As we rocket over a deserted stretch of the Angeles Crest Highway north of LA, our senses tell us we’re driving a high-powered V8 sports sedan – not a 2 340-kg SUV with a 2,5-ton tow rating and 1 945 dm3 of cargo volume. The full-throttle response out of a corner pins passengers against the seats, the adjustable suspension minimises body roll but doesn’t ruin the ride, and the steering communicates road surface nuances while filtering out extraneous static.

The high-performance and high-luxe 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is among Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology group’s hottest creations and will arrive in the US before year-end (that could put its South African arrival about midway through next year). The 6,4-litre Hemi engine cranks out 350 kW and 630 N.m of naturally aspirated torque that makes 100 km/h arrive in the mid-4-second range. The pull doesn’t stop until 255 km/h. Time to go hunting Porsches. – Rex Roy

Download wallpaper images of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.