and comfortable and fully adjustable. I noted true carbon fiber trim--an expensive and exclusive material that is often replicated but rarely provided.
The T-handle shifter for the transmission is more muscular and retro-themed--and is attached, this year, to a new eight-speed automatic that uses all the brains in the car's computer to provide exactly the right gear for whatever conditions you're in. It considers such things as engine torque, kick-downs, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, grade changes, friction and downshifting to feel natural, despite its carefully-plotted perfection. If you want to manually shift using the redesigned steering column paddles, that's available too.
The body of this massive projectile has been tweaked for 2014 from an already highly esteemed design. I was surprised to see massive vents in the hood--it probably needs them--and the slimmed-down headlamps and taillamps are surrounded by black for a "floating" look. The roof spoiler has been reconfigured and helps to move the air out of the way. The entire effect is more burly and tough to go with the SRT designation. In Dark Cherry Red, with massive 20-inch alloy wheels wearing Pirelli PZero tires, you notice this one coming.
Naturally, with this large of an engine, the fuel economy is not something to brag about to your ecologically-minded neighbors, at 13 City, 19 Highway, 15 Combined. I achieved exactly 15 mpg during my week, and was glad to get it. The EPA's Smog score is a 5 but Greenhouse Gas is just a 2.
As a possible off-roader, the Grand Cherokee SRT comes with a refined version of the Selec-Track system, accessible with a console-mounted dial. There are five dynamic modes: Auto, Sport, Tow, Track, and Snow, and each shows a different image of the car on the view screen when you select it. It lets drivers choose the vehicle setting that most ideally meets their needs and road conditions.
The Parksense feature lets you know what's around you when you're navigating the urban jungle. With a car this big it's good to be extra aware. With screen images and sounds, you're much less likely to run into anything--or anyone--with this electronic assistant.
Prices for the Grand Cherokee SRT start at $63,990, including destination charges. My tester came to $69,470. The entry point for Grand Cherokee ownership is the two-wheel-drive Laredo, at $29,590, and it works its way up from there. There is a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel option now, that puts out 240 horsepower but an astounding 420 lb.-ft. of torque.
This car is a halo vehicle for the Jeep brand, and in that role, is a perfect blend of sports car and people/gear hauler, with all the trimmings. And it's got a Hemi! I'm not sure it would be my choice of a daily commuter with those mileage and price numbers, but there's no question that the Grand Cherokee SRT makes a big impression, and competes successfully with the heavy hitters, such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, for the luxury SUV buyer.
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I remember when I bought my first Jeep Grande Cherokee shortly after I graduated high school 10 years ago. It was a beautiful maroon vehicle but it was also built tough. I even put in a powerful stereo system. I really enjoyed riding in it with my friends and girlfriend.
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