SRT Brand and Motorsports Director of Marketing and Operations Beth Paretta handed over the keys to the drivers at the Fiorano circuit in Maranello, Italy, yesterday.

The exclusive 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 models received a special SRT exterior treatment; taking design inspiration from Ferrari styling, coated in Rosso Corsa colored paint. The grille is painted matte black with red inserts, a black racing stripe has been added, and the mirrors are capped in carbon fiber. An Italian flag was painted on the underside of the rear spoiler, as well.

Check out more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

A set of custom, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels have been fitted to the Grand Cherokee models, which have also been dropped by 1.5 inches all the way around.

On the inside, Ferrari Red leather details were fitted throughout the cabin, with contrast stitching and a yellow-accented instrument panel.

Power for the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 comes from the new V-8 6.4-liter Hemi, which features Fuel Saver technology, making 470-hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, making a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds.

“We’re excited and proud to be able to share ‘Ferrari-style’ custom-built versions of the most powerful and best handling Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 ever with two of the most talented drivers in the world,” Paretta said. “We know that both Fernando and Felipe will feel right at home in our ultimate performance SUVs that are identically built with classic Ferrari styling cues and one-of-a-kind Rosso Corsa exteriors. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 brings a combination of Jeep’s world-class capability to the road or the race track along with unparalleled luxury and refinement and advanced innovative technologies for all driving enthusiasts.”

By: Alexandra Koken

“The Pentastar engine is a cornerstone of Chrysler Group’s effort to reinvent its business model with world class quality products. This award-winning engine is proof that the Company is transforming it products to meet the needs of our customers,” said Brian Harlow, Vice President, Head of Powertrain Manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC. “To build one million of anything, and in an impressively short amount of time, is a significant achievement. But to do it with such a high degree of quality is a testament to our skilled and dedicated workforce at both Trenton South and Saltillo engine plants.”

Depending on the type of vehicle the engine is tuned to produce 283-hp on front-wheel-drive models all the way up to 305-hp on the Dodge Challenger. In the Jeep Wrangler the engine makes 285-hp.

The engine was recently awarded the ’10 Best Engines’ by Ward’s Automotive magazine.

- By: Omar Rana

What’s the name of the new concept? Nothing – Jeep is holding an online contest “for consumers to name the new production-intent Grand Cherokee concept.” Whoever wins, will get a chance to win a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

“Highlighted by a unique platinum-chrome front-end appearance and distinctive black-gloss 20-inch wheels and exterior treatments, our new Grand Cherokee concept provides a completely new look – one that is edgy and aggressive, and certainly different than any Grand Cherokee on the road today,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Jeep enthusiasts have always appreciated limited-edition models and the ability to customize their vehicles. This new Grand Cherokee comes with a unique, ‘factory-customized’ stealth appearance directly from Jeep, and is certain to attract interest from an array of potential customers.

Based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X model the model gets an aggressive, chrome and ‘blacked-out’ look with a grille surround in Black, and mesh grille texture in Platinum Chrome, a Platinum Chrome lower fascia applique, Black headlamp bezels and a Black liftgate light-bar.

Check out more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Inside the Jeep Grand Cherokee Concept gets standard leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 9-speaker 506 watt amp sound system with subwoofer, iPod/MP3 connectivity, Parkview rear back-up camera, ParkSense rear-park assist system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Chrysler Group’s Uconnect hands-free communications system, and more than 50 advanced safety and security feature.

On a side note, Jeep said that it sold 127,444 units of the Grand Cherokee in 2011, up 51 percent from 2010.

- By: Omar Rana

Out of a Detroit factory known for Chrysler products such as the Dodge Durango and more recently the Maserati Kubang (at least partially) comes a new Jeep Grand Cherokee, diesel.

There is no word yet on performance or economy, but if this is the diesel Grand Cherokee currently on sale in Europe (since 2011), look for a 3 liter V6 packing 237 bhp, 406 ft-lbs of torque and 34 miles to the gallon. In other words, making the gas V8 version a questionable choice.

