Northwest Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram

Following a one-year hiatus, Jeep is returning the fire-breathing Grand Cherokee SRT8 to the lineup for 2012.

The SRT8 is good to hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, cover the quarter-mile in the mid-13-second range and reach a top speed of 155 The all new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology delivers an estimated 465 horsepower and 465 lbs of torque.  A five-speed automatic transmission helps route power to all four wheels with a manual-shift mode offered through the standard steering-wheel-mounted paddles or center console shifter.

Jeep also made an effort to improve fuel efficiency with an active valve exhaust system enabling four-cylinder operation over a wider rev range. The result, according to Jeep, is a 13 percent increase in highway fuel economy.

All of the handling improvements, together with beefier 295/45ZR-20 Pirelli PZero tires (up from the previous staggered 255/45R-20 front, 285/40R-20 rear Goodyear Eagle RSA), have Jeep calling the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 its best-handling vehicle to date, capable of pulling 0.90 g on the skidpad.

Visually, the SRT8 sets itself part from lower Grand Cherokee models with a one-piece front fascia with LED daytime running lights, a body-colored grille with black mesh backing, sculpted hood with dual vents, body-color wheel flares and rear spoiler. The cabin has a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with a flat bottom, deeply bolstered leather seats with suede inserts and carbon-fiber accent trim.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 takes capability to a new level by giving driving enthusiasts extreme performance on street and track.

The functional performance exterior features SRT-exclusive body-color wheel flares and side sill cladding. 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.

Already a recipient of the 2011 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick", the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 offers consumers 45 safety and security features.

ADDITIONAL AVAILABLE OPTIONS FOR SRT8:

• Command view Dual-Plane Panoramic Sunroof with Power Shade
• Front License Plate Bracket
  
• Premium Fog Lamps and SmartBeam Headlamps (standard)
  
• Sunroof, single plane power front with rear DVD (available with package)
  
• Rain sensitive windshield (standard)
  
• Grille with Black Mesh Insert (standard)
  
• Engine Block Heater
  
• Adaptive Speed Control (with package)