Stellantis Media Site Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8: The Quickest, Most Powerful Jeep Vehicle Ever (Outside North America)                                                Contact:                                                             Ariel                         Gavilan                                                                                                Benjamin                         Syring                                                                                                                                                                                   Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8: The Quickest, Most Powerful Jeep Vehicle Ever (Outside North America)                                           Press release translations and specifications are available in pdf format to the right under "Attached Files."   With a 6.1-litre SRT HEMI® V-8, Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8 offers ultimate SUV performance   0-100 km in approximately 5 seconds — quicker than Porsche Cayenne Turbo, BMW X5  Proven Jeep capability with SRT performance provides astonishing on-road and all-weather ability and power  Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 — the first four-wheel-drive SRT vehicle, the first Jeep branded SRT vehicle                                                                                                                                                             February 27, 2006,                                                                                                                      Geneva                                                       -                                               Jeep® vehicles are rightly known worldwide for their capability, utility and distinctive style. Now the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 combines those qualities with Street and Racing Technology's (SRT) balanced approach to performance, resulting in the quickest, most powerful Jeep vehicle ever created, and the ultimate performance sport-utility vehicle. "Jeep vehicles lead the way in capability, performance and versatility," said Jeff Bell, Vice President – Jeep, Chrysler Group. "The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 marries Jeep capability with SRT performance to create a vehicle that will leave in its dust competitors that cost twice as much." Powered by a 6.1-litre HEMI® V-8 producing 322 kW (432 hp) and 569 N•m (420 lb.-ft.) of torque, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's performance numbers include a 0-100 km acceleration time of approximately 5 sec. and 100-0 km braking distance of approximately 38.1 m (125 feet). "When we set out to create the quickest, most powerful Jeep vehicle ever, the Jeep Grand Cherokee presented us with an incredibly capable starting point," said Dan Knott, Director – Street and Racing Technology, Chrysler Group. "With an infusion of SRT DNA, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the new benchmark performance SUV. It has the raw power to outperform the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, while providing exceptional ride and handling, world-class braking, race-inspired interior appointments and functional, performance-oriented exterior enhancements."  Four-wheel-drive System To create the first SRT vehicle with full-time four-wheel drive, SRT engineers developed a drive system that was lightweight, yet robust and reliable enough to handle the massive amounts of horsepower and torque from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's powertrain. One part of the equation was to create a new transfer case, housing components from two existing units with the upgrades needed to make it SRT-capable.   SRT engineers opted to use the front half of a Jeep transfer case — chosen for its capability and light weight — mated to the rear half of a heavier-duty case, chosen for its ruggedness and ability to house the electronic full-time four-wheel-drive system components. The transfer case output shaft was upgraded to handle the high torque generated by the SRT 6.1-litre HEMI®. The result is an all-new unique transfer case, which provides the necessary power-handling capabilities for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.   Under normal driving conditions, 5 to 10 percent of torque is directed to the front wheels, but as much of the 6.1-litre HEMI®'s torque as needed can be directed forward when additional traction or stability is required. Remaining torque is sent via a heavy-duty driveshaft (originally designed for the European Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel model), to a Dana 44 rear differential upgraded with a larger ring gear (crown wheel) within a new axle housing. "We wanted acceleration characteristics that only four-wheel drive can provide," said Knott. "Our goal for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was to have a well-balanced vehicle with a high fun-to-drive factor. The SRT-developed electronic four-wheel-drive system is perfectly suited to this."  