http://www.media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do;jsessionid=451FB32BC62BF292AC01E83AAF9CAF84?&id=11949&mid= New 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8® SUVs Will Sport Ferrari Red for Formula One Stars Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa Custom-built versions of the high-performance Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8® feature exclusive Rosso Corsa colored exteriors, red leather interiors and additional Ferrari looks pay tribute to the two Ferrari 'ambassadors' Vehicles are the first two 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 models to be delivered in Europe where the introduction of the high-performance model of the Jeep flagship SUV will start in May Both vehicles were prepared by Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) design and engineering teams Auburn Hills, Mich. , Feb 2, 2012 - Today, two specially prepared models of the new 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8® the most powerful and best handling Jeep vehicle ever were delivered to Scuderia Ferrari Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa at the Fiorano circuit in Maranello, Italy. The identically built vehicles were handed over to the two star drivers by Beth Paretta, Director of Marketing and Operations SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. Each Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 features an aggressive exterior look with an SRT-exclusive design, which adds classic Ferrari brand styling cues and the unmistakable Rosso Corsa signature color. The iconic, seven-slot Jeep front grille is painted matte black and features custom red inserts. A race-inspired, offset black drivers stripe with a white accent customizes the front and rear bumpers, hood, the entire surface of the roof and the rear spoiler. Additional exclusive details include a matte black painted dual-pane sunroof, Carbon fiber mirror caps and a gloss black rear light bar with red accents on the Jeep logo. To complete the unique exterior trim of the two custom-built SRT8 models, the Italian flag has been painted on the underside of the rear spoiler: a tribute to the Ferrari F150º Formula One car. Ride height has been lowered 1.5 inches and both vehicles ride on unique forged aluminium, 20-inch wheels painted black giving them an even more aggressive stance. In line with the vehicle's custom exterior, the interior cabin is enhanced by exclusive Ferrari Red leather inserts on the seats with sculpted bolsters. Also the door trim panels, the central armrest and the instrument panel boast exclusive red leather. The leather-wrapped SRT8 steering wheel with mounted paddle shifters features red contrasting stitching. The unique instrument cluster features yellow dials which give the cabin the look of the GT cars produced in Maranello. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is powered by the all-new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with Fuel Saver technology that turns off four of the eight cylinders when full power is not required to ensure increased fuel economy. Thanks to the powerful HEMI V-8 powertrain delivering 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 465 (630 Nm) lb.-ft. of torque, the SRT8 model achieves benchmark performance of 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the mid-16 second range, can cover the quarter mile in the mid-13 second range, has a top speed of 160 mph, and brakes from 60-0 mph in 116 feet. "Were 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 Jeeps world-class capability to the road or the race track along with unparalleled luxury and refinement and advanced innovative technologies for all driving enthusiasts. The two, uniquely customized Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 models are based on the new high-performance model of the Jeep flagship SUV set to arrive in Europe, where it will be available in Jeep dealerships starting this summer. About SRT The Chrysler Groups Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand uses a successful product development formula featuring five proven hallmarks: awe-inspiring powertrains; outstanding ride, handling and capability; benchmark braking; aggressive and functional exteriors and race-inspired and high-performance interiors to remain true to its performance roots. The expansion of the SRT vehicle lineup in 2012 features four new products that are world-class performance contenders and bring the latest in safety technologies and creature comforts. These products include the Chrysler 300 SRT8, Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, Dodge Charger SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Follow SRT and Chrysler Group news and video on: SRT site: http://drivesrt.com Chrysler media site: http://media.chrysler.com YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo Chrysler Connect blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/chrysler Streetfire: http://members.streetfire.net/profile/ChryslerVideo.htm Corporate website: http://www.chryslergroupllc.com -###- Additional information and news from Chrysler Group LLC is available at: http://www.media.chrysler.com
I don't think anyone is going to confuse a Jeep with a Ferrari. They've done this successfully with the 500. It's for Europe. I hope they sell. It might be the only way they get any money next year.More power to them given the economy there. It won't work in the US. Few in the states who visit a Dodge dealership even knows who Alonso or Massa are. They could paint a Confederate flag on the roof and have better sales.
As someone who won't buy a Porsche because of their hideous red (the only color I would want a Porsche in), I applaud FIAT fro bringing a good red color to the JEEP lineup.
You can still hear many Italians calling any kind of off road vehicle Jeep which gets pronounced the same way but written gip.
Well, after all Jeep was a term for a class of vehicles, "GP" for General Purpose morphed into Jeep. How Jeep got the trademark, I dunno.
This kind of brand cross promotion is tacky, It would be one thing if Pepsi, Acer, Apple, etc. were promoting a Ferrari themed product, but one car company making a tribute car to another company to improve sales? That is just as sad as Acura bringing out a new NSX to bring attention to that boring brand.
That is one theory on how Jeep git its name, the other theory is tied to a Popeye comic strip character, Eugene the Jeep, who could seemingly do anything and go anywhere but had a vocabulary limited to the word "Jeep".
Surprised no one has mentioned yet Bill Harrah's one or two V12-engined Jeep Wagoneers as maybe the spiritual ancestors of these special Grand Cherokees. So I will. Sorry I don't have any pictures to post. I remember one having the front end of a 365GT 2+2 grafted on. Did the other one look more conventional but with a Daytona engine? Road & Track magazine and/or Car & Driver may have tested one back in the day. KevFla
http://wagoneers.com/FSJ/rigs/Jerrari-1/Jerrari-p1a-1024.jpg http://wagoneers.com/FSJ/rigs/Jerrari-1/
Maybe its a repost, BUT this would be awesome in the wintertime. Greatest looking Jeep ever produced. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
That is cool yet I wonder how much all the options cost and then I would quickly get tired of all the comments because I was compelled too wear my driving suit/shoes and helmet whenever I drove it, lookout HEB!!
Who would've thunk that I would be posting this a second time this month. This Jeep is cooler! Image Unavailable, Please Login
It's amazing: Maranello gets the a terrible snow storm at the exact same time they introduce this Jeep. I think it looks pretty cool. Here's another picture. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Interesting... apart from the colour scheme, what's particularly Ferrari about it? Any engine/suspension upgrades? All the best, Andrew.
Also, any insight into how they squeezed a V12 into that short space between the windshield and the front bumper? BTW, the other Jerrari, the one with the 365 V12 engine but the standard Jeep Grand Wagoneer front end (stretched about 6 inches in front of the windshield) is on display at the National Auto Museum (former Harrah collection) in Reno. Having once owned a Jeep Grand Wagoneer for several years, I actually think that it is a very cool vehicle and looks better than the Jeep with the Ferrari front end grafted on. I would really love to drive it someday.
I'm still trying to figure out why Alonzo and Massa aren't standing in front of an FF in that pic. I thought Ferrari was very proud of its new 4X4 wagon, why use someone else's?