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Wanted: New performance package for Grand Cherokee:

3K views 19 replies 9 participants last post by  Jim_in_PA 
#1 ·
Would like "performance package" for GC:
“Poor man’s SRT” performance package based on the Limited; off-the-shelf parts only:
5.7; Quadra-Trac I (or Quadra Trac SRT if necessary) AWD; (NO 2-speed transfer case); rear LSD; SRT seats (yes!); SRT steering ratio; Limited 20” wheels; SRT body color mirrors/door handles; SRT taillights and black logos. (High-end audio option would be nice, but no other luxo-upgrades.)
It would NOT use SRT hood, bumpers, brakes or other SRT upgrades.
This I would buy.
(Like BMW M Sport package for 3 Series - no engine upgrade).
 
#2 ·
Did you look into the Range Rover Autobiography edition. Very close comparison... I am sure you can get a Hemi Limited without either ORA package. The rear LSD is not happening without an ORA package. The rest is up to you to swap on your own. But why are not having a use for the brakes? That is one of the few things I want from an SRT. And the hood for increased temperature reductions.
 
#3 ·
The idea is to order a factory option package with it, not embark on a time-consuming, costly parts-swap regime.
As a factory option package, Jeep would be risking little since all the parts are readily available. (I really want the seats, which would be a very costly swap.)
I wouldn’t be autocrossing the thing, so I don’t see the brakes as necessary, and the body panels are a bad idea because the SRT needs to remain distinct and because I’d like to hold cost down.
So, I’m basically proposing that Jeep do what seems to work for BMW and wonder if anyone else would be into it.
(Surprised I have to explain it.)
 
#6 ·
Well, not just appearance, the seats, LSD and steering would be functional changes in this proposal. But I think QD2 is only part of the Off-Road Adv II pkg on Limited which implies the air suspension, 2-speed, etc. True, the 5.7 wouldn't change, but maybe gear ratios, transmission program, transfer clutch program, etc. could be adjusted for street performance rather than off-road, like SRT.
Again, this approach is apparently working for BMW, though I admit, it's a different type of product and buyer.
Still, who'd have thought an SRT GC would work in the first place? And, the Altitude is a similar idea.
 
#5 ·
I'm going to guess that this may have limited appeal from an overall market perspective and vehicle manufacturers usually base package contents/availability on the numbers. Buying a "gently used" SRT might be a good way to get most of what you want!
 
#8 · (Edited)
There is a High Altitude package coming for the Grand Cherokee for both 2015 and 2016 models. Based on the overland. Supposed to be very similar to the current altitude. Changes would be blacked out HIDs, euro suspension, summit exhaust tips, srt gloss black side sills, advanced tech group, black interior, silver instrument panel accents. Milous said on the 2016 thread it's supposed to be available later this month. No pictures yet, but sounds promising.


Sent from my iPhone using JeepGarage
 
#9 ·
BMW isn't the only one that has a sport package. Audi, Mercedes, Lexus etc all do. And not sure why the 3 series is referred to. The X5 is hella more comparable and also comes in M Sport and X5M along with the same amount of engine options as the GC.

The thing is, none of the domestic automakers offer any such trim line consistently across their product line the way European automakers do.

I do think it would be cool to see the High Altitude come with a few performance oriented features though. Such as stiffer sway bars, firmer suspension and so on. Nothing that makes an SRT just a little blend of sportiness.
 
#11 ·
I used the BMW example because they took some of the simpler parts from the M3 to create the M Sport package for the 335i but without the M3 engine or any engine upgrades.
This is parallel to my proposal for an affordable Sport GC that would use some SRT parts.
 
#12 ·
What do you feel the actual size of the annual market for such a package might be? That's what will influence the manufacturer relative to the viability of the idea for a "performance enthusiast" package like you describe...
 
#13 · (Edited)
Yes of course. Obviously I wouldn’t know, but given the GC’s strong annual sales (184,000 last year), the popularity of the Altitude model (popular enough to keep offering it), and the likelihood that only a minority of GC owners venture off road in any serious way (I assume), this seems like a viable package. And again, with only off-the-shelf parts, low risk for Jeep.
 
#20 · (Edited)
One potential conflict with an "SRT Sport Package" (at least for the name) is that SRT will only be on Dodge vehicles going forward and that's where any "performance" focused vehicles will live. The one exception, due to it being so popular, is that the SRT JGC will live on, but be renamed (at least as of current information) "Track Hawk", if my memory serves...
 
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