Jeep has tested its 6.4-litre V8 powered Grand Cherokee SRT against a retro HEMI-engined Hot Rod Coupe in a head-to-head quarter-mile dash.
Held at the home of UK drag racing - Santa Pod - British drag racing champion Stuart Doignie launched the Jeep off the start line and down the quarter-mile straight in 13.5 seconds, beating the Coupe, driven by Kelvin Dunn, by just 0.9 seconds.
Delivering a massive 468hp and packed full of high-performance technologies including Launch Control, Doignie helped the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT register a 0-62mph speed of 4.5 seconds while covering the 1320ft stretch in less than 14 seconds.
“I was hugely impressed by the raw power and speed of the Grand Cherokee SRT,” said Doignie. “I’ve driven plenty of dragster vehicles at Santa Pod but never a car built purely for the road. It’s immensely quick off the line and powered through the finish gantry. It was an epically close race with the HEMI Coupe but I was glad to keep up my great record at Santa Pod with another win.”
Standard-fit race-inspired technology inside includes a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with mounted paddle-shifters and a power tilt and telescoping steering column. The Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC) controls are accessible from the steering wheel and feature SRT-exclusive Performance Pages. This distinctive functionality, specific to racing, includes information such as horsepower, torque, 0-62mph time, 62-0 mph, braking distance, g-forces, and covered distance times.
SRT-styled Nappa leather and suede seats, with sculpted bolsters and adjustable active front headrests keep driver and passengers in place during spirited driving. The two front seats feature embroidered SRT logo and contrast stitching. Standard heated (front and rear) and ventilated (front) seats provide additional comfort to occupants. A perforated leather-wrapped gear knob, carbon fibre accents, leather-wrapped instrument panel and door trim panels and bright, racing style brake and throttle pedal pads add to the refined, performance oriented look inside the cabin.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is on sale now, priced at £69,830.