2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 preview sketch
Once upon a time, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 laid claim to being the fastest SUV in the world. Since then, Porsche's Cayenne Turbo and BMW's X5 and X6 M have nabbed the title away. Jeep doesn't look to be content with that scenario, however, and our sources within the company have confirmed that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is indeed still coming, and it's coming this summer.
We don't have any official details on what the crazy-hot SUV might have under its new skin, but as Chrysler previewed last year, we expect a larger, beefier version of the current 6.1-liter HEMI engine, enlarged to 6.4-liters with output over 500 horsepower, and possibly as high as the BMW M SUVs' 555-horsepower figure. That, combined with the new 2011 Grand Cherokee's improved chassis, could prove a brutal combination, and enough to take back the top spot in the nonsensically-fast but awesome juiced-up SUV segment.
Such a truck wouldn't be any help in meeting CAFE standards, but it won't be sold in any considerable volume, either, so the halo shot might be worth it for Jeep. With a suitable suspension setup and enough features thrown at it, it could even pose a reasonable alternative to the German (and English, if you throw in the Range Rover Sport Supercharged) alternatives.
That's all we have on the Grand Cherokee SRT8 for now, but stay tuned this summer for more, as we have a feeling we'll be getting a closer look at what's in store for speed-loving Jeep fans in a couple months.
