Monday 3rd April 2017

Jeep Trackhawk confirmed for New York show

If a Challenger Hellcat isn't practical enough, Jeep is going to make a 700hp Grand Cherokee...

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The rumours have circulated for a while now, but at last the news has been confirmed: Jeep will make a Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, powered by the Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8.

Imagine the above Jeep, with this mixed in...

The news came at the unveil of the Easter Safari concepts, Jeep boss Mike Manley confirming that the Hellcat-engined Grand Cherokee will be seen at the New York show alongside the Challenger Demon. Only in America could a 700hp SUV be the second most exciting car on the stand!

While speculation around the Grand Cherokee has been around since 2014, firm details about the car still aren't known. That headline 707hp power figure looks likely to remain, especially given that the Grand Cherokee will be the heaviest of the Hellcat models. However it would be a surprise to see a manual option. The Trackhawk will be the first four-wheel drive car to use this engine as well, the question now being whether it can handle the power without capitulating. MotorAuthority is suggesting a restrictor could be used in the first two gears to prevent the transmission separating into as many parts as there are United States, which sounds wise. You would expect a raft of brake and suspension upgrades to attempt to contain and restrain the power as well.

The spy shots that have been seen have shown a fairly modest visual overhaul given the power, which is kind of in keeping with the Hellcat look. In colours that aren't Green Go or Redline Red the Challenger and Charger aren't overtly styled, particularly when you consider the other quite racy models in the range. It will be lower and more aggressive, yes, though only in keeping with something like an X5 M or GLE 63.

More details will be forthcoming on the reveal - along with the demonic Challenger, don't forget - which should happen next week. Stay tuned!

[Sources: Road&Track, MotorAuthority]

[Denorth]

Wonder if author knows the difference between Cherokee and Grand Cherokee

[Aeroresh]

Cool! Ive just bought the regular 6.4 SRT. Makes little sense in this country but I love it.

Adding a blower is going to make it epic. Just hope they bring it here and for reasonable money

[HD Adam]

Only 700hp

[Matt Bird]

Denorth said:

Wonder if author knows the difference between Cherokee and Grand Cherokee

Evidently not! Apologies for the error, should all say Grand Cherokee now. Did you Tweet us to say this too? Or is that just someone equally aggrieved?!


Matt

[Denorth]

Matt Bird said:

Evidently not! Apologies for the error, should all say Grand Cherokee now. Did you Tweet us to say this too? Or is that just someone equally aggrieved?!


Matt

no I didn't tweet. Sounds like there was a media storm about mixing two cars. I am sure someone would post something on Facebook... I hope you don't take it to close to your heart

[300bhp/ton]

Just to pick up one a point in the article. Almost ALL productions cars can and do restrict and manipulate power/torque output of the engine in lower gears.

This is nothing new and any ECU controlled EFI system is capable of doing it.

Believe it or not the Ford Puma... yes the entry level low powered Fiesta based coupe from 20 years ago did this in the first two gears, to protect the gearbox.