2012 Jeep SRT8

[Beckham]

http://jalopnik.com/#!5793283/the-20...+powered-sarge

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's still a super-powered SargeA Jeep that can pull 0.9g on the skidpad? You already know that. But a Jeep with paddle shifters? That's a new one. Meet the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. And yes, it does look like our two-year-old spy rendering.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 not only gets a new basis model — the latest Grand Cherokee with a Mercedes M-Class-derived independent rear suspension (and 146 percent improvement in torsional stiffness) — it also gets a 0.3-liter boost in Hemi displacement (to the current 6.4 liters) and power bump from 420 hp to 456 hp (and 465 lb-ft). That, Jeep says, means 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and the quarter-mile in 
mid-13s. Braking from 60-0 happens in 116 feet via Brembo six-pistons in front, four-pistons in the rear and vented rotors all around — 15" in the front, 13.8 in the rear.

A big deal in the latest SRT8 is a new adaptive-damping system, managed by Jeep's new Selec-Track system, which also manages stability control, transmission shift mapping, transfer-case torque proportioning, performance of the electronic limited-slip differential, throttle control and cylinder deactivation.

Top that off with an active valve exhaust system allows standard Fuel Saver Technology to engage over a wider rpm range for an estimated 13% improvement in highway fuel efficiency and a 450-mile range. Mmm, big tank...

But it's those standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters that Jeep claims will allow for "spirited shifting on the road 
and track." Yes, sure, but couldn't we just have a manual?

And as always, owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle receive one day of professional driving instruction from the Richard Petty Racing School as part of the SRT Track Experience, designed to maximize their driving knowledge and skills on the street or track. Sessions are held throughout the year at selected tracks

The new SRT8-ified Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in Jeep showrooms in the third quarter of this year.

Oh, and it can tow 5,000 pounds. So, yeah.

Sooooooo badass. The side profile reminds me of a BMW X5.

[Samir]

I liked the original one, but it seems the public didn't. And now they're bringing it back? I hope someone did the market studies on this...

[Beckham]

The public did, they just didn't like the gas mileage.

They didn't make many SRT8 Jeeps before, too. I've only seen a few in HSV.

[cruel1hemi]

I want one.

[Samir]

Gas mileage, lol. If you put the pedal down in a performance vehicle, you'll never have good gas mileage. My Corvette got 33mpg on the highway, but not when my foot was in it.

That is true that they were a lot more limited production. It will be interesting to see what happens with more production numbers.

[Beckham]

I think they got 8mpg in the city with the older models, haha.

[EvilZ]

I'm pretty impessed with the brakes..............I'd still rather have a TBSS though.

[Beckham]

Originally Posted by EvilZ

I'm pretty impessed with the brakes..............I'd still rather have a TBSS though.

I wouldn't.

I love TBSS', but the interior blows on them in my opinion.

[A_Cryer]

Jeeps look alot better in my opinion, but the only draw back is the fact that you could not pull anything with them. When I had my TBSS, it would pull our boat really well. If I was just buying one to have I would want the jeep because it overall looks better and their is too many TBSS's around now.

[Samir]

Originally Posted by A_Cryer

Jeeps look alot better in my opinion, but the only draw back is the fact that you could not pull anything with them.

Something tells me you wouldn't have any problems pulling anything with this Jeep.

[A_Cryer]

Yeah the old ones had the dual exhaust in the middle of the bumper so i don't even know if it had a tow package. This is definitely an improvement

[Samir]

Originally Posted by A_Cryer

Yeah the old ones had the dual exhaust in the middle of the bumper so i don't even know if it had a tow package. This is definitely an improvement

You know, I never realized the downside of a center exhaust until you pointed this out. So obvious, but I never tow anything, so it never even occurred to me.

[EvilZ]

Me either.......I'm still digging the TBSS but I'm a LSX fan.

[racinfast002]

Originally Posted by EvilZ

Me either.......I'm still digging the TBSS but I'm a LSX fan.

no lie!

I think this is an interesting market. I don't really get why someone would want a performance suv, but whatever.

Now a SRT Wrangler on the other hand, SIGN ME UP

[Beckham]

Originally Posted by racinfast002

I think this is an interesting market. I don't really get why someone would want a performance suv, but whatever.

The TBSS' seem to of sold really well.

I love the LSx more than the engine in the SRT8, but everything else about the SRT8 is a lot better than the TBSS.

[clintjohns]

you know this is a Jeep right - Just making sure - never understood theSRT8 jeep or the TBSS