On Why The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Is The Most American Thing Ever!

  • Aug 30, 2016
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It feels like a big slab of Americana! Here's why

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

The Jeeps have made their official entry, and while the entire auto fraternity is in a tizzy over the prices, we think the most bonkers of the lot is the sanest in terms of price. Quite an antithesis, no? Yes, we are talking about the big, burly and growly Grand Cherokee SRT that chuckles at the thought of a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine and shrugs when you say the term 'compact SUV'. 

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

It is the most American things ever, in my books. And before I get flagged for racism, nationalism, or more words that end with '-ism', let me point out that I mean that in a good way. One look at the Grand Cherokee SRT and you know it means some serious business. It feels right at home on the porch of a five-star hotel, the racetrack and even in the hands of a hitman. The smoked-out headlamps, the classic seven-slat grille and a set of bling 20-inch alloys are straight from the 'American Book Of Design'. 

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

Then there's the interior, that clearly doesn't understand the words 'small', 'tiny', 'compact' or 'cramped'. It is big, roomy and loaded to the gills - just like the Big Mac, for instance. The laundry list of features includes leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, heated steering and seats and a Blu-Ray player too. What's more, the boot space is 1,554 litres (with the second row tucked away) in case you need to transport a fridge in a hurry. It is utilitarian with a hint of luxury. Not a bad combination to have, we say! 

Coming to the heart of the matter - the massive petrol V8 engine. This is among the prime reasons why the SRT is quintessentially American. In a time where most gigantic V6s and V8s have made way for turbocharged four-pots, the SRT believes there is no replacement for displacement. The monstrous 6.4-litre, Hemi V8 has been plonked in as is for the Jeep. Producing a mammoth 475PS of power and 630Nm of torque, there's enough to make sure you have a wide grin plastered on your face. For the record, 0-100kmph comes up in just 4.9 seconds and top speed is rated at 255kmph. That is proper sportscar territory and, for a car that weighs twice as much to pull it off, is appreciable. It also get Jeep's 'Selec-Trac' system that lets one set the car up in a total of five different modes, including Sport and Track. What was the last time you saw a 'Track' mode in an SUV? I rest my case. 

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
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If that wasn't enough the SRT gets timers that let you measure 0-100 and quarter mile times. It will even tell you what G-force you were subjected to. Cool? We think so! And going fast needs to be backed up with stopping fast. Which is why the Grand Cherokee SRT gets a set of Brembo brakes (15-inchers at the front and 13.8-inchers at the rear) to make the massive blob of V8 powered lunacy come to a halt.  

So there you have it. A big blob of metal, plastic and rubber, backed by a monstrous naturally aspirated V8 that is as politically correct as adding slapstick humour to a Quentin Tarantino movie! If that isn't American enough, I don't what is. 

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