2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Some time ago, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 laid state to being the fastest SUV on planet earth, offering 0-60 times of less than five seconds and a top speed in excess of 155 mph. Since then, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and BMW X5 M and X6 M have stolen the title away.

Jeep doesn’t rely on being pleased with that situation, though, and as per the sources within the company have confirmed that a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is in the works and could be on sale by the first half of next year.

There isn’t any official information on what the crazy-hot SUV might have underneath its new covering, but as Chrysler previewed last year, most expect a larger, beefier version of the existing 6.1-liter Hemi engine, increased to 6.4-liters with amount generated just above 500 horsepower, and most likely as high as the BMW M SUVs’ 555 horsepower figure. That, merged with the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s improved chassis, could prove a terrible combination and as much as necessary to take back the top spot in the unreasonably-fast but splendid juiced-up SUV segment.

The trial product seen here was caught testing together with a BMW X5 M SUV and this is obviously the competitor that Jeep is targeting most. Like the earlier production, the new SRT8 model will bear a resemblance to the usual Grand Cherokee on which it’s based but will take on a more hard line design for its front fascia. A lowered ride height in addition to beefier brakes will also feature.

That’s all on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 for now, but stay tuned for all the latest News on SUVs.