For 2014 the Jeep Grand Cherokee received a host of upgrades, mechanically and visually. Fresh headlamps, an 8-speed transmission and even a diesel engine are now available on the trail-rated family hauler.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, the track-pedigree option, also benefited from the refresh and maintains the same 6.4 V8 HEMI engine, yet now includes cylinder deactivation.
If you are interested in learning more about the 2014 Jeep SRT check out the press release from Chrysler here: LINK
The odd kid in the bunch
The Jeep SRT has always intrigued me. He’s the odd kid out. An on-road athlete born to a family of trail-rated thoroughbreds. His brothers prefer to go unhurried down muddy trails, while he favors a faster pace on dry tarmac. The tread of his shoes and style of clothes are more sprinter than mountain trekker. These differences, unnoticed by most, are what make him unquestionably mesmerizing.
Last night I watched footage shot during a recent media drive for the new 2014 Jeep SRT at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. One thing that stuck with me was just how lackluster the SRT looked wearing the same color outfit as his non-track going brother. Sure, the Jeep SRT has a few bursts of design differences, but it lacked that ‘whoa’ presence.
Colors can say wow tastefully
Think about it like a suit. If you take two identical suits, made from the same material and give one of them two buttons instead of three and slim the chest-to-waist ratio: would anyone notice the differences? I doubt it.
To make that second suit really stand out you need to start with a completely unique color of fabric. The same can be said about the Jeep SRT, only instead of textiles the artist’s medium is paint. To make the Jeep SRT really turn heads it needs more visual gusto.
I understand that an indigo blue summer slim by Hugo Boss isn’t for everyone and the same can be said for a wild colored Jeep SRT; but for those that want to make that statement, consider giving them that option.
My tailor-made Jeep
I borrowed some footage from Chrysler and made my own visual interpretation of what a Jeep SRT might look like if given a bit more wow in the paint department. I decided on a color near & dear to the World of Mopar – Plum Crazy Purple.
While this color might not be for everyone, it should beg the question: Should the Jeep SRT’s outward appearance match its internal capability or is it better left in the dull colors of the traditional luxury SUV world?
Enjoy the video!
