SRT

Buying Guide:
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

November 18, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Jeep’s Grand Cherokee soldiers on in top form.

If you’re shopping for a new SUV, particularly one in the midsize arena with room for five, then the Jeep Grand Cherokee should be on your list. This popular and versatile model comes in a variety of packages, with its performance ranging from mild to wild. The cost spread from the base model to the fully-loaded track version can span $70,000.

What’s New for 2020

Now in its tenth year, the current-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee soldiers on mostly with equipment and trim-level upgrades. An expanded roster of driver-assist features, new wheel designs, and a newly available lighting group round out the changes.

Selecting Your Grand Cherokee

No other midsize SUV offers as many trim levels as does the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This model’s seven trims are comprised of Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, SRT, and Trackhawk. Prices including destination range from $33,540 for a Laredo 4×2 to $88,395 for the four-wheel-drive Trackhawk.

Four Engine Choices

Just as the Grand Cherokee offers a slew of trims, you’ll also find four engine choices. All four work with an 8-speed automatic transmission with power routed to the rear or all four wheels.

The standard engine is a V6 displacing 3.6 liters. This engine puts down 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A 5.7-liter V8 engine makes 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.

The next two engines are exclusive to their respective trims. The SRT trim has the 6.4-liter V8 engine making an even 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The range-topping Trackhawk shares its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with the Dodge Charger and Challenger Hellcat models. In the Grand Cherokee, it produces 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque.

As for towing, the standard model pulls up to 6,200 pounds, while all others have a 7,200-pound tow rating.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-passenger midsize sport utility vehicle. The passengers sit in comfort with ample head, shoulder, hip, and legroom front and back.

Cargo space measures 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row. Drop down the rear seat and storage capacity is 68.3 cubic feet. This places the Grand Cherokee squarely between the Ford Edge and Chevrolet Blazer, and just ahead of the Nissan Murano.

Key Safety Features

The Grand Cherokee trails most of its competitors in advanced safety equipment. That said, blind-spot monitoring and a rear parking assist system are standard. Forward collision warning with active braking is included beginning with the Summit trim and available elsewhere except with the standard trim. Lane departure warning, advanced brake assist, and enhanced forward-collision warning are a package upgrade.

Connectivity

Jeep equips the Grand Cherokee with a 7-inch color display, a six-speaker audio system, and two USB ports. An 8.4-inch display screen is available with the Laredo and standard elsewhere. Satellite radio, additional USB ports, and navigation are available. A Blu-Ray entertainment system is available on all but the base model. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility are standard.

Laredo – From $33,540

The standard Laredo has average equipment including automatic headlamps, fog lamps, and 17-inch silver aluminum wheels. Cloth seats, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and dual-zone climate control are also standard.

The interior of the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited.

Limited – From $41,350

Most shoppers will begin their search with the Limited as it adds amenities not found or charged extra in the Laredo. Fine leather, wood and metal trim give this model a premium look, allowing it to punch well above its weight. Alloy wheels, a power liftgate, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a traction management system, and a 115-volt power outlet are included. Limited shoppers may also opt for the 5.7-liter V8 engine.

Trailhawk – From $46,450

As the name suggests, the Trailhawk adds equipment suitable for off-roading, including an air suspension system and rear load-leveling. Power-folding and heated side mirrors, a roof rack, all-terrain tires, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system are included. The seats are covered in leather and suede material.

Overland – From $47,040

The Overland trim is just $590 more than the Trailhawk as it exchanges some of the off-road features of the Trailhawk for luxury amenities. This model includes bi-xenon high-intensity discharged headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded leather seating.

Summit – From $53,490

The top-trim outside of the performance models is the Summit and bright exterior embellishments is one of its hallmarks. Upgraded LED fog lights, performance all-season tires, unique leather seats, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are included.

SRT – From $69,890

Until the Trackhawk’s arrival, the SRT served as the performance topper for the Grand Cherokee. It is still a powerful model and like the Trailhawk it is four-wheel-drive-only. A traction management system, active damping, and a track-ready four-wheel-drive system are included. Special wheels and performance tires are also standard. An exclusive grade of leather covers the seats.

Trackhawk – From $88,395

The range-topping Trackhawk brings in elements from Dodge Hellcat models, in particular, a supercharged engine. It features gloss black trim, black-satin tires, open-poor wood trim, unique color offerings, and Nappa leather.

