Jeep® Announces Pricing for All-New 2006 Grand Cherokee SRT8

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Windsor, ON – December 2, 2005 – Jeep® announced pricing today for the ultimate performance sport-utility vehicle, the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Boasting a pair of firsts – the first Jeep-branded Street and Racing Technology (SRT) vehicle and the first four-wheel drive SRT vehicle – the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is available for $48,495. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 arrives in showrooms this January.
“As the newest addition to the SRT brand, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 sets a new benchmark for performance in a sport utility vehicle”, said Mike Accavitti, Vice President, Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Canada.  “For half the price of many of its competitors, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is arguably one of the most outrageous street-legal production vehicles available”.

Powered by a 6.1-litre HEMI engine producing 420 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 gets power to the pavement through an SRT-engineered full-time four-wheel-drive system.  With a 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) time of less than five seconds, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is quicker than Porsche Cayenne Turbo and BMW X5, and is the second-quickest SRT vehicle, eclipsed only by the 510-horsepower Dodge Viper SRT10.

2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Powertrain

The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s 6.1-litre HEMI produces 90 more horsepower and 27 percent more power than the 5.7-litre HEMI-equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee.  To channel that power to the pavement, SRT engineers designed a unique four-wheel-drive system that is capable of handling 420 lb-ft. of torque, yet light enough to contribute to Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s performance characteristics.

A key part of the four-wheel-drive system is the SRT-engineered transfer case, which was developed to be lightweight, yet strong enough to handle the massive torque from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s powertrain.  Other elements of the drive system are an upgraded output shaft, heavy-duty driveshaft and Dana 44 rear differential.

Functional Performance

The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 features world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking, functional, performance-oriented exterior design and race-inspired interior appointments.

Ride and handling are enhanced with improvements including SRT-tuned dampers, unique sway bars, and specially tailored suspension bushings and spring rates.  The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) was specially calibrated for the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

The braking system of the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 includes Brembo four-piston calipers clamping 360 x 32 mm vented rotors in front, and 350 x 26 mm rotors in the rear.

An all-new front fascia reduces lift and drag, and incorporates ducts to direct air to cool the brakes.  Side sill extensions create downforce, while a new rear fascia features an aggressive center cutout for 4-inch dual exhaust tips.

Three exterior colors are offered: Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Inferno Red.

Inside, the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is equipped with power-adjustable front seats with aggressive bolsters and performance suede inserts.  Comprehensive instrumentation is trimmed with blue accents while the center stack, shifter bezel and door-switch bezels are trimmed with a “refined aluminum” finish.  The 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 interior is offered in Medium Slate.

Available Premium Amenities

Available features on the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 include:
·        Heated, power-adjustable front seats
·        Power sunroof with one-touch express open and close
·        Rain-sensing automatic wipers
·        Rear-seat video system with overhead screen and DVD in center floor console
·        DVD-based navigation system with turn-by-turn directions and voice prompts
·        SIRIUS Satellite Radio
·        UConnect™ with Bluetooth™ technology that recognizes up to seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands for hands-free conversations

Street and Racing Technology (SRT)

Formed in 2002, SRT is the industry’s leading in-house automotive performance group.  SRT creates some of the Chrysler Group’s boldest, most distinctive vehicles that deliver benchmark performance at the lowest price.

SRT has created 11 SRT-badged Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep performance vehicles: Dodge SRT4, Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible and Coupe, Dodge Ram SRT10 regular cab and Quad Cab™, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Coupe and Roadster, Chrysler 300C SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Jeep Brand

The Jeep brand’s 60-year history of legendary capability has made it synonymous with freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity.  In 2005, the Jeep brand continues to deliver rugged, versatile, innovative 4×4 vehicles with the launch of the all-new 2006 Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.  As the brand’s lineup expands, Jeep vehicles will continue to be the most capable in their segment.

The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.