2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Track Test at Circuit of the Americas

There might be no more appropriate place to test a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT than at a track called the Circuit of the Americas, a brand new facility that was designed for Formula 1 racing. The Hemi-powered version of the 2014 Grand Cherokee made an appearance in Austin, Texas, for that specific purpose, and of course, Autobytel’s Road Test Editor T.J. Keon was happy to oblige. Like other Jeeps that came before it, the 2014 model year Grand Cherokee SRT was designed primarily to be a super capable off-road contender. Road manners are practically secondary, and almost no one would think that potential track capabilities were even a consideration. But a 6.4-liter Hemi engine gives a Jeep a lot of power, and the SRT model has always been equipped with extra goodies. The Hemi’s 470 horsepower are matched by an all new eight-speed automatic transmission, and a set of Pirelli high performance tires help keep the Grand Cherokee stable. T.J. discovered that in fact, a properly equipped Jeep, with sport and track modes as well as a launch control feature, can be almost as much fun on the track as it is on the trail.