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Purely musing, but it seems that the price would slot in somewhere close or below that of the V8 version; all of this makes it a potential rival theoretically for the diesel VW Toureag.

We expect the diesel Jeep to be strutting its stuff on the streets as a 2013 model.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: AutoWeek

AMP Electric vehicles will offer an electric conversion for the Jeep as they have in the past for the Mercedes M class, Chevy Equinox and Saturn Sky. The aforementioned SUVs are typically fleet conversions.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Jim Taylor, CEO of AMP suggested that the jeep will offer smooth performance, but as of yet, the details are few and far between. Stay tuned.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is getting a serious power upgrade from Hennessy Performance, with renderings recently teased for the upcoming 24 unit release.

Hennessy started with the stock SRT8 motor, which is priced at $55,295, puts out 465hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, and boasts 4.8 second 0-60mph time. After a displacement increase to 7.0-liters from the standard 6.4 and the addition of a twin turbo, the tuner produced the HPE800, which lives up to its title with an intense output of 805hp and 823 lb-ft of torque. Cutting the 0-60mph time down to 3.1 seconds, the HPE800 can run a ¼ mile in 10.9 seconds at 130mph.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The tuner also upgraded the transmission and torque converter, along with stopping power provided by a new Brembo brake system, and a set of lightweight 20-inch wheels. Visual mods include a custom interior upgrade and a carbon fiber front lip spoiler on the outside.

Pricing for the model also gets a substantial upgrade, starting at $235,000.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Ever wonder what the most profitable vehicles are of modern times? Well, while many of you probably don’t care it’s still something nice to know. Bernstein Research in London has put together a list of the top global money makers since 1990 and the list isn’t really all that surprising.

Analyst Max Warburton says that the big winners consist of high price tags, huge volume and long periods of production the spread development cost of building the car over a long period of time. Warburton and his team found three categories of profitable vehicles including Japanese mid-sized sedans, German luxury cars and of course, American full-sized pickups.

Not surprisingly, American pickups were the really big money makers with their huge volume. German vehicles like the BMW 3 and 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz S Class and E Class and the Porsche 911 came in second. Japanese sedans had the toughest times to high profits due to their low price points.

Hit the jump to see the full list.

Bernstein Research’s 12 most profitable vehicles since 1990.

1. Ford F series
2. GM full-sized pickups
3. Dodge Ram
4. Mercedes S class
5. BMW 5 series
6. BMW 3 series
7. Mercedes E class
8. Lexus RX SUV
9. Jeep Grand Cherokee
10. Honda Accord
11. Porsche 911
12. Toyota Camry

Source: Automotive News

Jeep brand CEO Mike Manley told CARandDRIVER that besides the Grand Cherokee, no other U.S market model will be available with a diesel powertrain for the foreseeable future.

He also said that the Grand Cherokee will also be the only model to get the high-performance SRT model.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Manley also killed any speculation of the Jeep brand getting any hybrid powertrain.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

In the November 2009 5-year plan that Sergio Marchionne unveiled for Chrysler, he said that 14 percent of its global sales would be powered by diesels by 2014. The CEO of the Auburn Hills automaker was never really fan of going the hybrid route… until now.

To comply with tougher U.S. fuel-economy standards proposed for 2025, Chrysler will build more hybrid vehicles. Later in 2013, the Chrysler brand will offer a hybrid version of the 300.

In a a recent interview with Automotive News, Marchionne said that his attitude has not changed about hybrid but he acknowledged that fuel economy standards for 2025 have made hybrids a must.

“I have no other way of getting to 2025 numbers than by going to hybrids,” he said.

The CEO of Chrysler and Fiat said that hybrids would come in addition of a broad range of diesel offerings in the United States. Chrysler will start offering a diesel version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2013.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

While V8 models may get the 8-speed in the future, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee will be the next model to get the transmission. The 8-speed will be available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s entire V6 and V8 engine range.

