2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 unveiled at New York show

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 features a specially moulded bodykit incorporating a long and aggressive front fascia and bumper bar layout. It also gets a body-coloured grille, pumped wheel arches with skirting moulds, and a vented bonnet for the ultimate muscle car look.

Under the bonnet lies the new Pentastar 6.4-litre HEMI V8 outputting 347kW of power and 630Nm of torque - eat your heart out BMW X5 M and Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG. This stonking engine is brutal enough to pull the large four-wheel drive wagon from 0-100km/h in an astonishing 4.8 seconds. It'll also go on to a limited top speed of 250km/h.

Helping the big unit handle all that power is a set of 20 inch chrome alloy wheels that are wrapped in Pirelli PZero tyres. These surround a comprehensive Brembo brake package, and stay firmply planted on the ground at all times thanks to a new adaptive suspension system.

Jeep says that the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 is not only fast in a straight line but says it can also pull up to 0.9g around corners, although, we're not sure why anyone would need to do that in an off-road vehicle.

The new sports Jeep is also supported by Jeep's four-wheel drive system and is fitted with a limited-slip differential at the rear, for those times when the going gets rough.

Other stand-out features include a premium Harman Kardon 19-speaker, 825-Watt surround sound system, boosted by a 10 inch subwoofer, and a high-quality sports interior featuring a flat-bottomed steering wheel, Nappa leather and suede sport seats and carbon-look trimming.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is expected to go on sale towards the end of this year.