There's a new Jeep Grand Cherokee from Street and Racing Technology (SRT), which has become Chrysler's stand-alone branch as it soups up some other cars in the family. This Jeep is now the big, bad 470-horsepower bully on the block. SRT calls it the "ultimate performance SUV."
Appearance: As part of the facelift for 2014, the vertical-slat grille has been narrowed and set higher to give the Jeep a leaner and more aggressive look. Blacked-out Bi-Xenon headlights add to the menace and are rimmed by LEDs. The taillights get a similar treatment. Standard are 20-inch five-spoke wheels; the ones on our tester were Black Vapor Chrome. The raised, sculpted hood has two functional exhausters carved into it. A hatch-top spoiler is attractive as well as functional, creating more down force.
Performance: In addition to its 470 horses, the 6.4-liter V-8 HEMI puts out 465 pound-feet of torque and a pleasing exhaust rumble. It also has cylinder deactivation to save fuel when all eight are not needed, such as when you are cruising on the highway. The new 8-speed automatic is a big improvement - the previous model had an archaic 5-speed - and has rev-matching downshifts. It clicks off shifts so precisely that we were content to ignore the paddle shifters. The full-time AWD has five modes: Auto, Sport, Track, Snow and Tow. If you're lucky enough to find a long strip of vacant asphalt, there's even launch control. So how does all this performance technology drive? Besides its soothing HEMI rumble, the Jeep doesn't feel like a heavy 5,150-pounder. The handling is nimble, the acceleration is muscle-car impressive and there's little to no hint of body lean. Said Lyra: "I almost forgot I was in an SUV. It drives more like a sports car." The sport-tuned suspension does contribute to a stiff ride, but that's the price you pay for improved handling.
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