Parting Thoughts

Grand Cherokee pricing can get out of hand quickly. A Trackhawk can top $100,000, which is absurd. The good news is that you’ll probably pay about half that with a nicely equipped four-wheel-drive Overland.

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specifications

Jeep	2020 Grand Cherokee
Segment	Midsize SUV
Price Range	$32,045 to $86,900
Destination Charge	$1,495
Engine No. 1	3.6-liter, V6
Horsepower	295 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	260 @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Engine No. 2	5.7-liter, V8
Horsepower	360 @ 5,150
Torque (lb.-ft.)	390 @ 4,250 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Engine No. 3	6.4-liter, V8
Horsepower	475 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	470 @ 4,300 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Engine No. 4	6.2-liter, Supercharged V8
Horsepower	707 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	645 @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	4,513 to 5,356
Wheelbase (inches)	114.7
Length (inches)	189.8
Width (inches)	84.8
Height (inches)	69.3
Headroom (f,r…inches)	39.9, 39.2
Legroom (f,r…inches)	40.3, 38.6
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	58.7, 58.0
Hip room (f,r…inches)	57.0, 56.2
Storage (cubic feet)	36.3, 140.5
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	6,500 to 6,800
Towing (pounds)	6,200 to 7,200
Payload (pounds)	1,120 to 1,410
Fuel	Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	24.6
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	19/26/21(2WD) 18/25/21(4WD): V6
Manufacturing Plant	Detroit, Michigan

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

See Also — The Incomparable Jeep Cherokee

Photos copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Dodge Durango SRT: High-End Performance for the Family

October 25, 2017 by admin 6 Comments

A 2017 WAPA Rally first look at Dodge’s hot SUV.

2018 Dodge Durango SRT — Check out the hood air intake and extractor vents on the SRT’s hood.

High-end performance SUVs are nothing new. In the early 1990s, the GMC Typhoon lifted the fun quotient considerably by delivering a turbocharged 4.3-liter V6 engine, Garrett intercooler, BorgWarner transfer case, and a self-leveling rear suspension. It rivaled the performance of top sports car models of that era, including the Corvette. After the briefest of production runs, the Tycoon and the similar Chevrolet Blazer SS were canceled (see The Chevy Blazer is Back, But in Name Only?).

Fast forward a decade and Porsche gave us the Cayenne, the first SUV from this benchmark-setting luxury sports car brand. If you hated the thought of Porsche adding an SUV, you might have been won over by this SUV’s prowess as it has proven to be almost as fast any Porsche sports car, while setting the bar for all performance SUVs.

2018 Dodge Durango SRT

Dodge has its own answer to the Cayenne and that’s the 2018 Durango SRT. It is the latest take on Dodge’s midsize, three-row SUV and its most powerful model yet. We probably shouldn’t be all that surprised that there is a Durango SRT. After all, the platform-sharing Jeep Grand Cherokee traces its SRT history to 2006, with the current version rolling out six years later.

What’s so significant about the Durango SRT is that it retains all of its top features, including room for six (captain’s chairs in the middle row instead of a bench seat), utility and towing capabilities — a whopping 8,700 pounds.

What’s so special is what’s under the hood — a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine generating 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The good news is that Dodge estimates the Durango SRT can go from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The bad news is that you’ll only get 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

Performance Does Not Come Cheap

Cost wise, you’ll need to prepare yourself to pay a $1,000 gas guzzler tax on top of the required premium grade gasoline for each fill up. Moreover, this all-wheel drive model retails for $64,090 (including destination charge) and that’s more than double the cost of the base model.

Cost aside, the Durango SRT is a hoot to drive. My driving partner (Arsis Fruritch) and I secured one at the 2017 WAPA Rally held on Kent Island, Maryland, earlier this month. It was one of the last vehicles we drove for the day, so we managed to get in a little extra time with it. Suffice to say, that the brief spin wasn’t nearly enough. Furthermore, with local police eager to hand out tickets, we had to take extra care not to draw excess attention to what we were doing.

That said, we cast our concerns to the wind, finding a few remote spots on the island to open her up. She complied, by delivering raging potent power accompanied by a raucous exhaust note, immediately bringing me back to the day when a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT came through my press fleet rotation. Like the Jeep, this one delivers a high-performance suspension with adaptive damping — the better to hang the corners with.

