4x4 Off Road News February 2012

Jeep Announce New Cherokee Versions

Just five months after the successful launch in the UK of the internationally acclaimed new Grand Cherokee 4x4, Jeep has announced pricing of the eagerly awaited high performance SRT8 and premium Overland Summit versions. Both these new vehicles, which are set to take the Grand Cherokee range to new heights of luxury, performance and refinement, are available to order from UK Jeep dealers now.

Grand Cherokee SRT8

The best-performing Jeep ever, the exciting new Grand Cherokee SRT8 (Street and Racing Technology- the sports arm of Chrysler Group) offers a unique blend of legendary capability and utility, head-turning SRT performance and an impressive suite of advanced technologies. Delivering outstanding driving performance in all conditions, and complemented by key SRT attributes – including functional, performance-orientated styling, world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking and race-inspired interior appointments – the SRT8 broadens the Grand Cherokee line-up and builds upon its successful launch in the UK.

Designed and constructed using the proven Street and Racing Technology formula that raises vehicle performance to astonishing levels, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, has a top speed of 160 mph, and brakes from 60-0 mph in just 116 feet.

Powering the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 is Chrysler Group’s awe-inspiring new 6424cc HEMI V8 with Fuel Saver Technology that delivers 470 hp and 465 lb ft. of torque – an improvement of 50 horsepower and 45 lb ft. torque over the 6.1 litre HEMI V8 it replaces. Fuel Saver Technology works by seamlessly alternating between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and a sporty V8 mode when more power is in demand. This optimises fuel economy when V8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 also comes with 45 specific safety and security features including active head restraints, adaptive cruise control, (cruising speed to maintain a preset distance – short, medium or long – between your vehicle and the one ahead. The system uses radar to detect moving vehicles immediately ahead and modifies cruising speed if necessary), forward collision warning, (which uses front sensors to gauge relative speeds and detect when you might be approaching another car too rapidly) and rain brake support (which periodically dries the brake discs in wet conditions).

At £58,995 OTR, the 2012 SRT8 is the ultimate performance SUV and slots perfectly into the line-up as the premium sports performance version of this celebrated brand’s flagship Grand Cherokee model.

Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland Summit

The New Overland Summit model elevates Grand Cherokee to new levels of luxury and refinement in the premium sport-utility vehicle sector. It is priced at £44,795.

Available in a new, exclusive Rugged Brown paint scheme, with a unique fully chromed grille and fog lamp bezels, and riding on 20-inch bright, polished aluminium wheels, the Overland Summit takes all the features of the current top-of-the-range Overland, and adds even more refinement and equipment.

Powered by a 237 hp, 2987cc V6 CRD diesel engine, the Overland Summit’s real wood and distinctive polished trim surround passengers with the highest levels of craftsmanship. Wood trim is also used on the leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel.

The Grand Cherokee Overland Summit boasts a black lower and saddle upper interior trim colour, along with saddle-coloured Nappa heated and ventilated leather seats – with perforated inserts, accent piping and unique stitching – and Berber floor mats with black and chestnut accent binding.

Among the huge list of standard equipment on the Overland Summit is the Advanced Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control group, which consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-path detection systems.

“The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is already one of the industry’s talking points, not only with our customers, but with the media too,” says Nigel Land, brand director, Jeep Chrysler UK. “So we are delighted to be bringing these two amazing new variants here. They will broaden our offering still further to create a highly accomplished range of 4x4 vehicles that offer all that’s best in high-level sports utility vehicles. This will be a truly comprehensive Grand Cherokee line-up covering luxury, quality, craftsmanship, technology and sports performance, and all the very best in Jeep 4x4 expertise.”

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