Jeep thrills: Chrysler's new models

Chrysler’s ‘Street and Racing Technology’ isn’t just a tarted-up marketing slogan. These guys actually do proper performance cars which couldn’t be clearer once you learn about the new 300 SRT8 — basically it’s a family saloon with one goal; make daddy lose his licence. Here’s the gist of it; 0-100kph in the high fours, 12-second quartermile, 282kph top speed and 100-0kph in 36.5 metres. Let’s hear you scream, “Let me out of this thing!” The new 6.4-litre Hemi delivers 465bhp to the rear wheels, making 40 more ponies than the old 6.1-litre as well as 61Nm of torque extra for a 630Nm total. The variable cams provide low-end torque and optimise high-end power, so think of the powerplant as “VTEC just kicked in, yo!” on a grand scale. Ensuring proper handling is an Adaptive Damping Suspension system monitoring vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral and vertical acceleration to tune for the conditions. This system also plays a part in the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, which shares that angry Hemi too. Power and torque are exactly the same, as is the V8’s ability to run on just four cylinders when you don’t need to reach 100kph from zero in 4.8 seconds. You read that right; the new performance Jeep SUV can run a half-a-million-dirham BMW X6 M almost neck and neck. With its improved torsional stiffness, the Jeep can also manage an amazing 0.90g on the skidpan, giving drivers the option of five dynamic modes for specific conditions. With performance like that, you’ll thank your lucky stars for the SRT8’s 15in front brakes too. Who says American cars can’t do corners?