The Beast Within and Without

The funny thing about the Durango SRT, is that although it looks like a beast (and it is) with its beefy fender flares, hood intake and extractors, and other embellishments, it is still very much a functioning family vehicle. In the recent past, Dodge marketed its Grand Caravan as a “man van” and no one was fooled. On the other hand, in the Durango SRT, you have a vehicle that lives up to all the hype, one that’s certain to attract a niche following.

Before we brought the Durango SRT back, we took note of some of its other features. The requisite red Brembo brake calipers were present. You also have your choice of seven drive modes at the ready — auto, sport, track, snow, tow, valet, and eco. Dodge didn’t skimp on interior materials either with leather seats and tri-zone climate control among the chief features.

All in all, the Durango SRT may offer the best blend of passenger comfort, utility, towing and performance of any SUV out there, even outdistancing the Porsche Cayenne in at least two of the four departments. All this coming from SRT, FCA’s Street & Racing Technology division that’s also brought us Hellcat and Demon.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Breaks Cover

August 15, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Chrysler lays claim to the world’s fastest sedan.

Just weeks after introducing the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, the Chrysler Group has unveiled a 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. The new model shares the same supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine found in the Challenger SRT Hellcat, making 707 horsepower and 650 foot-pounds of torque.

2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

The latest SRT inspired model is also the “quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world,” according to Chrysler. It has a top speed of 204 mph and an 11-second elapsed time for the quarter mile. The juiced sedan can hit its top speed within 13 seconds according to the NHRA. The new model will go into production after the first of the year at the Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant.

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat The powerful engine is paired with a TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler says that that the transmission is “capable of delivering fuel-efficient street driving and maximum performance track driving with 160 millisecond shifts with rev-matching.”

First Use: Supercharger Technology

In the SRT Hellcats, this will be the first time that Chrysler has made use of V-8 supercharger technology. The engine features a forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces. The engine also makes use of high-strength, forged-alloy pistons, heat-treated aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and die-cast aluminum rockers. Its specially tuned crank damper has been tested to 13,000 rpm.

Other enhancements for the Charger Hellcat include 15.4-inch Brembo two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers. It represents the largest front-brake package ever offered in a Chrysler Group vehicle.

2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Multiple Driving Modes

Drivers will also benefit from all-new drive modes that can help them actualize their driving experience. Three pre-configured drive modes — sport, track and default — can be found with a custom mode available to permit drivers to tailor-make their own experience. An eco mode is also available, one that will allow drivers to maximize fuel economy. The drive modes are controlled through the sedan’s UConnect system by choosing the applicable apps.

The Charger SRT Hellcat will also feature a novel two key fob arrangement. One key fob is red and the other is black, but it is the red key fob that unleashes the sedan’s full potential. The black fob reduces engine output, so which one do you think you will hand over to your teen?

Ideally, you will set your SRT Hellcat to valet mode whenever you are not behind the wheel. Set by your four-digit personal identification number, the valet mode limits horsepower and twist, locks out access to the first gear and upshifts earlier than normal, changes the traction, steering and suspension to a street setting, and disables the paddle shifters. It also disables drive mode functions, fully activates electronic stability control and disables launch control.

2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Second-Generation Styling Cues

In the Charger SRT Hellcat its design points to the second-generation Chargers that came off the assembly line in the late 1960s, with its design cues derived from the 1969 model. Hellcat has a larger and more pronounced aluminum hood, a redesigned front fascia with a menacing look and an integrated front splitter.

The sedan’s 20-inch split-seven, lightweight forged-aluminum wheels are set within Pirelli P Zero tires, designed to handle extreme speeds. Bringing up the rear is a body-colored deck spoiler, 4-inch round exhaust tips and racetrack LED tail lamps as found in the 2014 Dodge Durango.

Inside, the sedan features an all-new 7-inch customizable digital instrument cluster, the latest generation UConnect media center and an electronic shifter with a T-handle. An SRT-branded steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and an 18-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system are among the Hellcat’s top amenities.

2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Surging Muscle Cars

The Chrysler Group has sold more than 1 million Chargers and Challengers since these models rolled out in 2006 and 2009, respectively. Chrysler calls the Charger the “world’s only four-door muscle car” a fact that its competitors are not disputing.

