The most powerful, technologically advanced, high-performance Jeep vehicle ever — the all-new 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 — has arrived in South Africa.

"Chrysler worldwide has rolled out a SRT Brand Strategy that includes products from the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge ranges of vehicles. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 represents one of several SRT models which will find their way to South African shores," Trent Barcroft, CEO, Chrysler South Africa.

Designed and built using the proven SRT formula that raises the performance, the new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 runs from 0-100km/h in around 5.0 seconds, 0-160-0km/h in the mid-16 second range, can cover the quarter mile in the mid-13 second range, has a top speed of 255km/h, and brakes from 100-0km/h in 35 metres.

Powering the SRT8 is Chrysler's all-new 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with Fuel Saver Technology that delivers 344kW and 624Nm of torque — an improvement of 36kW and 55 Nm of torque over the 6.1-litre Hemi V8 it replaces.

An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing delivers maximum low-end torque while optimising high-end power across a wider and improved rpm band. Specifically, 90 percent of peak torque is available between 2800 and 6000rpm, allowing for inspired standing starts and improved straight-line performance.

Standard Fuel Saver Technology and a new-for-2012 active valve exhaust system allows four-cylinder operation to engage over a wider rpm range, to deliver both improved fuel efficiency — a 13 percent increase on the highway — and an estimated extended range of 700km on one tank of fuel.

Standard steering wheel mounted paddle shifters join the standard auto stick on the floor. Both are mated to an automatic transmission, allowing a choice of spirited shifting on the road and the race track. Both methods give the driver the ability to shift while the transmission controller calibration prevents situations that might over-rev the engine. Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while minimising harshness.

The standard Jeep Quadra-Trac active on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tyre slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximises traction before slippage occurs. When tyre slippage is detected, the Jeep 4x4 system can transfer up to 100 percent of available torque to one rear wheel.

The transfer case also enhances handling by proportioning torque between the front and rear axles to maintain the driver's intended path. The new Grand Cherokee SRT8 also features an Electronic Limited Slip Differential, which eliminates rear wheel slip and improves handling.

The SRT comes with new split 5-spoke, 20-inch forged aluminium wheels on 295/45ZR20 Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season run-flat tyres. It has a tow rating of 2268kg.

Inside, new SRT-styled Nappa leather and suede seats, with sculpted bolsters and adjustable headrests, provide all the comfort for daily drives — and "grip" to keep the driver and passengers in place during spirited driving. Carbon fibre accents are integrated into the instrument panel and door trim panels and new bright, racing style brake and pedal pads add to the high-performance look inside the cabin.

A Command View dual-pane sunroof provides twice as much glass surface than a standard sunroof and extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. The interior also includes premium leather to the door trim panels, instrument panel and centre console along with a power liftgate, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Blind-spot Monitoring.

Premium navigation is standard with the 730N Media Centre CD/DVD/MP3/HDD radio. Also standard are a multitude of features including Uconnect Phone. New for 2012 is the 825-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon. The system offers world premier innovation, featuring a 32-volt TPS (Tracking Power Supply) 12-channel Class D amplifier that delivers outstanding acoustics and brings multi-dimensional, quality sound for all interior occupants.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. The Manufacturer's Retail Price is R799 990.

"Big, beautiful, brash and brutal... the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 has few rivals in any segment when it comes to performance handling and driver characteristics. And, no rivals when it comes to a value proposition priced at R799 990," says Guy Franken, Head: Group Marketing & Corporate Affairs.