Jeep SRT-8 Review

Keith wrote: It wouldn't make any sense to try to make a Miata into a tow vehicle or an offroader, this is true. You can only polish a turd so much. FWD drag racing doesn't make sense because of the fundamental physics of the platform. High performance SUVs don't make any sense because they're just too big and tall and heavy from the start.

i DD a Trailblazer SS that originally sold me because i thought it was pretty sweet having a corvette engine in an suv that can tow, but what ive come to really appreciate is the improved handling and steering feedback more than the drivetrain swap. plus i dont really need a truck bed 99% of the time so it'd be wasted space usually, but keeping tools/equipment dry in the back is great.

Awesome review!

I get SUVs, but I don't get high performance SUVs.

Slide that statement over a little on the spectrum and its the same as saying "i understand low-performance cars, but i dont get normal-performance cars.."
Why complain about performance? If anything, the higher performance SUVs (performance here being all the things an suv does) justify the very idea of SUV.

Then again, I don't get FWD drag racing either.

I know this doesnt prove anything but i made this just for you: http://s279.photobucket.com/albums/kk124/Vigo327/?action=view&current=Movie-9.mp4

David S. Wallens wrote:

bravenrace wrote:

David S. Wallens wrote: And hope my reply didn't sound snotty. I'm just not a big SUV fan, although some I have enjoyed. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 just didn't scratch that itch. What's funny is that I wrote my comments before watching JG's video.

Not only did you sound snotty, I believe you are a snot!

I am. And I also have some in my nose.

Not me, I get it out!

David S. Wallens wrote:

bravenrace wrote:

David S. Wallens wrote: And hope my reply didn't sound snotty. I'm just not a big SUV fan, although some I have enjoyed. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 just didn't scratch that itch. What's funny is that I wrote my comments before watching JG's video.

Not only did you sound snotty, I believe you are a snot!

I am. And I also have some in my nose.

Actually, this sounds like a filter problem. I'm old school and use natural hair for a filter. Some guys use that new stuff you have to oil, but I always end up inhaling it and choking. Of course, it could also be backing up from inside. This might indicate a more serious problem. Either way, you should clean it out as soon as possible to help breathing. I usually flush it out, but sometimes if there is a hard buildup I have to chisel it out with a finger nail or something similar. Be careful though, as it's easy to slip and rupture the lining!

Vigo wrote:

I get SUVs, but I don't get high performance SUVs.

Slide that statement over a little on the spectrum and its the same as saying "i understand low-performance cars, but i dont get normal-performance cars.." Why complain about performance? If anything, the higher performance SUVs (performance here being all the things an suv does) justify the very idea of SUV.

It's all about suitability for the job at hand. If the jump from "low performance" to "normal performance" means the fundamental attributes of the low performance car get lost, then I don't get it.

A high performance SUV has to give up the attributes of what makes an SUV work well - ground clearance, visibility, towing ability and the like. The end result is a vehicle that isn't as high performance as one that started as not an SUV, and not as good as being as SUV as the original vehicle. Obviously there are shades of grey in there, but at the extremes of the spectrum (such as the SRT8) you just end up with a vehicle that really isn't the best at anything.

As for FWD drag racing - I can appreciate the effort and ability put into it. But there's a reason nobody's made a FWD Top Fuel car yet. The weight transfer goes the wrong way.

I dont think an suv HAS to give up its off-road versatility to become a high-performance vehicle, i just think that that is the predominant belief among manufacturers as far as what they can actually sell, and with that i do agree..

Im of the opinion that good ground clearance, large tires, and lots of suspension travel can coexist with blazing acceleration and an acceptable modicum of handling.. but like you say, such a vehicle, while being a more rounded compromise, would still be a master of nothing. The old Isuzu Vehicross was widely regarded as a very well handling truck with a lot of off-road capability. They were marketed as 'sporty' and i even saw one AutoX with the local club here.. another 100 hp would only have increased its 'performance'.

The current raptor shows shades of sportiness, but i dont think its on-road handling limits are high enough to fit the ideal im trying to push here... But, just as ford can design stability control to damp trailer sway and optimize it for steep descents, different off-road surfaces etc, they COULD design a system to enhance handling as well, but im not voting with dollars here, and neither is anyone else, so it wont happen.

Nevertheless, the move away from the Lightning and to the Raptor is probably the beginning of just the kind of thing you'd like.

Agreed. The Raptor is designed to take an area of performance and extend it. Ford is building on the strengths of the fundamental platform. Plus I'm a sucker for something that can hit a 1' drop at speed without lifting the throttle.

IIRC the Range Rover Sport does both pretty well.

I like Sport Trucks like these but I am not a big fan of sport SUVs. I guess I am weird.