Performance vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is no exception. Anybody can appreciate an SUV that can haul the kids to the lake while towing a boat, but can also run with some of the fastest muscle cars around. Although the SRT8 Jeep wasn’t the first in this segment, (the GMC Typhoon automatically springs to mind) it’s definitely just as cool as any of the current muscle cars being offered by the Big Three.

The last SRT8 disappeared from the Jeep lineup after the 2010 model year, but since the all-new Grand-Daddy Cherokee was released this year completely redesigned, it was only a matter of time that Chrysler would give the green light to produce a new one. Below is rendering we’ve come across thanks to our friends at Jalopnik.

This time around though, it’s packing an additional 45hp, up from 425 for a total of 470, thanks to the new 6.4L HEMI that is currently installed in the 2011 Challenger SRT8 and the redesigned 2012 Charger SRT8. Backing the new plant is the also new 5-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Helping keep this 5000 lbs. monster on the pavement is a new active damping suspension system.

Performance of the Jeep is estimated to be in the 4-second zone for the sprint to 60, and owners of the new SRT8 Jeep will be able to start a collection of 12 second time slips according to what we hear through the grapevine. It will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April, and it’s expected to be in production by July 18th. Whatever, we’re just glad it’s coming back!