2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

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Raw to the Core: 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT

July 23, 2014 by admin 8 Comments

Where the fun begins.

Say “muscle car and the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro immediately come to mind. These two sport coupes are the best known and the longest produced models in the segment, but they are not the only two. The Dodge Challenger is the third model, one that bases its styling cues on the first generation model produced from 1970 to 1974.

While the Mustang and Camaro battle for sales leadership, the Dodge Challenger is content to occupy its niche by serving up a variety of increasingly more powerful coupes including the upcoming 2015 Challenger Hellcat. Indeed, it was the very week that the Hellcat was announced that a 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT Core showed up, my weekly driver and a heck of a one at that.

2014 Dodge Challenger Core

Return of the Challenger

It was in spring 2008 when the Chrysler Group released the 2008 Dodge Challenger in limited quantities. The revived Challenger, based on the platform underpinning the full-size Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedan models, returned to the market ahead of the Camaro and just after the most recent Mustang overhaul. The timing was perfect because by the end of that year Chrysler was battling for its life and most likely the Dodge Challenger would never had been produced if its arrival was planned for a year later.

Of the three current muscle cars, the Challenger seems closer to its roots than its competitors, delivering a style that strongly resembles the original. That look includes the customary long hood, coupe roof line, short rear deck, massive wheel wells and an assortment of special characteristics including the iconic gas cap that pays tribute to the original Challenger.

Dodge also wants you to remember only the original and current models, forgetting that the Challenger name was ever ascribed to a captive import supplied to them by Mitsubishi in the late 1970s to early 1980s. Car manufacturers are prone to making huge marketing mistakes (as in naming that imported model the Challenger) — get behind the wheel of the current iteration and all is forgiven.

2014 Dodge Challenger Core

2014 Dodge Challenger SRT Core

The 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT Core retails from $39,485, well above the $26,495 base price for this model. SRT stands for “street and racing technology” a sub-brand and performance department that has brought forth several Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep variants as well as the Dodge (SRT) Viper.

You will be forgiven if you find that the Challenger’s nine editions present some overlap. There are special 100th anniversary Dodge models included in the mix and, besides, the 2014 Challenger is the last of the current generation. The next generation comes out this summer and will include the 707-horsepower Hellcat.

For 2014, the SRT Core is the most powerful Dodge Challenger you can buy and the only one outfitted with the larger of two HEMI engines offered by Chrysler today: a 6.4-liter V-8 making an even 470 horsepower and 470 foot-pounds of torque. It is a normally aspirated, 16-valve HEMI engine paired with a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Sadly, my tester had the slush box (hangs head down in shame).

Despite the automatic, the Challenger SRT serves up lots of power and in spades. This sports coupe begs to be let loose, delivering a sweet, guttural exhaust note that will urge you to take authoritative action. Quite simply, you are commanded to respond.

Take it to the Track

And that response means shifting the transmission into drive and letting it take you up to speed, bringing you to 60 mph in approximately 4.7 seconds and enabling you to punch through the quarter mile in under 13 seconds. If you are fortunate enough to get in some track time, the SRT’s top speed is 182 mph.

The Challenger SRT is a speeding ticket waiting to happen. Cruise control can keep you under control until you arrive at your secret destination where you can open her up. And it is somewhere out there where you will fully appreciate the twisting power under your control as you take the speedometer up yet another notch.

To its credit, Dodge outfitted the SRT Challenger with a sport-tuned steering, a rear stabilizer bar, a high performance suspension system, and a 3.92 rear axle ratio. This two-ton beast feels and looks heavy, but manages to stay planted even as it negotiates twisty roads.

I am not recommending that you perform the same tricks with the SRT Challenger that you might undertake in a BMW M6 or a Porsche Cayman S, but I will say that you should feel more comfortable in turning things up a notch than you would with the base model. Need to stop fast? You have vented/slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo fixed calipers at the ready.

2014 Dodge Challenger SRT Core

View manufacturer details and pricing

Keeping Up With Appearances

Dodge called the test model’s paint scheme, “plum crazy pearl.” You might reference it as “purple people-eater” or something to that end. Either way, the color elicited not a few comments, mostly positive, and some “wows” as well. The oddity about this model is that the handsome “392” badging found near the front wheels in older models was replaced with black stickers, something a few people noticed and expressed disappointment in. I cannot say why the change was made, but I will say that the older look was the better look.

