New York 2011: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 roars onto the stage and into our hearts

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Jeep

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

A Jeep Grand Cherokee that's electronically limited to 155 miles per hour? A Jeep (JEEP!) that runs from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds? We must be talking about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. No longer stuck drooling on our computers, we have finally had the chance to drool on its deep red paint in the flesh here at the New York Auto Show.

Jeep President and CEO Mike Manley had said he would have a hard time keeping a smile off his face when the SRT8 comes out. His glowing praise of the super-sport utility vehicle is to be expected. However, it's hard to argue with the numbers and the smiles on our own faces after seeing the thing. Under the hood sits a new 6.4-liter Hemi V8, which produces 465-horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. That's an improvement of 45 units in both categories.

Compared to the standard Grand Cherokee, the SRT8 wears a host of sporty exterior upgrades. Glowing LED lights and chrome accents pop in the front fascia. Under the bulging fenders sit a set of somewhat fussy 20-inch wheels wrapped with sticky Pirelli P Zero run flat tires while, out back, the massive four-inch exhaust tips promise a menacing bark.

Sports-car inspired touches continue inside the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8. Paddle-shifters sitting on the steering column help the driver gain an extra ounce of control. That driver will be held in place thanks to the leather and Alcantara-covered seats. Sitting between the speedometer and tach is the Performance Pages display, which is an invitation to constantly try to set new "high scores."

The 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the fastest Jeep ever produced. Mr. Manley cited that, though the top speed is limited to 155 mph, "you may know somebody...". We hope that we'll get to know this SRT8 real soon. High-res gallery below, press release waiting after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: New York 2011

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