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Words by Jim Gorzelany

Packing powerful V-8 engines, an emerging generation of SUVs offers unparalleled performance.

Even with gasoline prices adversely affecting sales of many sport-utility vehicle lines, auto makers are feeding truck-enth usiasts’ frenzy for models that push the envelope of performance, while still maintaining a modicum of practicality.

Suspensions that emphasize adroit handling rather than ultimate hill-climbing and commanding V-8 engines are the hallmarks of this new generation of high-end models. they are to ordinary SUVs what the muscle cars of the ’60s were to family sedans. Here’s a look at some of the sportiest SUVs on the road:

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Brand new for 2006, this is—as the name would imply—a sport version of the stately Range Rover full-size SUV. Its bodywork is more tapered than the Range Rover, with flowing lines that give it a much more aerodynamic appearance. the Sport comes powered in its base form by a 4.2-liter V-8 that creates 300 horsepower, while a super-charged version generates 390 horsepower and 410 pounds-feet of tire-smoking low-end torque. It rides on a fully independent automatic load-leveling air suspension with Dynamic Stability Control and an Active Roll Mitigation feature that helps to stabilize the vehicle during severe handling maneuvers. www.landroverusa.com, MSRP: $57,520

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8

While Jeep’s venerable Grand Cherokee can already be fitted with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, quick enough is just never enough to true speedmongers. To that end, a new SRT-8 variation packs a
6.1-liter version of the HEMI that leaps off the line with 420 horses, which is enough to take it from 0-to-60 mph in around five seconds. Its chassis and 4WD systems are specially tweaked to handle the added power, and provide spirited handling of its 20-inch wheels and high-performance tires. www.jeep.com, MSRP: $39,995

Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS

Having given any number of autos the “Super Sport” treatment since the ’60s, Chevrolet takes the same approach to an SUV for the first time with the TrailBlazer SS. Available in rear- and four-wheel-drive models, the SS is powered by a 395-horsepower 6.0-liter V-8 engine that takes the vehicle to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. the SS package also adds a performance-oriented suspension with rear air shocks, a lowered ride height, and 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels and tires. www.chevrolet.com, MSRP: $31,180

Porsche Cayenne S

Porsche’s first-ever truck, and first four-door vehicle, is one of the sportiest—yet still off-road ready—SUVs built. While its base model comes powered by only a 247-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 engine, the S version includes a lustier 340-horsepower,
4.5-liter V-8. the top Turbo model offers a twin-turbocharged V-8 that generates as much as 520 horsepower, but at over two-and-a-half times the cost of the V-6 version. Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes and Porsche’s Stability Management and Traction Management systems are included across the line. Porsche styling cues, especially at the front end, further set this hot-as-a-pepper SUV apart from the pack. www.porsche.com/usa, MSRP: $57,200

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