Inside, the cabin is roomy up front, fairly cramped in the back and laid out simply. Nothing to brag about as far as materials used — lots of plastics, bright work trim and cloth seat surfaces with SRT embossed on the headrests. Even so, it is a marked improvement over the first generation model with clean, easy to read analog displays, useful steering wheel mounted controls and a colorful infotainment system display that is easy to read and configure as you zoom your way around.

Beneath the center stack is the console containing the transmission shifter, a cup holder and a smart phone holder. That latter holder is more of a slot, a smart way to hold your delicate device as you run the Challenger through your paces.

Price As Tested

The test model retailed for $44,925, with nearly $4,500 in optional equipment added and a $1,000 gas guzzler tax slapped on the hood. Rated 14 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for a combined 17 mpg, you get “fined” for the pleasure of putting the pedal to the metal.

As equipped, a six-speaker Boston Acoustics audio package was a $450 add on. An electronics convenience package added another $750, delivering a security alarm, power heated side mirrors, and a temperature and compass gauge. The slush box added another $1,200 with performance tires tagging on an additional $150. The UConnect infotainment system was extra as well ($895), bringing in the 6.5-inch display, a Garmin navigation system and Sirius Travel Link, among other benefits.

On the storage side of the house, Dodge provides a split-folding rear seat that expands storage space smartly. I think most people who buy this car do so with only themselves and perhaps their “significant other” in mind. Thus, the added storage room gained by folding down the rear seat is an important benefit.

Beyond 2014

When writing about the Challenger you can’t escape talking about “what’s next.” That “next” is the 2015 edition or next generation model that at first glance seems more like a refresh than anything else. What will be changed is the interior, providing a more sophisticated and refined look. The 707-hp supercharged Hellcat also makes it debut, a limited edition model priced from $59,995.

The Dodge Challenger certainly isn’t for everyone, but if you like the look and feel of a traditional sport coupe, it bears your consideration. Your only question at this point is whether to grab a 2014 or go with the 2015. I can’t give you the answer, so I guess you will have to try them both.

2014 Dodge Challenger SRT Core

Sticker price from $39,485
Price as tested: $44,925
Seats 5 occupants
6.4-liter 16-valve HEMI V-8 engine
470 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
470 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,200 rpm
4.09 inches bore by 3.72 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 10:9-to-1
Five-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 116.0 inches
Length: 197.7 inches
Width: 75.7 inches
Height: 57.1 inches
Passenger volume: 91.5 cubic feet
Storage volume: 16.2 cubic feet
Towing capacity: NR
EPA: 14 mpg city, 23 mpg highway
Premium grade gasoline
Fuel tank: 19.4 gallons
Curb weight: From 4,231 pounds
IIHS safety rating: Not available
Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 3 years/Unlimited miles
Vehicle assembly: Brampton, Ontario, Canada

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Fiat Chrysler Outlines Five-Year Strategy

May 6, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

Sweeping revamp and expansion of several product lines announced.

Nearly five years have passed since Chrysler went bankrupt, restructured, and was thrust into the arms of waiting Fiat. Essentially, Chrysler was given up for dead with Fiat afforded the opportunity to revive the automaker and rebuild it.

That rebuilding process was centered on an ambitious five-year plan that transformed each American brand, introduced Fiat and Alfa Romeo, and created Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, N.V. (FAC), the parent of this now global automaker.

The Measure of Success

By every measure the Fiat Chrysler merger has worked out quite well with most new and updated products executed as planned. One glaring exception, the Dodge Dart, should be noted. However, it is clear that the company’s strengths are with its traditional American brands while its classical Italian brands are in need of more work.

The reworking of every FAC brand will continue as the company announced today its next five-year master plan, what may make this automaker a truly global powerhouse. Certainly, not on the scale of Toyota, General Motors and Volkswagen, but better able to compete with Hyundai-Kia, Ford, and Renault-Nissan. And it plans to do so by building sales well beyond Europe, its official home base as well as its weakest market.

Growth Projections by Brand

The centerpiece of FAC’s expansion quest will be its Jeep brand, with 1.9 million annual sales forecast by the end of 2018, more than doubling its current sales. FAC will market Jeep globally and expand its line up. A new compact model will arrive in 2016, replacing the current Patriot and Compass, and a three-row Grand Wagoneer is to be added in 2018 reports Carscoops. Its smallest model, the Renegade; arrives stateside in 2015; updates to the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler are also scheduled.

