Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 Rendering

Well, that was fast! Chrysler just took the wraps off on the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee at the New York International Auto Show. Now, there is some significant speculation about the sports SRT-8 model to follow a year after, bowing as a 2012 model.

The rendering surfaced in car blog Jalopnik, and while the story is based on inside information and is an exclusive, I don't seem any claim by them that the rendering is official. Autoblog contacted Chrysler for comment and they were told the image is "Definitely not ours".

Anyhow, regardless of the image both it and the information give us a good look at a what a potential next-generation Grand Cherokee SRT-8 might be like.

According to the article, the new Grand Cherokee SRT-8 would get a 6.4L HEMI V-8 producing anywhere between 505 and 525 HP (!), fed through an updated (beefed up, retuned?) All-Wheel Drive System. Knowing Dodge, the SRT-8 would be priced as a bargain. With the significantly changed and refined basis vehicle, anyone thinking of this as a bargain Cayenne competitor?

The sketches don't lend an outrageous look that matches the powerplant; the SRT-8 is somewhat subtle, a sleeper if you will.

While all this seems very cool for us enthusiasts, it's a bit of a surprise that development on such a thing would be continuing with the position Chrysler find itself. I assume these vehicles make a profit, but I could see environmental groups pouncing on this and the image factor coming into play.

Regardless, I don't suspect this is something Chrysler wants to be coming out right now even if they are producing an SRT-8 model of the new Grand Cherokee. So this is speculation until we know further. I'll be sure to keep you updated; I assume if this model is coming we'll see some production mules testing it in not too long.