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Just last week, former professional baseball player Jose Canseco was testifying in front of Congress about his use of steroids. The drugs made him bigger and stronger, giving him the power to achieve feats he wouldn't have been capable of otherwise. In a way, the engineers at Jeep have been doing the same thing with their Grand Cherokee, injecting it with a little Hemi magic and, like Canseco, the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 can do things not previously thought possible in a boulder-bashing SUV. But, unlike Canseco's actions, what Jeep engineers have done is completely legal, meaning you won't have to meet with members of Congress after a test drive. What sets the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 apart from other powerful SUVs is that Hemi under the hood - in this case, 6.1 liters of V8 muscle. Horsepower and torque ratings are both in excess of 400, 0-60 times are supercar fast, and 60-0 distances are almost unbelievable for a heavy SUV. And on top of it all, it can still tow up to 3,500 lbs. and features full-time four-wheel-drive capability, though there is no low range. This is the first SRT-labeled Jeep, and it's sure to be one we all remember. Sharing the stage with another memorable new release, the 2006 Jeep Commander, the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 made its debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Pricing has not been released, but shoppers can expect to see the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 this fall.
Signifying the first time an SRT badge has been worn by a Jeep vehicle, the 2006 Grand Cherokee SRT-8 probably won't be the last if it gets the expected response. On the outside, the SRT-8 version of the Grand Cherokee differs by using five-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/45 Goodyears in front and 285/40 Goodyears in back; a massive front air dam and lower body kit; a rear air dam; and the deletion of the roof rack.
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