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Current Car Reviews
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is wicked powerful.
JACOB LINGEMANAs-tested price: $47,605
Drivetrain: 6.1-liter V8; 4wd, five-speed automatic
Output: 420 hp @ 6200 rpm, 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Curb weight: 4819 lb
Fuel economy (EPA/AW): 12/14.4 mpg
Options: SRT option group II including auto headlight-leveling system, heated
second-row seats, HID headlights, rear DVD-based entertainment system, rear
overhead console, rear-seat video system ($2,075); SRT option group I including
115-volt auxiliary power outlet, auto-dimming exterior passenger mirror, exterior
mirror with heating element/memory, power front seats with driver seat memory,
UConnect hands-free communication, rearview auto-dimming mirror with microphone,
remote start system, deluxe door-trim panel, driver's auto-dimming exterior
mirror, heated power fold-away mirrors with memory, air conditioning with
dual-zone auto temp control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power adjustable
pedals with memory, heated front seats, Smartbeam Headlamps, ParkSense Rear
Park Assist System ($1,995); Navigation/Backup Group including MyGIG Multimedia
Infotainment System with navigation, satellite radio, touch-screen display,
Parkview back up camera ($1,090); power sunroof ($800); Red Rock Crystal paint
($225)
OUR TAKE: Compared to our long-gone and much-loved 2006 Grand Cherokee SRT8, it appears the new Chrysler has done little to mess with its 2008 formula. Yes, there's some new electronic gadgetry (MyGIG, navigation, backup camera), but it's good to see Chrysler still sells the same wicked Hemi-powered SUV that makes the earth shake every time you whomp on the throttle.
Of course, the way fuel prices are rising and with sport/utility sales augering in, is its time past?
Pooh-pooh. All that extra stuff appears to have punched pricing up by about $3,000 in two years. For those who want maximum sport in their sport/utility--without paying Porsche or AMG prices--the Grand Cherokee's $47K sticker remains a relative bargain.
You'll feel more of the road in this SRT8 than a standard-issue Grand Cherokee, and you'll hear more of the engine and exhaust roar. But you'll be rewarded with a huge payback in power, performance and pure driving pleasure. It's a very short list of SUVs about which you can say that.
As-tested price: $28,100
Drivetrain: 1.6-liter turbocharged I4; fwd, six-speed manual
Output: 172 hp @ 5500 rpm, 177 lb-ft @ 1600-5000 rpm
Curb weight: 2855 lb
Fuel economy (EPA/AW): 29/25.5 mpg
Options: Premium package, including twin-glass sunroof, automatic A/C, hi-fi
sound ($1,500); sport package, including sport suspension, xenon headlights,
bonnet stripes, 17-inch wheels ($1,500); lightning blue paint ($500); heated
front seats ($500)
OUR TAKE: Whoa! The turbo boost and stiffer suspension are quick reminders of what the S version is supposed to be all about: major performance in a small, front-drive package. Though the base engine is reasonable for the regular-size Mini, the Clubman's extra size and weight demand S-level power. We're not sure about the extra-taut suspension, however, which magnifies every imperfection it encounters.
On the other hand, when you really start flinging this buggy around, it's great to have those amped-up parts keeping the tires in contact with the pavement and maintaining balance and composure. Handled properly, the front drive will readily pull through a corner while the tail is starting to wag--even on dry pavement.
That said, it's certainly not as zippy as the normal Mini, which itself isn't as zippy as the old new Mini. And the radio and climate controls are still infuriating.
When you fold the back seats down, you have some impressive cargo space that is easily accessed through the double rear doors. A flip-up tailgate would have got the job done just the same and wouldn't obstruct the view out the back the way the double doors do. It's a small annoyance.
Ah, the Mini. What a joy.