The Chrysler brand has suffered tremendously even as FAC’s other brands were improved and thrive. FAC says that Chrysler will be the lone seller of its all-new minivan and will include a hybrid variant that will achieve 75 mpg on the highway. A larger crossover and a compact “100” model will also be added. FAC’s intent is push the Chrysler brand more mainstream. These changes would raise brand sales from 350,000 units in 2013 to 800,000 units in 2018. Reaching that goal would help Chrysler attain the sales level it last enjoyed as recently as 2005.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles — A new FCA sign is in place at Chryslers headquarters in Michigan.

FAC intends to use Alfa Romeo to compete against Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and other luxury brands. CEO Sergio Marchionne plans to double the brand’s four vehicle line up to eight models by 2018, adding midsize, utility and full-size models to the mix. With these changes FAC expects A-R to grow five-fold within five years.

The one brand that has long represented mainstream Americana is Dodge. However, with Chrysler now assuming that position to compete with Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet, the Dodge brand will now represent American muscle. The refreshed for 2015 Dodge Challenger and Charger models will lead in that department, but will also be rejoined by a former halo product, the SRT Viper. SRT will now be folded into Dodge with Viper assuming its previous relationship. Dodge will also say good-bye to the Avenger and so long to the Grand Caravan, updating the Dart by adding all-wheel drive and SRT variants. New Journey and Durango models will also roll out and a B-segment (subcompact) sedan and hatchback will be introduced by 2018.

With only the 500 and 500L to show for it, the North American Fiat offerings have been weak. Although Fiat brand plans show much stronger growth abroad, particularly in Europe, we’ll see the 500X crossover here next year. That model will share its underpinnings with the Jeep Renegade, itself an all-new model. Likely, Fiat will also get a speciality vehicle, a sports car, co-developed with Mazda. That will still make for a limited US line up, but it could raise customer interest in Fiat further with new products following.

The rest of FAC’s lineup includes Ram, its truck line. Marchionne announced that a ProMaster City van will arrive early next year, based on the current Fiat Diablo. The only other change has its big pickup trucks overhauled in 2017, a year later than originally scheduled.

Both Maserati and Ferrari will continue as FAC properties with only Maserati slated for expansion. New crossover, coupe and convertible models are planned with an all-new Grand Turismo model arriving by 2018. Maserati’s current sales are 15,000 per year and should rise to 75,000 under the FAC formula. Ferrari, on the other hand, will be restricted to just 7,000 units annually reports Automotive News.

Fiat Chrysler Strategy

Clearly, Marchionne has an aggressive growth strategy in place, one that relies on continued growth in the US, stability in Europe and the expansion of its global reach with Jeep leading the way. That makes for an ambitious plan, but so was the original five-year strategy, one that revived two weak automakers, transforming both into a much stronger singularity.

Hot SUV: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

May 24, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Updated May 25, 2013, to reflect correct towing limit.

Do you know your SUV history? No, not that Jeep and Land Rover got the segment going beginning in the 1940s, rather that souped up SUVs are uncommon, especially a factory-built model. After all, SUVs are bulky, creaky and just plain uncool, right?

Yes, there are a fair share of aftermarket enhanced SUVs on the road, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is proof that a factory-built performance model has its place in the mix. And this Grand Cherokee does the whole performance thing better than the GMC Typhoon, itself a hot SUV built for two model years ending in 1993. For one, the Grand Cherokee SRT is of unibody construction, providing a tighter fit, a smoother ride and quieter interior than the body-on-frame Typhoon. For another, two decades have passed since the Typhoon’s exit and the technologies found in the SRT simply did not exist when the Typhoon was built. Both models are cool, but the Grand Cherokee is uber cool.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

Let’s start with the facade. The 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT offers a similar overall design to the 2013 edition with a few important changes. Those changes include a tweaked fascia, updated lighting and new wheels. A blacked-out look dominates the SRT’s front end, with the grille, and the surfaces surrounding the headlights similarly affected. In the rear, the same blacked out treatment surrounds the tail lights. Notably, the grille is shorter and moved slightly higher while new tail lights flank the rear.

