If the word "Jeep 160 mph" does not raise a few hairs on the back of his neck would suggest that your reflexes sharp shocking. For anyone who has driven a Jeep in the last 50 years recognizes that the brand is known for building vehicles that develop into three-digit speed.
Until now.
Although not witness the total capacity of 160 mph 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, did the experience of madness crack in the SUV full of Willow Springs Raceway, where we were able to corner the beast in more than 100 km hour. And based on that experience very dynamic, it seems likely that the new Jeep is a Snoozer to 160 mph while traveling straight.
This, then, does not seem like a Jeep at all.
Hauls the Mail
After all, what other Jeep has rounded up about 100 miles per hour and - dare we say - it felt comfortable? The answer, at least for us, is not. Sure, the first generation Grand Cherokee SRT8 is a serious machine. That did not apologize for what it was - strong, fast, bold, and so, hard as hell.
And this truck is too hard. Even in Auto mode, where the adjustable suspension can choose your settings softer, it will, from time to time, the rattle of its filling. But overall, the ride is compliant enough for everyday use - even for our mother.
However, here at Turn 8 at Willow Springs Raceway, for sure. Of course, we took a few laps to adjust to the height of the jeep, which inevitably produces more inclination and orientation of a car, but quickly calibrated to your body movement and found that this beast is the determination of pit bull .
The trick is to use the throttle, sometimes unorthodox. This is not a textbook manager. Despite, or perhaps because 65 percent of available torque to the rear wheels going into the "Track" mode, Jeep midcorner encourages adjustments with the throttle. And about what we can say that will not pay any unpleasant surprises. It is as stable as it is stubborn.
If anything should give us confidence that one is inclined about 70 inches tall, 5,150 pounds of SUV in a corner at over 100 mph, but after a couple of laps is just routine - almost as if is a physical act can accept.
Objective: Germany
Talk to Jeff Roselli, development engineer to lead the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, and does not take long to discover why the hairs on the back of your neck are standing proud. Among the long list of obscure facts Roselli offers the following: His de-factory alignment includes 1.6 degrees negative slope in front and 1.3 degrees back. Brakes, 15 inch rotors and six piston Brembo calipers up front are the biggest on the line SRT - including on the snake out of production. In addition, the steering ratio to 17.5:1, is considerably faster than a standard Grand Cherokee (variable, 18. 9:01 in the middle).
It's almost as if the use of new Chrysler 6.4-liter V8 is a disappointment. Trust us, it is not. Although this is the same factory that you will find all current SRT, the power of 470 and 465 pounds-feet of torque, pigs should not be out overlooked. These figures are 50 hp and 45 Nm more than the 6.1-liter V8 it replaces. A five-speed automatic transmission, Chrysler is still used and remains simply the best suited.
And perhaps not so surprising is that the SRT team as a benchmark BMW X5 M and the Grand Cherokee SRT8 salient in the development of this SUV. Roselli said the Grand Cherokee platform, in your opinion, a better starting point for a sporty SUV than the X5. "It's an incredibly strong platform," said Roselli. With 146 percent more torsional rigidity than the previous model, the team Roselli had no need to add any additional reinforcement for the SRT version.
He recognizes that the X5 M is a faster car in a straight line due to its advantage, but the power, Roselli said, "The WK [Grand Cherokee] is a better self-management of the X5 M. Grand Cherokee - because it is an SRT product - can have its completely defeated stability control, which gives a significant advantage of management. " He adds, "We have more torque at low revs. The WK will hit the X5 M through a slalom or an autocross. "An excellent news for those planning their autocross 2.5 tons of SUV.
"The Grand Cherokee is more impetuous, more participation," said Roselli. "You can run more out of shape and he does not care."
Driving serious
In the end, we discover, Roselli is correct. We tested BMW X5 M and X6 M nondefeat twins and found their stability control systems to be truly invasive when driving hard. And the Grand Cherokee, with its sophisticated torque split - 100 percent of torque can be sent to one wheel - is superior in its tracks. Despite that experience, I would bet - and confirms Roselli - in limited grip driving is no competition.
In part this is because the M X5 comes with the standard three-season tires and the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 comes with Pirelli Scorpion all-season rubber Verde. Three stations are optional Pirelli P Zero. Both are size 295/45ZR20.
Its five modes Selec-Track system (not to be confused with SelecTrac four-wheel-drive system used on the Liberty) is integrated with all systems that can affect performance - stability control, suspension damping, the logic of Instead, torque split, rear LSD operation and more. In large part, his handling of the torque split and damping of the suspension of performance the greatest influence on the control.
However, if you step on the Jeep around your back or on the road a racetrack are some shortcomings. First, space gear is too broad. Chrysler five-speed aging, even when backed by an engine torque, the differences between the relations of his team are great. We are looking forward to a relationship between the second and third speeds, as well as third and fourth gears in both street and track. The eight-speed automatic Chrysler will start using other vehicles this fall will solve the problem if you can do to accommodate this pair.
In addition, the five-speed does not match a lower gear speed in Manual mode. Sure, there's a palette of slowing down on the wheel, but at the same time request a downshift under braking and you will find the engine braking are not necessary, as the transmission of attempts to make the engine speed match the speed of the wheels. It is as unattractive as it is dynamic mechanical disturbing.
This, Roselli, is a "Chrysler Security Office" element. Translation? Blaming the lawyers. Chrysler's policy is to refuse to open the electronic throttle unless a request for more torque has been made by the driver. Enthusiastic driving conviction.
Reality Check
But let's be realistic. This is not a vehicle for most owners will go to the track. Heck, probably no more going to the hard drive on the winding local roads. This is a toy to carry the family but is so appealing to ride as many sports. It is a sedan pull into a double dip with visibility of amphetamine trucklike and towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
And there is much that can be overcome through an intersection. Jeep claims a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds, quarter mile in the middle range of 13 seconds, 0.90g on the skid pad and 60 to zero in 116 feet. We found an impromptu test drive the media without the benefit of our testing facilities provided and found that, in fact, this Grand Cherokee can be a bit slower than its predecessor. Under less than ideal conditions and non-standard surface, our acceleration times were off the pace set by former Grand Cherokee SRT8. According to Roselli, the two must go hand in hand. Let's wait for a full test implemented in our usual place before stabilizing at a verdict.
But when it comes to fuel economy, so the verdict is not in. This Jeep Prius. Although there is a new active safety valve that allows the cylinder deactivation in a wider range (a 13 percent improvement in fuel economy on the road), the EPA says the new Jeep is good for the city only 12 and 18 mpg on the highway.
Final details
At the end of the day is simply not stomp the gas that makes the new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 special. Its interior is a combination of leather and suede, with heavily bolstered seats with heating and ventilation and a wheel of meat. The interior quality is a notch behind its German competition, but the suggested price, at $ 54,470, almost $ 32,000 just south of the X5 M and $ 52,000 cheaper than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. And that counts for something.
Four options are available: the group adds a touch of luxury leather, power liftgate and adaptive cruise control. Three-season tires and a sunroof can be had separately. In addition, a 825-watt Harman Kardon audio system with 19 speakers that sounds better than, well, the art audio system chichi have heard, which was only 630 watts and 14 speakers.
Let's admit that a jeep could be 160 mph German competitors autocrossing cost 60 percent more than at the top of their need to have list. However, any Jeep capable of bristling hairs of the neck like this, we guarantee that at the top of his will-have list.