Powertrain Providing horsepower and torque to the unique SRT four-wheel-drive system is a specially tuned version of the new 6.1-litre SRT HEMI® engine. Inspired by the original family of HEMI® engines, the SRT 6.1-litre HEMI® employs the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers that provide power and efficiency, while retaining classic HEMI® visual cues, including the orange-painted cylinder block and black valve covers. SRT engineers who developed the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's engine achieved more horsepower by adding more cylinder capacity, increasing the compression ratio, and redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust systems for better gas flow and increased engine speed. For more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in the HEMI® by 3.5 millimeters each in order to increase the total displacement to 6.1 litres from 5.7 litres. The compression ratio was also increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, increasing engine efficiency and power. Engine breathing was increased with new higher-flow cylinder heads, a specially designed intake manifold and fresh air induction system, and exhaust headers with individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell. All these features are unique to the 6.1-litre HEMI® engine. Larger-diameter valves and reshaped ports in the heads allow for maximized air flow. The intake manifold  was designed with larger-diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed tuning. Exhaust is routed through a large-diameter 70 mm (2.75 in.) 10-percent bigger exhaust system with 101 mm (4 in.) chrome tail pipes. To further increase horsepower, performance-oriented camshaft profiles were developed to allow more air in and out of the cylinders, and to cope with  higher engine speeds. SRT engineers increased the HEMI®'s peak power output engine speed nearly 20 percent to 6000 rpm from 5000 rpm. Intake and exhaust valve stems are hollow, and the exhaust valve stems are filled with sodium to help dissipate heat more efficiently. The high-performance SRT 6.1-litre HEMI® is strengthened with redesigned components, including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft, ?high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil squirters), and a sump-modified to manage oil return at high engine speeds. Power from the SRT 6.1-litre HEMI® is sent through a special torque converter to an SRT-upgraded five-speed automatic transmission. Torque is then sent to front and rear differentials through a specially designed transfer case.   Ride and Handling The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is endowed with the signature SRT characteristic of world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range. Chassis setup is aimed at balanced performance with SRT-tuned dampers, unique anti-roll bars and specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings. New front suspension knuckles feature a camber angle calibrated for optimum suspension performance. The ride height of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is 25 mm (1.0 in.)  lower than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which reduces aerodynamic drag, as well as the centre of gravity, and contributes to the vehicle's stability and aggressive stance. To meet or exceed handling and safety criteria, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was specially calibrated for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Further contributing to its aggressive appearance, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is fitted with unique forged 20-inch diameter five-spoke aluminum wheels shod with high-performance Goodyear P245/45ZR20 BSW all-season tyres on the front and rear with run-flat capability. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is also capable of towing up to 1593 kg (3500 lbs.).  Braking The braking system of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is designed to provide outstanding capability as a counterpoint to the vehicle's awesome acceleration and performance. Inside all four wheels there are four-piston performance brake calipers developed by Brembo (finished in gloss black), which clamp down on 360 mm x 32 mm ventilated  discs up front, and 350 mm x 28 mm ventilated discs at the rear.   Exterior SRT's credo demands functional exterior enhancements that contribute to performance and resonate with the brand character. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's lowered, aggressive stance shows its unmistakable Jeep identity endowed with SRT DNA. An all-new front fascia embodies aerodynamic improvements to reduce lift and drag, while providing sufficient air flow to cool the 6.1-litre HEMI® engine. The front fascia also helps to increase brake-system cooling through integrated air ducts. In the rear, an all-new fascia incorporates an aggressive centre cutout to accommodate the dual four-inch exhaust tail pipes. Another functional enhancement is sill extensions, which help create downforce. Three exterior colors are available for this model: Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Steel Blue Metallic.   Interior The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 cabin is distinguished by power-adjustable, deeply sculpted performance front seats complete with uniquely patterned performance suede inserts to hold occupants during aggressive maneuvering.   Interior accents include a 'carbon-fiber' technical finish on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, complemented by a 'refined aluminium' finishing on the centre stack, shifter and door-switch bezels. Full instrumentation includes a 300 km/h (180 mph) speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges, all trimmed with a unique blue accent and located within a carbon fiber-trimmed binnacle. Oil pressure and temperature may be monitored through a specially configured display unit centrally located in the instrument panel.   Available options on the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 include a DVD-based navigation system with turn-by-turn directions and voice prompts. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 interior is offered in Medium Slate Gray. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will be assembled in Graz, Austria, and will be available in international markets in the second quarter of 2006.  Jeep Brand The heroic heritage of Jeep and its dominance of the SUV market stretch back more than 65 years. Jeep is known worldwide for its core attributes of mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure. Sales of Jeep brand vehicles outside of North America rose 15 percent year-over-year with 84,019 units sold in 2005. All three models — Wrangler, Cherokee (Liberty) and Grand Cherokee — posted gains over the prior year.  Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8 – Technical Specifications  The information shown is based on data available at the time of publication (February 2006). Specifications are valid for Europe and may vary in other international markets.  Body and Chassis Five-seater, four-door sport-utility vehicle with all-steel unitized body/chassis unit. Powered by a 6.1L SRT HEMI® SMPI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission through an electronically controlled transfer case and available electronically controlled limited slip differential front and rear axles.  Engine: 6.1L SRT HEMI® SMPI V-8 Type                             V-type, 8 cylinder, liquid-cooled, 90-degree with cylinder deactivation Capacity                       6.1 litres (372.4 cu. in./6100 cu. cm) Maximum power            322 kW (432 hp) @ 6200 rpm Maximum torque            569 N•m (420.0 lb.-ft.) @ 4800 rpm Compression ratio          10.3:1 Bore and stroke             103 mm x 90.9 mm Valve system                 OHV, pushrod-operated, 16 valves, 8 conventional hydraulic lifters, all with roller followers Fuel injection system        Sequential, multi-port electronic, returnless Maximum engine speed     6400 rpm, electronically limited Fuel requirement              Premium 91 octane (R+M)/2 Emission controls              Dual three-way catalytic converters, with heated oxygen sensors  Oil capacity                      6.6L Emission Control System   Dual close-coupled three-way catalytic converters, quad heated 02 sensors and internal engine features Emission class                  Euro 4  Transmissions: W5A580 - 5-speed Automatic Description                    W5A580, adaptive electronic control, performance tuned, autostick driver-interactive manual control and electronically modulated torque converter clutch Gear Ratios  1st    3.59:1  2nd  2.19:1  3rd   1.41:1  4th   1.00:1  5th   0.83:1  Reverse  3.14:1  Final drive  3.73:1  Axles Front track   1575 mm   Rear track    1575 mm Axle ratio     3.73:1  Gross Axle Weight Rating Front      1342 kg   Rear       1320 kg  Drivelines Rear axle       Open differential  Front axle      Open differential  Transfer Case Type                                 MD146 SRT, single speed electronic on-demand 4x4, electronically controlled-clutch pack torque Operating ranges               4WD on demand Torque split front/rear        variable  Body/Suspension/Chassis Body Design: UniFrame body construction: All Steel body sheet metal and frame structural members welded and bonded into a single unit. Engine/transmission and front suspension assemblies are supported by a structural front cradle.  Suspension and Damping Front: Short/long arm (SLA) independent configuration, coil springs, petrol charged, monotube coil over shock absorbers, upper and lower control arms ("A" arms), stabiliser bar. Rear: Live axle, link coil with track bar, petrol-charged monotube shock absorbers, stabiliser bar.  Steering Type                      Power-assisted rack-and-pinion Overall ratio           Variable ratio 16.5:1 on centre, 14.6:1 at full lock Steering                  2.85 turns lock-to-lock Turning diameter    11.3 m curb-to-curb  Brakes Front Discs                360 mm x 32 mm (14.2 in. x 1.3 in.) ventilated  Calipers             44 mm (1.7 in.) four- piston and ABS, Brembo ?     calliper Swept area     2261 sq. cm (351 sq. in.)  Rear Discs               350 mm x 28 mm (13.8 in. x 1.1 in.)  Callipers       28/32 mm (1.1 in. x 1.3 in.) four-piston fixed, Brembo calliper Swept area    2036 sq. cm (316 sq. in.)  Brake System with Electronic Stability Control Four-wheel/four-channel ABS, ESC with anti-rollover protection (ARP), and electronic brake distribution (EBD).  Wheels and Tyres Front/Rear Tyres   Goodyear P245/45/ZR20 run flat tyres Wheel Size            20" x 8"   Dimensions  Dimensions are in millimetres unless otherwise noted.  Exterior  Overall length      4750 Overall width       2138.7 - with mirrors                           1870 - without mirrors Overall height      1694.2 Wheelbase           2781 Overhang, front     855 Overhang, rear    1105  Interior   Front Head room         1008 Leg room           1058 Shoulder room   1502 Hip room            1451  Rear Head room            999 Leg room              901 Shoulder room     1584 Hip room             1163.7  Cargo Volume All seats in place   1.14 cu.m  Weights (kg) Curb weight                2171 Maximum cargo weight    35  Capacities Max. towing (incl. tongue load)   1593 kg (3500 lbs.) Max. tongue load                       4% trailer weight Max. load on roof rack               68 kg. Fuel tank                                  77.7 L Oil (with dry filter)                      6.6 L Engine Coolant Vol.                   13.25 L (14 qts.) Washer fluid Vol.                        4.94 L  Fuel Consumption (L/100 km, EU standard) Drag coefficient     0.39  Performance Acceleration (0 - 100 km)           approximately 5 sec. Braking distance (100 - 0 km)     approximately 38.1 m DaimlerChrysler Communications, Stuttgart (Germany), Auburn Hills (USA)