New wheel options provide a dramatic look to the sculpted SRT’s profile. Fully polished, five-spoke 20-inch Goliath wheels provide a distinctive look and are encased within Pirelli P Zero three-season tires. Yes, if you live in snow country you’ll need to replace these with winter tires as the grip won’t be enough to safely stop you when road conditions are icy.

Inside, seating is for five with both the driver and front passenger supported by bolstered sport seats. Seating surfaces are covered in leather and suede, with Laguna leather and an Alcantara headliner available. A brand-new steering wheel, wrapped in leather and offering a heating function, features numerous operating controls and a pair of paddle shifters. Brightly lit gauges and an 8.4-inch center stack display screen provide a balanced look without overwhelming the senses. The center console also features the stick shift and drive mode control, the latter making it possible to drive in regular (auto), snow, tow, sport or track modes.

SRT Performance Capabilities

The Grand Cherokee SRT emphasizes its sporting credentials and does so in a big way. This 470-hp beast can get moving, inviting you to toy with the driving mode to see just how fast the SRT can move as well as stop. On the display screen you can track your 0 to 60 mph, 1/8- and 1/4-mile times as well as your braking, steering angle, lateral and longitudinal G-Forces, and performance output.

Needless to say, this writer experimented at least a half a dozen times with the launch sequence in a bid to propel the Grand Cherokee SRT from 0 to 60 mph as quickly as possibly. A best time of 5.0 seconds came in well short of the 4.5 seconds others have claimed. Figure that dedicated performance car drivers will nail that number which, by the way, beats the GMC Typhoon by 0.8 seconds.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT HEMI engine.

Braking is precise thanks to its world-class Brembo braking system. That system is evident the moment you set your eyes on the SRT as its front and rear calipers are clad in red.

SRT chose Brembo for its benchmark setting capabilities, a system known for bringing the burliest vehicles to a safe and clean stop while retaining brake pedal feel and minimizing brake fade. The Grand Cherokee SRT is outfitted with 15-inch rotors in the front with six-piston calipers; the rear features 13.8-inch rotors with four-piston calipers. This brake system arrangement is ideal for the Jeep as we’re talking about a model with a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,500 pounds.

Jeep Driving Characteristics

Grand Cherokee SRT seat. Spirited driving defines SRT; making this possible for a coupe or a sedan is one thing, but it becomes much more of a challenge in an SUV. A higher profile, aerodynamic constraints and its heavier weight are issues that must be managed, something Chrysler’s engineering team has pulled off. Outfitting the Grand Cherokee with a hulking V-8 means providing it with a balanced suspension system, what it has accomplished by means of an independent front and multilink rear suspension with stabilizer bars. Add in a Bilstein adaptive damping suspension and the package is complete.

Chrysler tapped ZF to supply an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities. This transmission is unique to the premium midsize SUV class and engages quietly and seamlessly. Shift to manual mode and you can paddle-shift your way down the road. The SRT’s rack and pinion steering is precise and handles tight turns and twisty roads with ease. Body roll is minimal — you may quickly forget that you’re driving an SUV.

SRT, Chrysler DNA

Jeep made sure that the Grand Cherokee SRT provides a complete package with performance, luxury, room and utility offered without compromise. Is DNA is derived from the best of the Chrysler Group as its performance parallels the Dodge Challenger and its luxury the Chrysler 300C. Its room and utility are all Jeep, the latter quite evident with its 7,200-pound towing capacity. Try to find another SUV that offers all this and you’d be hard pressed to succeed. Unless, of course, you happened to find one customized by its owner.

Its $62,995 base price is more than double that of the standard Grand Cherokee Laredo. Add in the 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio package, the full size spare and special tires and your price pushes into the upper 60s or where no Jeep has gone before. Clearly, if you want a performance Jeep and are looking for a happy compromise between the Dodge Challenger SRT and Chrysler 300C, this model delivers with utility features included.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

6.4-liter HEMI V-8 Engine

Sticker price from $62,995
Seats 5 occupants
6.4-liter HEMI OHV V-8engine
470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
465 foot-pounds of torque at 4,300 rpm
4.09 inches bore by 3.72 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 10.9 to 1
8-speed automatic shiftable transmission
Wheelbase: 114.8 inches
Length: 191.3 inches
Width: 77.1 inches
Height: 69.1 inches
Passenger Volume: 105.4 cubic feet
Storage Volume: 35.1/68.7 cubic feet
Towing Capacity: 7,200 pounds
EPA: 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway
Premium grade gasoline recommended
Fuel Tank: 24.6 gallons
Curb Weight: From 5,150 pounds
Payload: 1,350 pounds
Vehicle Assembly: Saltillo, Mexico

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT dash.

