Two very special Jeeps were recently handed over to F1 pilots Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso to help the two pro drivers get around all the snow falling in Maranello these days. The pair of Scuderia Ferrari drivers each received a Ferrari-styled Grand Cherokee SRT8, the quickest and most powerful Jeep ever built.

Both vehicles feature a special trim with exclusive styling details and the bright, Rossa Corsa shade from Italian exotic automaker, Ferrari. Now that Chrysler-Fiat is all one happy family, it makes sense for the Chrysler Group to leverage the most valuable asset in its alliance, the Ferrari brand.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 packs a 6.4L Hemi V8 with 465-hp and 465 lb-ft of torque and has a 0-60 mph time of just 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 160-mph. The pair of personalized Grand Cherokees are the first of the new SRT8 high performance version to hit European shores. It will go on sale this summer in Europe.

“We are excited and proud to be able to hand over the exclusively personalised ‘Ferrari-style’ versions of the most powerful and fastest Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 of all time to two of the most talented drivers in the world,” said Beth Peretta. “We are sure Fernando and Felipe will feel perfectly at home at the wheel of these cars that take styling cues from Ferrari with Rosso Corsa bodywork and that represent the pinnacle in terms of performance for the Jeep brand. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 offers all who love driving, a unique combination of the amazing capacity of the Jeep on road and track, with the pinnacle of personalised style and technology.”

GALLERY: Ferrari Style Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

10: Audi TT RS

Classic car insurance company Hagerty has just released its annual list of vehicles that it expects will become the collector cars of the future. The list of “affordable” collector cars is capped at $100,000 and comes on the heels of the annual Scottsdale collector car auction week.

“After more than twenty years of witnessing car-collecting trends, we have the unique ability to look at new cars through the eyes of a collector,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty Insurance. “This year’s Hot List includes cars that are sure to develop a cult-like following because their characteristics resonate with driving enthusiasts.”

Starting off the list, and a favorite of ours is the Audi TT RS which retails for $56,850 and is a favorite amongst automotive enthusiasts as an affordable, fun ride without having to indulge into Porsche costs. The TT RS has plenty of global appeal which means it’ll have plenty of global demand down the road. And besides, Audi consistently finds itself at the Le Mans podium; you just can’t argue with success.

Is it OK to love one of your kids more than the others? If you work for Jeep the answer is a resounding yes. After the launch of the Grand Cherokee SRT8, brand enthusiasts might like to see other SRT-badge models, but they won’t. The same goes for the upcoming diesel version, which only recently was confirmed for a return to our shores.

In a recent interview Jeep head Mike Manley confirmed that both diesel and high-performance versions will remain the exclusive territory of the Grand Cherokee. And while that’s certainly not the new diesel fanatics were looking for, at least the performance guys can count on the possibility of R/T trim levels.

Hybrids are also out of the question confirms Manley. Instead, look for Fiat’s MultiAir valve-lift technology to be used in future models (think Liberty and the Compass/Patriot replacement) to help deliver added power and fuel economy.

Diesel fans need not despair just yet, however, with a recent report that Chrysler is looking to offer an oil burner is most of it’s large vehicles. Chrysler 300 D anyone?

[Source: Car&Driver]

While some automakers appear intent on taking fun out of the equation, Chrysler group seems is doing the opposite. With a raft of performance vehicles on offer through its Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand, the company caters to those that still like a good ol’ fashioned dose of American pavement melting horsepower.

With the recent launch of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, it was perhaps a logical step for sister ship, the Dodge Durango to gain an extra shot of oats. Although there’s been no official confirmation from Chrysler, sources inside the company believe the project is very much a work in progress, slated for a possible 2013 model year release.

Like the Grand Cherokee SRT8, if and when a hot rod version of the Durango does surface, expect it follow in the same vein, being all-wheel drive only and powered by a 392 ci (6.4-liter) Hemi V8, generating around 470 horsepower, along with an adjustable suspension and monster Brembo brakes.

However, some questions remain. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 has been criticized for its relatively high sticker price ($54,470); especially considering it debuted amid one of the worst economic slumps in years. If a Durango version was to be offered it would likely be priced at a similar level if not more, which could severely limit the vehicle’s appeal, making it a stillborn proposition. Adding further fuel to the fire is that the R/T model (shown), currently the hottest in the Durango lineup, has so far accounted for just 7 percent of total sales since its introduction back in March.

Ralph Gilles, president of SRT, has gone on the record stating that the brand plans to ‘de-couple’ some of the features on the Grand Cherokee SRT8 in order to make it more price competitive, so if a ‘super’ Durango does indeed make the cut it will likely follow the Jeep’s lead. Stay tuned for further developments.

GALLERY: Dodge Durango RT

[Source: Inside Line]

Our friends over at Left Lane News have grabbed the first video of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 clearing its pipes, and just like the last version, it sounds downright mean.

Unveiled at the 2011 New York Auto Show, the fastest Jeep packs a 6.4L Hemi V8 with 465 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. 60 mph comes up in 4.8 seconds, and the Cherokee is also capable of pulling 0.9 G on the skidpad. Jeep’s traditional 4-wheel drive system is replaced with an AWD setup that can send 100 percent of power to one rear wheel if needed.