“The SUV market has moved on,” said Jeep CEO Mike Manley. “People want SUV attributes but not always four-wheel drive capability. In the past, everyone had to pay the weight, fuel economy and CO2 penalty for cars like the Compass just so those that needed to go off-road in it could.”

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

A new reports suggests that Chrysler is studying using 9-speed ZF gearbox in its future models as well.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

While browsing through Automotive News Europe’s 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show Pocket Guide, you’ll notice a pictures of the Maserati SUV Concept that will be making its public debut next week. Is this what the Jeep Grand Cherokee-based Maserati SUV Concept going to look like? We’re not sure – but if it does – is it something that you find attractive? Let us know in the comments section after the jump.

Sales of the production version of Maserati’s SUV is expected to start in 2013. Adding an SUV to Masearti’s lineup is a part of Fiat SpA CEO Sergio Marchionne’s goals to increase sales of the brand to more than 50,000 units on an annual basis. Maserati sold 5,675 units last year.

The Maserati SUV is most likely to be powered the company’s 4.7 liter V8 engine making 450-hp and is likely to be mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

A diesel option could be offered for Europe.

The Maserati SUV will enter production alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee at Chrysler’s Jefferson North plant in Detroit.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News Europe

Jeep has just announced that its new, epic and popular fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee will get a price reduction for the 2012 model year. Additionally, both the V6 and the V8 get some minor tweaks to help optimize fuel economy while the Jeep Wrangler receives the new Pentastar V6 without a change in price.

When sales for the 2012 models begin next month, the base Laredo trim’s starting price will begin at $26,995, $3,220 less than the original price. Reasons for the decrease in price weren’t exactly specified, but from just pure observation, the eight-way power driver’s seat was dropped for the 2012 whereas it was standard on the 2011 model. Also, the options and packages for the Grand Cherokee seemed to have climbed a little in price as well.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In terms of the minor tweaks, the 5.7L V8 Grand Cherokee gets a new six-speed automatic transmission. For the V6, a new electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering system is equipped to take some of the load off of the engine, thus boosting fuel economy.

The new ratings for the V6 are a gain of one city mile for 17/23 city/highway for the rear-wheel drive model while the four-wheel drive V6 model gets a boost of one mpg for the highway. New fuel economy figures for the V8 have yet to be released.

As for the Wrangler, the new Pentastar V6 gives the Wrangler a much better 290hp to work with, however the automatic transmission still only has five cogs. The updated Wrangler fuel economy ratings are 17/21 city/highway. Both power and fuel economy figures are significant improvements from the last V6-powered Wrangler. The base price for the Wrangler remains $22,045.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Cars.com

Ralph Gilles could be one of the coolest executives currently in the automobile industry. If you don’t know who this man is, he’s the CEO of Dodge’s and Chrysler’s SRT brand.

From interviews, to press conferences, Gilles always appears to be very enthusiastic, passionate and just overall plain interesting whenever he discusses the products that he’s in charge of.

So that’s why we suggest you take a quick look at a YouTube video that has Gilles promoting the brand he’s now in charge of.

Have a look at the video after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Chrysler Group announced today that its newly formed Street and Racing Technology (SRT) Brand will be hitting the road with its first-ever, “SRT High Performance Tour,” featuring four drivers, four vehicles and a visit to more than 40 clubs and event over the next for months.

The vehicles the SRT brand will be traveling with include the the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, Dodge Challenger SRT8, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and the Chrysler 300 SRT8.

The tour will kick off in Auburn Hills, Mich., at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum on Friday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – SRT Brand, Chrysler Group LLC, and Joe Grace, Vehicle Line Executive A/B Segment & SRT, Chrysler Group LLC., will be on hand.

