Jeep(R) Announces Pricing for All-New 2006 Grand Cherokee SRT8
Quickest, Most Powerful Jeep Ever Combines 420-Horsepower HEMI(R) and Four-Wheel Drive



- All-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 priced at $39,995 - SRT performance: Zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds, quarter-mile in less than 14 seconds - Quicker than Porsche Cayenne Turbo, BMW X5

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 1 -- Jeep announced pricing today for the ultimate performance sport-utility vehicle, the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Boasting a pair of firsts -- the first Jeep-branded Street and Racing Technology (SRT) vehicle and the first four-wheel drive SRT vehicle -- the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is available for $39,995, which includes $675 for destination. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 arrives in showrooms this January.

"The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 outperforms competitive vehicles that cost twice as much," said Joe Eberhardt, Executive Vice President - Global Sales, Marketing and Service, Chrysler Group. "With the addition of SRT DNA, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 sets a new benchmark, with incredible on-road and all-weather performance. It's the latest example of the SRT credo of offering benchmark performance at the lowest price."

Powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI engine producing 420 horsepower and 420 lb.- ft. of torque, the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 gets power to the pavement through an SRT-engineered full-time four-wheel-drive system. With a 0-60 mph time of less than five seconds, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is quicker than Porsche Cayenne Turbo and BMW X5, and is the second-quickest SRT vehicle, eclipsed only by the 510-horsepower Dodge Viper SRT10.

2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Powertrain

The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's 6.1-liter HEMI produces 90 more horsepower and 27 percent more power than the 5.7-liter HEMI-equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee. To channel that power to the pavement, SRT engineers designed a unique four-wheel-drive system that is capable of handling 420 lb.- ft. of torque, yet light enough to contribute to Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's performance characteristics.

A key part of the four-wheel-drive system is the SRT-engineered transfer case, which was developed to be lightweight, yet strong enough to handle the massive torque from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's powertrain. Other elements of the drive system are an upgraded output shaft, heavy-duty driveshaft and Dana 44 rear differential.



Functional Performance

The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 features world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking, functional, performance-oriented exterior design and race-inspired interior appointments.

Ride and handling are enhanced with improvements including SRT-tuned dampers, unique sway bars, and specially tailored suspension bushings and spring rates. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) was specially calibrated for the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

The braking system of the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 includes Brembo four-piston calipers clamping 360 x 32 mm vented rotors in front, and 350 x 26 mm rotors in the rear.

An all-new front fascia reduces lift and drag, and incorporates ducts to direct air to cool the brakes. Side sill extensions create downforce, while a new rear fascia features an aggressive center cutout for 4-inch dual exhaust tips.

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

Inside, the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is equipped with power- adjustable front seats with aggressive bolsters and performance suede inserts. Comprehensive instrumentation is trimmed with blue accents while the center stack, shifter bezel and door-switch bezels are trimmed with a "refined aluminum" finish. The 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 interior is offered in Medium Slate.

Available Premium Amenities
Available features on the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 include:
* Heated, power-adjustable front seats
* Power sunroof with one-touch express open and close
* Rain-sensing automatic wipers
* Rear-seat video system with overhead screen and DVD in center floor console

* DVD-based navigation system with turn-by-turn directions and voice prompts

* SIRIUS Satellite Radio

* UConnect(TM) with Bluetooth(TM) technology that recognizes up to seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands for hands-free conversations

Street and Racing Technology (SRT)

Formed in 2002, SRT is the industry's leading in-house automotive performance group. SRT creates some of the Chrysler Group's boldest, most distinctive vehicles that deliver benchmark performance at the lowest price.

SRT has created 11 SRT-badged Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep performance vehicles: Dodge SRT4, Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible and Coupe, Dodge Ram SRT10 regular cab and Quad Cab(TM), Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Coupe and Roadster, Chrysler 300C SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Jeep Brand

The Jeep brand's 60-year history of legendary capability has made it synonymous with freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity. In 2005, the Jeep brand continues to deliver rugged, versatile, innovative 4x4 vehicles with the launch of the all-new 2006 Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Jeep vehicle sales for 2005 have increased more than 10 percent over 2004. As the brand's lineup expands, Jeep vehicles will continue to be the most capable in their segment.

The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.



-Matt-

 

Strange they "announced" it now. If you go to the Jeep site, click on the Grand Cherokee, then click on the SRT8 tab it gives the price in the description. Its been like that for a couple weeks. What's dumb is you still can't "build and price" it. I was gonna say something like Monday about the price on the Jeep site but figured this was a Dodge site. Still want one, though, really dig the idea of all-wheel drive with that power. This is the kind of rally "car" I want!

 

You can include Jeep here at DF. We even have a section for Jeeps in the Trucks, SUV and Vans section.

 

Now this is what I call FUN FUN FUN. A little pricey, but look at what it is going up against. I just wish you could get one of these Jeeps in a 5-speed. I have also heard you can get the 6.1 from www.mopar.com if not now soon . PV.


P.S. I see some people post here at DF just to post without realy adding to the point. Do they do that just to get thier post numbers up? PV.

 

Whats the top end on this sweet machine?

I want one as bad as a challenger.

This thing puts the porsche cayenne turbo in the dust for less than half the price.

The trailblazer ss has nothing on the GC SRT-8.

 

I am suprised the 0-60 times is better than the SRT8 Charger and this thing is channeling it all to 4 wheels as opposed to Charger's 2 wheels? Could it be the Charger having traction off the line issues for the slower 0-60 times or possibly the GC being lighter?

If the GC has 3rd row seat options which is doubtful given its smaller cabin space, I would trade my R/T in for this one! I would bet this GC SRT8's gas mileage would be the same if not better than the older gen Durango R/T's.

 

Matt, which transmission does this have? The Mercedes A580 like in the 300C-, Magnum-, and Charger SRT-8s; or does it have the Chrysler 545RFE like the 4.7L and 5.7L models of the Grand Cherokee?

 

Power comes from the SRT 6.1L Hemi, sent through a special torque converter to an SRT-upgraded A580 five-speed automatic transmission.


-Matt-

 

You are right. It is quicker off the line due to the SRT developed AWD system.

 

You can "build your own" now at the jeep dot com site.