It seems South African tuner RGMotorsport has a knack for supercharging large-displacement V8s, with the folks over at the self-proclaimed “proponent of aftermarket supercharging” handing the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT some forced induction and myriad other mechanical upgrades.
Under the bonnet, the American SUV’s naturally aspirated Hemi engine has been equipped with a third-generation Whipple supercharger. The Randburg-based company says it has “fine-tuned” the ECU software “to suit our climate, fuel and conditions” and “optimised” the car on its four-wheel-drive dynamometer before testing it on the road. A dual stainless steel exhaust system, measuring 76 mm, is also included in the package.
Thanks to these upgrades, the now-supercharged 6,4-litre V8 petrol produces a whopping 546 kW and 928 N.m, which is 202 kW and 304 N.m on top of the standard car’s outputs and considerably more than the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s (local pricing here). As a reminder, the latter halo model sends 522 kW and 875 N.m to both axles via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
According to RGMotorsport, the supercharged SRT8 will reach the three-figure mark from standstill in “an estimated” 3,6 seconds (one tenth of a second slower than what Jeep claims for the Trackhawk). Top speed is rated at a Trackhawk-matching 290 km/h.
So, how much does all this extra performance cost? RGMotorsport says the full package is priced at R268 700, which includes a six-month/20 000 warranty. You will, however, first have to supply the company with a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, which is currently listed for R1 348 900. Some quick maths suggests the final tuned version of the brawny SUV will cost you R1 617 600.
