2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 sports Ferrari Red for Alonso and Massa

SRT presents a pair of custom Grand Cherokee SRT8s to Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa to kick off 2012 Formula One season.

Ferrari Red, meet SRT. The keys to the most powerful and best-handling Jeep ever-made have been handed over to two of the fastest and most talented drivers in the world. Scuderia Ferrari Formula One superstars Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa received the reins to the custom-built 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 at the Fiorano circuit in Maranello, Italy, marking the splendid introduction of the head-turning vehicle to Europe.

Beth Paretta, Director of Marketing and Operations – SRT Brand and Motorsports, personally did the honors of presenting the Grand Cherokees to Alonso and Massa.

Identically built by the precision team at SRT, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 features a bold exterior look with an SRT-exclusive design. Incorporating classic Ferrari styling and the unmistakable Rosso Corsa signature color, the Grand Cherokee features a red leather interior that pays tribute to Ferrari’s legendary racing tradition.

Alonso and Massa will feel right at home behind the wheel of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, as the ride height has been lowered 1.5 inches and gracefully rolls on forged aluminum, 20-inch black wheels.

"We’re excited and proud to be able to share ‘Ferrari-style’ custom-built versions of the most powerful and best handling Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 ever with two of the most talented drivers in the world," Paretta said. “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."

The power meets the pavement in the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 with a HEMI V-8 delivering 470 horsepower and 465 pound feet of torque. The dash from 0-60 mph happens in under five seconds, with a top speed of 160 mph. Braking from 60 to 0 mph is achieved in a swift 116 feet.

Race-inspired design is present throughout the Grand Cherokee. Offset black driver’s stripes with white accents grace the front and rear bumpers, hood, the entire surface of the roof and the rear spoiler. The exclusive styling and details don’t stop there, as the Grand Cherokee features a matte black painted dual-pane sunroof, carbon fiber mirror caps and a gloss black rear light bar with red accents on the Jeep logo. To honor the Ferrari F150§ Formula One car, a striking version of the Italian flag has been meticulously painted on the underside of the rear spoiler.

European performance enthusiasts will be able to get their first taste of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 beginning in May at their local Jeep dealerships.