Jeep Mulling SRT Variant for Cherokee
Even though Jeep already has the range-topping Trailhawk version of its new Cherokee, there could be a differently-minded performance variant coming.
Plans for an SRT version of the Cherokee might not currently exist, but Cherokee lead designer Greg Howell told Motoring that they will try and see if the business case makes sense. “And if we can make money on it – it’s gotta make money not just break even – we’ll go for it.”
But doing that might not be a simple proposition. The 6.4-liter V8 found in the Grand Cherokee SRT8 won’t fit, and Howell said a higher-performing Cherokee would still be limited by tightening emissions regulations. Instead, a turbocharged four-cylinder unit would be the best candidate.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Jeep Cherokee
Jeep needs to focus on successfully launching the current Cherokees before any sort of cheaper alternative to the Grand Cherokee SRT8 could be considered. Production of the Cherokee halted a week ago because of quality concerns. The assembly line is moving again, but Chrysler’s primary concern is probably with ensuring smooth delivery moving forward.
If Jeep does decide to build such a product, it would offer direct competition to the Subaru Forester XT. The Japanese compact crossover uses a turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter boxer engine found in the BRZ mated to a continuously-variable transmission.
GALLERY: 2014 Jeep Cherokee
[Source: Motoring]
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Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
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Its not ugly in person. Actually a pretty cool looking ride (2013 Trail Hawk) It would be an absolute monster if they added a Hemi!! We have a Lexus RX330, and I would trade it for a Firehawk if I could get it away from my wife. The interior is spectacular!!
Ugly is the only word to describe it. Not to say that the Cherokee was ever "pretty" but it did have a classic utilitarian design. Now it's just another ugly vehicle destined to be owned by on-road consumers who wouldn't know the difference.