"Our new benchmark performance SUV effectively broadens the Grand Cherokee portfolio, and will continue to draw new customers into Jeep showrooms,” Manley - who this week has also optimistically reiterated targets to double Jeep's global sales to 800,000 units by 2014 - added. With dated engine technology (pushrod and SOHC feature) that helps to make the 6.4 litre HEMI unit cheaper to build than the new "Pentastar V6", coupled to a low-cost bodykit, the pricing premium that the Grand Cherokee SRT8 will be able to command in the showrooms means it is set to become one of the brand's highest-margin models.

The new Grand Cherokee SRT8 impressively runs from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the mid-16 second range, can cover the quarter mile in the mid-13 second range, has a top speed of 155 mph, and brakes from 60-0 mph in 116 feet, although how relevant all this data is in a large sized SUV model could be questionable. Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle also now receive one day of professional driving instruction from the Richard Petty Racing School as part of the SRT Track Experience, designed to maximize their driving knowledge and skills on the street or track. Sessions are held throughout the year at selected tracks.

Powering the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is Chrysler Group’s new 6.4-litre HEMI V8 with the addition of Fuel Saver Technology that delivers, according to the carmaker, an 'estimated' 465 horsepower, which is somewhat less than outstanding when compared to its peer engines, as well as 465 lb.-ft. of torque – an improvement of 45 horsepower and 45 lb.-ft. torque over the 6.1-litre HEMI V8 it replaces. An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing delivers maximum low-end torque while optimizing high-end power across a wider and improved rpm band. Specifically, 90-percent of peak torque is available between 2,800 and 6,000 rpm, allowing for inspired standing starts and improved straight-line performance.

Standard Fuel Saver Technology and a new-for-2012 active valve exhaust system allows four-cylinder operation to engage over a wider rpm range, to deliver both improved fuel efficiency over the previous 6.1-litre version – an estimated 13-percent increase on the highway although no data has been released yet – and an extended range of approximately 450 miles on one tank of gas.

Standard steering wheel mounted paddle shifters join the standard AutoStick on the floor. Both are mated to the powertrain's weakest point, the elderly Mercedes-Benz sourced automatic transmission, allowing a choice of spirited shifting on the road and the race track. Both methods give the driver the ability to shift while the transmission controller calibration prevents situations that might over rev the engine. Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while attempting to minimise the harshness that is associated with this unit.

The Grand Cherokee becomes the best handling Jeep vehicle ever – capable of .90 g on the skid pad. It features a new SRT-tuned, adaptive damping suspension managed by the new Jeep Selec-Track system that interacts with several different systems (stability control, adaptive damping, transmission shift strategy, transfer case torque proportioning, Electronic Limited Slip Differential performance, throttle control and cylinder de-activation) to automatically tune the dynamics of the vehicle. Drivers can manually choose between five dynamic modes for specific driving conditions: Auto: provides the most compliant ride and automatically adapts to any road situation using the adaptive suspension tuning; Sport: provides body control for a sporty, fun-to-drive ride for the street; Tow: provides a safe reduction in pitch and bounce for towing capability; Track: provides the high-performance, firm, “track-tuned” suspension option to lock down body motion for a better handling experience; Snow: provides the most conservative dynamic mode, so the vehicle will safely stay in-line in inclement winter weather conditions.

The standard Jeep Quadra-Trac active on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, the Jeep 4x4 system can transfer up to 100 percent of available torque to one rear wheel. The transfer case also enhances handling by proportioning torque between the front and rear axles to maintain the driver’s intended path. The new Grand Cherokee SRT8 also features an Electronic Limited Slip Differential that eliminates rear wheel slip and improves handling. The performance-tuned, fully-hydraulic steering system is improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and pump cooler. Revised gearing gives drivers more direct feel and on-center response.

New split 5-spoke, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels ride on P295/45ZR20 Pirelli PZero run-flat tyres (standard All-season or available Three-season). Rounding out the capability of the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 is a trailer tow rating of 5,000 lbs.

Stopping power for the Grand Cherokee SRT8 comes courtesy of new high-performance Brembo brakes with four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS). Stopping distance performance of 116 feet from 60-0 mph is made possible by new red-painted, Brembo 6-piston (front) and 4-piston (rear) calipers, and vented rotors at all four corners measuring 15-inches (front) and 13.8-inches (rear).

The exterior of the Cherokee SRT8 is lowered by 1 inch and features a new and somewhat clumsy bodykit to cover the wheel arches and side sills. A one-piece front end contains new LED multi-function daytime running lamps that result in a revised look for the Grand Cherokee SRT8, while there is a body-colored front grille with a black screen background and chrome bezel inserts. The integrated lower front grille is painted in gloss black and a newly designed underbody belly pan features integrated brake ducting to improve cooling and fade performance. Completing the new front end is a newly sculpted hood with functional dual black heat extractors for added engine cooling. At the rear, the cosmetic changes continue with a new tailgate spoiler that Jeep claims reduces drag and improves downforce. A new one-piece rear bumper/spoiler section includes a separate air diffuser along with an optional towbar and access cover while there is a dual-sport exhaust system featuring 4-inch exhaust tips.

Inside the Grand Cherokee SRT gets some changes from the standard model including a new leather, heated steering wheel featureing a rim section with a flattened bottom surface – aiming to evoke a race-inspired cockpit – that has the SRT logo. SRT-exclusive "Performance Pages" are new and show instant feedback on steering input measurements, horsepower, torque, 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking distance, g-forces, and one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times, along with expanded engine information. There are also new Nappa leather and suede seats, with new bolsters and adjustable headrests while embroidered SRT logos and contrast stitching features on the front seats. Carbon fibre trims are integrated into the instrument panel and door trim panels and new racing-style brake and pedal pads add to the high-performance look inside the cabin. The Grand Cherokee's optional "Luxury Group" package adds premium leather to the door trim panels, instrument panel and center console along with a power tailgate, adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning and Blind-Spot Monitoring.

Also new to the Grand Cherokee range is a 825-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon that includes a 10-inch subwoofer. A wide variety of infotainment options are available with features that provide customers with seamless integration of consumer electronics, delivering drivers and passengers the conveniences of home and office. Garmin Navigation and SIRIUS Travel Link are standard with the 430N AM/FM/CD/DVD radio. Also standard are a multitude of features including SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Uconnect Phone. The optional Vehicle Entertainment System (VES) includes a DVD player and rear seat overhead screen that deliver a variety of programming choices, with ports to connect games and media players with audio and video output capability, including iPod connectivity. The Media Center or the VES remote can control multiple screen inputs and each screen can play something different.