Features

Four-wheel-drive System

To create the first SRT vehicle with full-time four-wheel drive, SRT engineers developed a drive system that was lightweight, yet robust and reliable enough to handle massive amounts of horsepower and torque from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s powertrain. One part of the equation was to create a new transfer case, combining housing components from two existing units with the upgrades needed to make it SRT-capable.

SRT engineers opted to use the front half of a Jeep transfer case chosen for its capability and light weight. It was mated to the rear half of a heavier-duty case, chosen for its ruggedness and ability to house the electronic full-time four-wheel-drive system components. The transfer case output shaft was upgraded to handle high torque generated by the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI.

The result is the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s unique transfer case, which provides the necessary power-handling capabilities for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 while weighing 60 pounds less than a Jeep heavy-duty case.

Under normal driving conditions, five percent to 10 percent of torque is directed to the front wheels, but as much of the 6.1-liter HEMI’s torque as needed can be directed forward when additional traction or stability is required. Remaining torque is sent via a heavy-duty driveshaft designed for the European Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel model, to a Dana 44 rear differential upgraded with a larger ring gear within a new axle housing.

Ride and Handling

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is endowed with the signature SRT characteristic of world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range.

Chassis setup is aimed at balanced performance with SRT-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings. New front suspension knuckles feature a camber angle calibrated for optimum suspension performance. The ride height of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is one inch lower than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which lowers aerodynamic drag, as well as the center of gravity, and contributes to the vehicle’s stability and aggressive stance.

To meet or exceed handling and safety criteria, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) was specially calibrated for the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Further contributing to its aggressive stance, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is fitted with unique forged 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels shod with high-performance Goodyear W-rated four-season tires with run-flat capability. Tire dimensions are 255/45/20 in the front, and a massive 285/40/20 in the rear, which also contribute to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s stability.

With an optional hitch package available from Mopar, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.

Braking

The braking system of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is designed to provide outstanding capability as a counterpoint to the vehicle’s awesome launch and acceleration.

All four wheels feature four-piston performance brake calipers developed by Brembo, finished in gloss black. While braking, these calipers clamp down on 360 x 32 mm vented rotors up front, with 350 x 28 mm vented rotors in the rear.