The Jeep Grand Cherokee 2013 model was only released last August but a new model 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT of the popular SUV is already in production. It was unveiled some days ago at the 2013 North American International Auto show.
Styling
Jeep comprehensively updated its iconic brand for the 2014 model year. The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT comes with many changes – including a new transmission system, fresh styling and an updated interior. Just like it did with the standard 2014 Grand Cherokee, Jeep redesigned the front end of the Cherokee SRT sports with new, LED-lit headlights. The revised bumper slopes upward and gives the vehicle a more rounded look. A new black body panel that extends under the headlights surrounds the Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille. A new LED taillights and an aerodynamically efficient rear spoiler are the notable features at the rear end.
Engine and Performance
The 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT8 still features a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine rated at 470 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. However, thanks to the new ZF eight-speed automatic which replaces the 2013 model’s five-speed automatic, the new engine is more refined and more economical. According to the automaker, the eight-speed automatic transmission optimizes shift quality and shift points for fuel economy, performance, and drivability (although the official mileage ratings and other figures have not been released).
The 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT features an improved Selec-Track system and an Eco-Mode. The Selec-Track system has some settings, such as Auto, Sport, Tow, Track, and Snow modes. In the Track mode, up to 70 per cent of torque can be channelled to the rear wheels to optimize its characteristics. The Eco-Mode helps in improving fuel efficiency through the optimization of the transmissions shift points. In the Eco-Mode, the engine allows the deactivation of the four cylinders when full power is not required. Also new is a launch control system.
The Grand Cherokee SRT 2013 version did a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in five seconds and achieved a top speed of 160 mph (257 km/h) within the period. With its new gearbox, the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 will have a lower 0-62 mph time. The new transmission also helps to increase the towing capacity of the SUV by 44 per cent to 7,200 pounds.
Just like the current model, the suspension on the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 2014 model includes an independent front suspension with coil springs, stabilizer bars and Bilstein adaptive dampers. The brakes consist of chunky Brembo six-piston callipers in front and four-piston at the rear, with 15- and 13.8-inch discs respectively.
Standard Features
The cabin features Chrysler’s latest 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, voice recognition, 3D navigation, WiFi hotspot capability, the SRT8 Performance Pages screen and a seven-inch programmable multiview gauge cluster. Other new interior elements in the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 2014 model include a three-spoke heated steering wheel, Uconnect Access Via Mobile (which provides voice-to-text functionality and also allow smartphone users to stream music via iHeart, Aha, Slacker apps and Pandora), and a redesigned shift paddles for the new eight-speed transmission.
The pricing information for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is expected to be released later, before its release date in the second quarter of 2013.
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