Jeep Affirms that the Hemi V8 is an Inappropriate Choice for the Grand Cherokee

It’s well-known that Jeep is navigating through challenges and striving to get back on course. The same holds true for Stellantis overall, but Jeep is a flagship brand for the automotive conglomerate, and there are significant ambitions for the iconic nameplate. A new Scrambler SRT pickup might catch headlines, yet the Grand Cherokee is the breadwinner. The potential return of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 to the Grand Cherokee may have been exaggerated or plans may have shifted. Either scenario is plausible, given the substantial restructuring happening at Stellantis.

In Detroit, Michigan, during a private one-on-one interview for the latest episode of The Drivecast, American Brands Chief, Ram CEO, and SRT Head, Tim Kuniskis informed The Drive, “it doesn’t make sense” when the 5.7-liter Hemi V8’s potential return to the Grand Cherokee was discussed.

Catch the full dialogue starting from the moment Kuniskis dismisses the notion below.

Given The Drive‘s prior exclusive reporting on the issue, I was taken aback by this sudden dismissal from the Father of the Hellcats. So much so you’ll hear me echo his response in disbelief as a question, as though I misheard him. He reiterated his stance, and was unequivocal.

“No, doesn’t make sense. I’m in one showroom with four different brands with four different brand identities. We have a V8-only strategy on Durango. Now, we violate that on a regular basis and build some of them with Pentastars, and we do that because we generally run out of V8s. But our strategy is, once we get enough V8s, the Durango will be V8. It will be 5.7, 6.4, 6.2,” Kuniskis clarified.

Kuniskis went on, “Once we have availability like that. And those things are working, they’re selling, they’re turning, the strategy’s great. We just run out of V8s and we put the Pentastars in them. Then you look over at the Grand Cherokee and you say, “Okay, why don’t you just put a V8 in that?” No, we have to be focused on: we have four different brand personalities, we have four different brand, you know, customers that we’re trying to attract.”

However, separating the Grand Cherokee from the Dodge Durango in the showroom isn’t the only rationale for the 5.7-liter V8 not reappearing in the Jeep.

More unexpectedly, Kuniskis stated, “The Grand Cherokee should not be the same as a Durango. The V8 Hemi—the Hemi 5.7 V8—should not be in a highly refined vehicle like the Grand Cherokee.”

Executives at Stellantis perceive the Grand Cherokee as a more upscale vehicle compared to the Durango, and therefore, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which is now seen as quite dated, is considered too unrefined.

Kuniskis admitted that the absence of the Hemi has caused the Grand Cherokee to lose its 7,200-pound towing capacity, which was a standout feature in this segment.

“Can I do more with it than I have today? Absolutely I can, and will we? Absolutely we will. But it doesn’t make sense to do a 5.7 Hemi,” Kuniskis reiterated while hinting at greater power in alternative forms for the Grand Cherokee.

When asked if the new Hurricane turbocharged inline-six would be suitable for the Grand Cherokee, Kuniskis responded, “Oh, sure it would. It’d be fantastic. I’m not saying that we’re doing it, but it would be fantastic.” When further pressed, Kuniskis remained vague and non-committal, never closing the door by saying, “I would love to do it. Doesn’t mean I’m going to, but I would love to. There’s a whole bunch of things I’d like to do that I’m not going to do.”

In February, Mauricio Lopez, Jeep’s vice president of sales, told The Drive, “I mean, absolutely everything is on the table” when queried about the potential return of a Hellcat V8, such as the supercharged 6.2-liter V8, to the Grand Cherokee lineup reviving the Trackhawk badge. It’s noteworthy that the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 has been part of the current WL Grand Cherokee, but the Hellcat’s supercharged V8 has not. The latter was last utilized in the previous-generation WK Grand Cherokee. It remains unclear whether the supercharged powertrain will seamlessly integrate into the WL chassis.

The Durango Hellcat endures throughout its transitions. Plans revealed during Stellantis’ restructuring presentation to investors confirmed an SRT-badged Grand Cherokee is in development. Given Dodge CEO Matt McAlear’s statement to The Drive that “we’re gonna continue to push the limits of this engine [the Hurricane i6] and see what it can do” while confirming that team SRT is actively creating “upgrades we can offer for the Sixpack,” it strongly suggests that an SRT-badged Grand Cherokee will not utilize a V8. Instead, it may feature a highly tuned turbocharged inline-six, such as today’s turbocharged Hurricane turbo-six, or both.

Have insights about future products? Send us a line at [email protected]

**Jeep Declares the Hemi V8 is Not a Feasible Choice for the Grand Cherokee**

In a recent statement, Jeep has formally declared that the Hemi V8 engine will not be a choice for the Grand Cherokee series. This decision has generated conversations among car enthusiasts and prospective buyers about the future of the Grand Cherokee and its performance capabilities.

### Overview of the Hemi V8

The Hemi V8 engine has historically been a hallmark of the Jeep lineup, acclaimed for its robust performance and significant towing capacity. Traditionally, this engine has been popular among off-road fans and those desiring a high-performing SUV. However, as automotive advances progress, manufacturers are increasingly targeting efficiency, emissions, and vehicle weight.

### Reasons for Omission

1. **Emissions Compliance**: A key factor for Jeep’s choice is the increasing stringency of emissions regulations. The automotive industry faces pressure to minimize carbon emissions, and larger engines like the Hemi V8 typically struggle to meet these benchmarks without substantial adjustments.

2. **Fuel Economy**: With climbing fuel costs and a rising consumer preference for fuel-efficient vehicles, Jeep is redirecting its approach towards smaller, more economical engines. The Grand Cherokee is now aligning with the trend of offering turbocharged inline engines that balance power and efficiency.

3. **Consumer Preferences**: There is a shift in consumer demands, with many buyers leaning towards hybrid and electric vehicles. Jeep is investing in electrification, and the exclusion of the Hemi V8 facilitates a more focused strategy in integrating hybrid tech into the Grand Cherokee lineup.

4. **Weight Considerations**: The Hemi V8 is a substantial engine, which can influence the overall weight distribution and handling characteristics of the Grand Cherokee. By selecting lighter engines, Jeep can enhance the vehicle’s agility and performance, particularly in off-road scenarios.

### Outlook for the Grand Cherokee

Jeep remains devoted to upholding the Grand Cherokee’s reputation as a capable and versatile SUV. The current lineup includes a range of engine options, featuring a turbocharged inline-four and a plug-in hybrid variant. These engines are designed to deliver remarkable performance while complying with contemporary standards for efficiency and emissions.

The decision to exclude the Hemi V8 may also pave the road for forthcoming innovations within the Grand Cherokee family. As Jeep continues to delve into hybrid and electric powertrains, the focus will likely shift towards enhancing the vehicle’s off-road prowess while reducing its environmental footprint.

### Conclusion

Jeep’s announcement that the Hemi V8 will not be a viable option for the Grand Cherokee represents a notable change in the brand’s strategy regarding performance and sustainability. While some enthusiasts may regret the loss of this iconic engine, the decision reflects broader trends in the automotive landscape towards efficiency and innovation. As Jeep evolves, the Grand Cherokee is set to adopt new technologies that accommodate the shifting preferences of consumers while preserving its legacy as a rugged and capable SUV.