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Jeep® Introduces All-new 2006 Grand Cherokee SRT8: the Quickest, Most Powerful Jeep Vehicle Ever Review

March 2005
Filed under: JEEP Car News | JEEP Headlines
New York, Mar 23, 2005 - Jeep® vehicles are known worldwide for their capability, utility and distinctive style.

All-New 2006 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee SRT8 World Debut New York -- March 23, 2005 -- Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group President and CEO unveiled the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 at the New York International Auto Show today. With a 6.1-liter 415-horsepower, SRT HEMI(R) V-8 engine, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 goes from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds, making it the quickest, most powerful Jeep ever.

The all-new 2006 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.
* With a 6.1-liter SRT HEMI® V-8, Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8 offers ultimate SUV performance

* 0-60 mph in under 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

“Jeep vehicles lead the way in performance and versatility,” said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Jeep, Chrysler Group. “The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 adds a new dimension to performance and versatility – and value. With its SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI® engine and specially developed full-time four-wheel drive system, the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 provides stunning performance in an amazing variety of driving conditions.

“The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 marries Jeep capability with SRT performance to create a vehicle that will leave in its dust competitors that cost twice the price,” Bell added.

Powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI producing 415 horsepower (85 more horses and 25 percent more power than the 5.7-liter HEMI-equipped 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque, the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s performance numbers include 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the low 19-second range, and 60-0 mph braking distance of approximately 125 feet.

“When we set out to create the first Jeep-branded SRT vehicle, the 2006 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 2006 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 massive amounts of horsepower and torque from the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s powertrain. One part of the equation was to create a new transfer case, combining 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. It was 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 high torque generated by the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI.

The result is the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s unique transfer case, which provides the necessary power-handling capabilities for the Grand Cherokee SRT8 while weighing 60 pounds less than a Jeep heavy-duty case.

Under normal driving conditions, from 5 percent to 10 percent of torque is directed to the front wheels, but as much of the 6.1-liter 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 designed for the European Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel model, to a Dana 44 rear differential upgraded with a larger ring gear within a new axle housing.

“We wanted the acceleration that only four-wheel-drive can provide,” said Knott. “Our goal for the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was to have a well-balanced vehicle with a high fun-to-drive quotient. 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-liter SRT HEMI engine. Inspired by the original family of HEMIs, the SRT 6.1-liter 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.

With the Chrysler Group’s clean and efficient 5.7-liter HEMI as a starting point, SRT powertrain engineers developed 85 more horsepower over the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 5.7-liter HEMI by adding more cubic inches, increasing the compression ratio, redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust systems for increased flow, and increasing 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 liters from 5.7 liters.

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 (which allows water-fording capability of up to 19 inches), and exhaust headers with individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell. All are unique to the 6.1-liter 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 (2.75-inch vs. 2.5-inch) exhaust system with 4-inch chrome tips.

To further increase horsepower, performance-oriented camshaft profiles were developed to allow more air in and out of the cylinders, as well as manage a higher engine speed. SRT engineers increased the HEMI’s peak power output engine speed nearly 20 percent to 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) from 5,000 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-liter 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 an oil pan modified to manage oil return to the pan sump at high engine speeds.

Power from the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is sent through a special torque converter to an SRT-upgraded A580 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 2006 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 sway 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 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is one inch lower than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which lowers aerodynamic drag and contributes to the vehicle’s aggressive stance.

To meet or exceed handling and safety criteria, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) was specially calibrated for the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Further contributing to its aggressive stance, the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is fitted with unique forged 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels shod with high-performance Goodyear W-rated four-season tires with run-flat capability. Tire dimensions are 255/45/20 in the front, and a massive 285/40/20 in the rear.

With an optional hitch package available from Mopar, the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.

Braking
The braking system of the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is designed to provide outstanding capability as a counterpoint to the vehicle’s awesome launch and acceleration.

All four wheels feature four-piston performance brake calipers developed by Brembo, finished in gloss black. Under braking, these calipers clamp down on 360 x 32mm vented rotors up front, with 350 x 28mm vented rotors in the rear.

Exterior
SRT’s credo demands functional exterior enhancements that contribute to performance and resonate with the brand character. The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s lowered, aggressive stance shows its unmistakable Jeep identity endowed with SRT DNA.

An all-new front fascia makes use of aero improvements to reduce lift and drag, while providing sufficient air flow to cool the 6.1-liter HEMI engine. The front fascia also helps increase brake-system cooling through integrated air ducts. In the rear, an all-new fascia incorporates an aggressive center cutout to accommodate dual 4-inch exhaust tips.

Another functional enhancement is sill extensions to help create downforce. The roof rack available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee is not available on the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Three exterior colors are available: Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Inferno Red.

Interior
The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 cabin is distinguished by power-adjustable, deeply sculpted performance seats in the front 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, instrument-panel brow and shift knob, complemented by a “refined aluminum” finishing on the center stack, shifter and door-switch bezels.

Full instrumentation includes a 180-mph (300 kph) 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 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 include a DVD-based Navigation system with turn-by directions and voice prompts, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ technology. This system recognizes up to seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands, utilizing a microphone in the rear-view mirror and the stereo system’s speakers for hands-free conversations.

The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 interior is offered in Medium Slate.

Safety and Security Features
Following are safety and security features in the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8:

* Advanced Multi-stage Air Bag System: This system inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of the impact. It includes the occupant classification system (OCS)
* Anti-lock Brake System: Electronic sensors help prevent wheel lockup. The ABS system offers improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
* Energy-absorbing Steering Column: Manual-adjust telescoping steering column includes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other, which allows the column to move forward and provide more energy absorption during an impact
* Electronic Stability Program (ESP): This feature aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability, providing oversteer and understeer control to maintain vehicle behavior on various road surfaces. This feature will have three settings, allowing the driver more control over the vehicle during spirited driving
* Occupant Classification System (OCS): The OCS measures the conditions for activation or deactivation of the passenger-side front air bag based upon the weight of the occupant

The 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will be assembled at Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Mich.

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