Jeep unveils hot Grand Cherokee

Jeep has revealed the first pictures and details of a high-performance, V8-powered version of its recently launched Grand Cherokee.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 gets a 6.4-litre ‘Hemi’ V8 motor producing 471bhp and 465lb ft of torque. That’s enough to take the big off-roader from 0-62mph in 4.8sec and from 0-100mph in around 16 seconds. The top speed is a heady 158mph.

Despite the headline power figures - which are up by almost 50bhp over the previous-generation 6.1-litre V8’s - Chrysler claims the new motor is much more efficient. It hasn’t released any fuel economy figures, but says the SRT8 can now travel 470 miles on a tank of petrol.

The rest of the SRT8’s make-up follows the improvements introduced on the new Grand Cherokee, whose body and construction are considerably stiffer than the old model’s.

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Jeep SRT8 gallery

Chassis features include ‘active’ suspension that can switch between five modes for different driving conditions, an electronic limited-slip differential, uprated Brembo brakes that can stop the car from 62mph in just 35 metres, and hydraulic power steering with an uprated pump. The car sits on five-spoke, 20-inch forged aluminium wheels.

The SRT8’s extensive standard equipment list includes a data display that can show everything from lateral g-forces to steering input measurements. It also features Nappa leather and suede seats, carbonfibre inserts on the fascia and door panels, a double-length sunroof and a touch-screen infotainment system with sat-nav and a 19-speaker hi-fi.

The SRT8 will go on sale next spring; Chrysler will offer the car through its UK showrooms, and it will be available in right-hand drive. There’s no word on pricing yet, but we’d expect it to cost it least £50,000.