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8:

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392:

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8:

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8:

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8:

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392:

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8:

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8:

- By: Omar Rana

“The all-new 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the ultimate performance SUV, delivering a combination of Jeep capability and utility, world-class performance, luxury and refinement, and advanced innovative technology,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO — Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Jeep vehicles have long been known for their off-road capability. In addition to Jeep four-wheel-drive traction and utility, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 takes capability to a new level by giving driving enthusiasts extreme performance for the street and track.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Power for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 comes from the same 6.4 liter HEMI V8 used in the Charger SRT8 and the 300 SRT8. The engine is good for producing a whopping 470-hp with a peak torque of 465 lb-ft of torque. That will push the Grand Cherokee SRT8 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and will allow it to run a quarter mile in the mid-13 second range. Top speed comes in at 160 mph and the brakes allow the big behemoth to go from 60 to 0 mph in 116 feet – that’s made possible by the red-painted, Brembo 6-piston (front) and 4-piston (rear) calipers, and vented rotors at all four corners measuring 15-inches (front) and 13.8-inches (rear).

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is ready to take on handling on any terrain with the adaptive damping suspension managed by the new Jeep Selec-Track system, which allows for 5 dynamic modes for specific driving conditions including Auto, Sport, Tow, Track and Snow.

Not bad at all.

- By: Omar Rana

American tuning firm Venchurs just unveiled its latest efforts. Venchurs, well known for its Xplore version of the Toyota FJ Cruiser that debuted at last years SEMA show also showed off their Xplore version of the Jeep Wrangler. Now they’re unveiling their crack at decking out the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Venchurs Xplore Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a complete and bespoke matte clear titanium grey finish while its interior gets charcoal colored leather by Katzkin.

As for the internals, the Xplore Grand Cherokee also features a beefed up suspension package as well as additional parts from Mopar, BF Goodrich, and Method Racing.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Pricing, additional options and delivery dates have yet to be released but the Xplore will be available through select Jeep dealers around of the US of A. With the Xplore Jeep Grand Cherokee, the owner also gets a free on-year Annual Pass to all National Parks and other Federal lands, a one-year membership in the XPLORE CLUP, and a subscription to their magazine. Upon purchase, Venchurs will also donate to the National Park Foundation for every Xplore Grand Cherokee bought. So there you have it, you can destroy and save the Earth at the same time.

Venchurs Xplore Jeep Grand Cherokee:

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

- By: Chris Chin

Well this bit of news can certainly be considered ironic as America turns 225 this year. But as Detroit’s own winged-iron badge, Chrysler, is coming up from their bankruptcy, Jeep has finally gotten around to releasing the epic new Grand Cherokee in the UK and of course, it gets a unique 3.0L turbodiesel V6.

The Europeans in the past haven’t been too particularly fond of American automobiles in the past because well, consider all of the manufacturers today that are European. But because the new Jeep is based off of the W164 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee hopefully will prove Europeans that yes, we can make cars for the sophisticated.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in the UK in two versions: Limited and Overland. Both receive the bespoke 237-hp 3.0L CRD turbodiesel V6, good for 39/34 mpg UK/US and a maximum range of about 700 miles.

Prices start at £36,795 for the Limited edition where as the top honcho Overland starts at £43,995. Can the new Jeep Grand Cherokee cast a new light on Detroit iron in the eyes of the foreigners? Only time will tell.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (UK-Spec):

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

- By: Chris Chin

In Nov. 2010, Chrysler Group and Fiat SpA CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that production of the Maserati SUV will take place in 2013 at the Chrysler’s Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit. At the time, it was reported that the Maserati SUV, which will be built on the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform, will be powered by an engine designed by Ferrari. Well, that is no longer the case.

According to Top Gear, the Maserati SUV will get a Chrysler HEMI V8 – the 465-hp 6.4L HEMI V8 from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 to be exact. Why drop the Ferrari engine? Reports suggest that Maserati will throw in a PR spin that the HEMI engine has more torque, which is better for SUVs. However, the real deal is that the HEMI already fits the platform and the Ferrari engine won’t come at a cheap price.

Also, the Maserati SUV won’t be an off-roading king like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Instead the model has a proper sophisticated independent chassis, with adaptive damping front and rear.

You can expect to see the Maserati SUV on the roads in late 2013 as a 2014 model year.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Top Gear