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!