The “arms race” in terms of building high-performance models does not leave anyone aside. This time, Jeep intends to extend the model range of its “hot” SUVs, which is now famous due to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Jeep officials are sure that such models are going to be popular among customers.
Both the new-generation Cherokee SUV and the compact Renegade might get the SRT badge. This was said by the brand’s president and CEO Mike Manley when speaking with CarAdvice at the Paris Motor Show. He said that he definitely sees market potential for that. “Buyers of smaller SUVs are also likely to want the go-fast treatment”, Manley said.
He also added that Jeep does not have any certain plans about producing the high-performance SUVs at the moment. However, he named the Jeep Cherokee the main candidate for the role of the “racing SUV”. According to Jeep’s senior management, it possesses all the necessary qualities, including an outstanding exterior design.
If the company decides to extend the SRT lineup, Jeep and the SRT division will have to come up with a new powertrain. The current engine used in the Grand Cherokee SRT — a 6.4-litre V8 — is hardly going to suit a relatively small Cherokee and, more than that, the Renegade. Most probably, they are going to uprate the most powerful V6 used for the standard Cherokee lineup.
