We didn’t think it was possible to improve upon the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, but the boys at Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology division have done just that with a pair of custom models built for Formula One stars Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.
Given Alonso and Massa drive for the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team, it’s only appropriate that the custom Grand Cherokee SRT8s are painted in Ferrari’s signature Rosso Corsa red paint. Other exterior changes to the standard car include a matte-black grille with red inserts, a black stripe with white accent running the length of the car, carbon fiber mirror caps and an Italian flag painted on the underside of the rear spoiler to pay tribute to the Ferrari F150º Formula One car.
To give the Grand Cherokee SRT8 and even sportier look, the one-offs feature a 1.5 inch suspension drop and unique 20-inch wheels finished in black.
Inside the Grand Cherokees get acres of Ferrari Red leather, with yellow gauge faces completing the Ferrari-inspired look.
No changes were made to the cars’ engine bays, but the SRT8′s 470-horsepower 6.4L V8 should be enough to even please a pair of F1 drivers.
“We know that both Fernando and Felipe will feel right at home in our ultimate performance SUVs that are identically built with classic Ferrari styling cues and one-of-a-kind Rosso Corsa exteriors,†said Beth Paretta, Director of Marketing and Operations – SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 brings a combination of Jeep’s world-class capability to the road or the race track along with unparalleled luxury and refinement and advanced innovative technologies for all driving enthusiasts.â€
The pair of Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 models given to Alonso and Massa are actually the first examples to arrive in the European market. The hot rod Jeep will officially go on sale in Europe in May.
