CAR /
NEWS
December 26, 2014
SRT Lands with Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee | SRT
Chrysler 300 SRT8
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
SRT Lands in Japan with Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee
Fiat Chrysler Japan announced at Tokyo Auto Salon 2013 the introduction of the SRT brand to Japan as a standalone brand of the Chrysler Group, established in 2011. The first vehicles to be launched will be the Chrysler 300 SRT8 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, both equipped with 6.4-liter V8 engines, along with their limited editions.
Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)
HEMI Engine Gets a 6.4-Liter Upgrade
Within the Chrysler Group, the division responsible for high-performance models was renamed "SRT (Street and Racing Technology)" in 2002, and in 2011, it became an independent brand dedicated to developing and selling the group's highest-performance cars. SRT vehicles are characterized by their superior powertrains, handling, and braking performance, aggressive yet functional exteriors, and race-inspired interiors.
Fiat Chrysler Japan has announced the introduction of the SRT brand models to Japan: the Chrysler 300 SRT8, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and its limited editions, the SRT8 Alpine and SRT8 Vapor.
All models are powered by a 6.4-liter V8 OHV engine, commonly known as the HEMI engine. This potent engine incorporates features such as hemispherical combustion chambers, dual ignition with two spark plugs per cylinder, variable valve timing, and "Fuel Saver Technology" which deactivates four of the eight cylinders under light load conditions.
The Chrysler 300 SRT8 derives 327kW (472ps) of maximum power and 631Nm of maximum torque from this new HEMI engine. Its luxurious interior features Poltrona Frau's Foligno leather, carbon fiber bezels, a Harman Kardon audio system, and paddle shifters. The enhanced chassis includes a two-mode adaptive damping suspension, three-mode electronic stability control, and Brembo brakes, complemented by a dedicated front grille and rear spoiler.
Sales begin on March 2nd. Prices are ¥6,380,000 for the standard model, ¥6,430,000 for the model with a three-layer pearl paint finish, ¥6,530,000 for the model with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and ¥6,580,000 for the model with both the sunroof and the three-layer pearl paint finish.
Limited White and Black Editions for Grand Cherokee SRT8
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, on the other hand, produces a maximum output of 468ps and a maximum torque of 624Nm from the same HEMI engine.
The suspension features a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear setup. Both are equipped with Bilstein adaptive damping suspension, controlled by the "Selectrac System" which allows selection from five modes – "Auto," "Track," "Sport," "Snow," and "Tow" – to adjust suspension settings according to road conditions.
The brakes are from Brembo, with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers, capable of stopping the Grand Cherokee from 100 km/h in just 35.4 meters.
These models are now available, priced at ¥6,880,000, with the pearl coat specification at ¥6,930,000.
Additionally, starting March 2nd, the limited models "SRT8 Alpine" and "SRT8 Vapor" will be released. Both share 20-inch chrome alloy wheels, Jeep gloss black badges, a gloss black front grille, and a black rear step plate bar. The "Alpine" comes in white, while the "Vapor" is based on a black color scheme.