Hit the jump to check out the video of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 revving its engine, and don’t forget to turn up your speakers.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Continue Reading…

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Calling it, “the most powerful and technologically advanced Jeep ever,” Jeep brand CEO Mike Manley today unveiled the new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 at the New York Auto Show. And he isn’t kidding.

Transforming the capable off-roader to a serious street machine, the team at SRT revamped the entire package to deliver sports car statistics. Impressive numbers include a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a quarter mile time in the mid 13 second range. And it’s not just a straight-line monster either, with a 0.9 G rating on the skidpad and a 60-0 braking distance of just 116 feet.

To achieve all that performance Jeep completely reworked the Grand Cherokee with a new 465-hp 6.4-liter V8, that makes an equally incredible 465 lb-ft of torque. Its been fitted under the hood of the GC chassis that’s been dropped one inch on new 20-inch wheels and features an adaptive suspension as well as the Quadra-trac AWD setup that can deliver up to 100 percent of the power to one rear wheel.

Adding plenty of style is an aggressive aero package, LED running lights, a sculpted hood with air vents. And inside there’s a custom interior with leather and Alcantara seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and real carbon fiber trim.

GALLERY: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Calling it, “the most powerful and technologically advanced Jeep ever,” Jeep brand CEO Mike Manley today unveiled the new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 at the New York Auto Show. And he isn’t kidding.

Transforming the capable off-roader to a serious street machine, the team at SRT revamped the entire package to deliver sports car statistics. Impressive numbers include a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a quarter mile time in the mid 13 second range. And it’s not just a straight-line monster either, with a 0.9 G rating on the skidpad and a 60-0 braking distance of just 116 feet.

To achieve all that performance Jeep completely reworked the Grand Cherokee with a new 465-hp 6.4-liter V8, that makes an equally incredible 465 lb-ft of torque. Its been fitted under the hood of the GC chassis that’s been dropped one inch on new 20-inch wheels and features an adaptive suspension as well as the Quadra-trac AWD setup that can deliver up to 100 percent of the power to one rear wheel.

Adding plenty of style is an aggressive aero package, LED running lights, a sculpted hood with air vents. And inside there’s a custom interior with leather and Alcantara seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and real carbon fiber trim.

Get more details on the new Jeep street machine here.

GALLERY: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

See AutoGuide’s ‘First Look’ video from New York after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Jeep‘s previous generation Grand Cherokee spawned an on-road performance version from the Chrysler Group’s SRT division and ever since the new GC’s debut the same has been expected of the latest and greatest Jeep – especially since the reveal of the Charger SRT8 and it’s new 6.4-liter V8 engine.

Delivering a successor, Jeep has just officially announced a new Grand Cherokee SRT8 for the 2012 model year, sporting that massive V8 powerplant and 465-hp. Paired with a the brand’s AWD setup (which includes a traction control system for Auto, Sport, Track, Tow and Snow) it sprints to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. There are paddle shifters to help you stay in control of all that power, plus a high-tech stability control system can distribute 100 percent of the engine’s torque to just one wheel.

Riding on 20-inch wheels there’s the requisite bad-boy bodywork, while handling is further improved with an adaptive suspension. And to slow the behemoth down is a set of massive Brembo brakes.

Inside, upgrades include some more luxurious touches with leather and suede as well as faux carbon fiber trim pieces, as well as a large touch-screen display. There’s even a 19-speaker, 825 watt sound system – apparently the audio equivalent to the 6.4-liter V8′s power.

Plus, the SRT8 retains a 5,000 lb tow rating so you can embarrass a lot of sports sedans while towing your boat.

GALLERY: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

See video of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 from New York after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Rumors had indicated that Jeep would unveil a high-powered version of its Grand Cherokee at the New York Auto Show this week, and a new report by Automotive News seems to confirm as much. But the Grand Cherokee SRT8 won’t be the only heavyweight to hit the stage in New York, with the Chrysler brand also preparing to unveil a more potent version of its 300 sedan.

With both models expect a lower and stiffer suspension, plus some more aggressive bodywork, not to mention larger wheels and upgraded brakes.

Look to the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 for what will power the beasts, with that car making use of a new 6.4-liter V8 engine that delivers 465-hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Both models should be able to do the run to 60 in under 5.0 seconds.

Look for full details and photos from the live reveal in the Big Apple, with AutoGuide’s 2011 New York Auto Show Coverage here.

[Source: Automotive News]

The folks at Jeep might not admit it yet, but they don’t have to any more. That’s right, an all-new SRT8 Jeep Grand Cherokee is on its way.

Recent spy photos show a version of the 2011 Grand Cherokee sporting a covered font fascia that is noticeably lower than the standard one. Plus, the big SUV has wider fenders, larger wheels and a lowered ride height.

As for what’s under the hood, the new SRT8 model it tipped to get Chrysler’s larger 6.4-liter Hemi V8, making 480-hp and 460 ft-lbs of torque – just like in the upcoming Challenger SRT8. Also set to be included is a new 8-speed automatic transmission.

Combined with much-improved luxury interiors, perhaps Jeep will make good on its promise to give the BMW X5 M a run for its money.

See more spy shots at the link below.

[Source: InsideLine]