Photos by Matthew C. Keegan; you are free to use and attribute to autotrends.org.

Hot SUV: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

May 24, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Updated May 25, 2013, to reflect correct towing limit.

Yes, there are a fair share of aftermarket enhanced SUVs on the road, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is proof that a factory-built performance model has its place in the mix. And this Grand Cherokee does the whole performance thing better than the GMC Typhoon, itself a hot SUV built for two model years ending in 1993. For one, the Grand Cherokee SRT is of unibody construction, providing a tighter fit, a smoother ride and quieter interior than the body-on-frame Typhoon. For another, two decades have passed since the Typhoons exit and the technologies found in the SRT simply did not exist when the Typhoon was built. Both models are cool, but the Grand Cherokee is uber cool.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

Let’s start with the facade. The 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT offers a similar overall design to the 2013 edition with a few important changes. Those changes include a tweaked fascia, updated lighting and new wheels. A blacked-out look dominates the SRTs front end, with the grille, and the surfaces surrounding the headlights similarly affected. In the rear, the same blacked out treatment surrounds the tail lights. Notably, the grille is shorter and moved slightly higher while new tail lights flank the rear.

New wheel options provide a dramatic look to the sculpted SRTs profile. Fully polished, five-spoke 20-inch Goliath wheels provide a distinctive look and are encased within Pirelli P Zero three-season tires. Yes, if you live in snow country youll need to replace these with winter tires as the grip wont be enough to safely stop you when road conditions are icy.

SRT Performance Capabilities

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT HEMI engine.

Braking is precise thanks to its world-class Brembo braking system. That system is evident the moment you set your eyes on the SRT as its front and rear calipers are clad in red.

SRT chose Brembo for its benchmark setting capabilities, a system known for bringing the burliest vehicles to a safe and clean stop while retaining brake pedal feel and minimizing brake fade. The Grand Cherokee SRT is outfitted with 15-inch rotors in the front with six-piston calipers; the rear features 13.8-inch rotors with four-piston calipers. This brake system arrangement is ideal for the Jeep as were talking about a model with a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,500 pounds.

Jeep Driving Characteristics

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT seat SUV. A higher profile, aerodynamic constraints and its heavier weight are issues that must be managed, something Chrysler’s engineering team has pulled off. Outfitting the Grand Cherokee with a hulking V-8 means providing it with a balanced suspension system, what it has accomplished by means of an independent front and multilink rear suspension with stabilizer bars. Add in a Bilstein adaptive damping suspension and the package is complete.

Chrysler tapped ZF to supply an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities. This transmission is unique to the premium midsize SUV class and engages quietly and seamlessly. Shift to manual mode and you can paddle-shift your way down the road. The SRTs rack and pinion steering is precise and handles tight turns and twisty roads with ease. Body roll is minimal you may quickly forget that youre driving an SUV.

SRT, Chrysler DNA

Its $62,995 base price is more than double that of the standard Grand Cherokee Laredo. Add in the 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio package, the full size spare and special tires and your price pushes into the upper 60s or where no Jeep has gone before. Clearly, if you want a performance Jeep and are looking for a happy compromise between the Dodge Challenger SRT and Chrysler 300, this model delivers with utility features included.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT dashboard

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

6.4-liter HEMI V-8 Engine

Sticker price from $62,995
Seats 5 occupants
6.4-liter HEMI OHV V-8engine
470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
465 foot-pounds of torque at 4,300 rpm
4.09 inches bore by 3.72 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 10.9 to 1
8-speed automatic shiftable transmission
Wheelbase: 114.8 inches
Length: 191.3 inches
Width: 77.1 inches
Height: 69.1 inches
Passenger Volume: 105.4 cubic feet
Storage Volume: 35.1/68.7 cubic feet
Towing Capacity: 7,200 pounds
EPA: 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway
Premium grade gasoline recommended
Fuel Tank: 24.6 gallons
Curb Weight: From 5,150 pounds
Payload: 1,350 pounds
Vehicle Assembly: Saltillo, Mexico

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