The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk stormed onto the scene as not just another SUV, but as the quickest and most powerful SUV the world had ever witnessed. This high-performance variant of the celebrated Jeep Grand Cherokee took the familiar SUV blueprint and injected it with an unprecedented dose of raw power and track-ready engineering. For those seeking the ultimate blend of SUV practicality and supercar performance, understanding the 2018 Jeep Srt Specs is key to appreciating the Trackhawk’s exceptional capabilities.
Unleashing a Supercharged Beast: The Engine Specs
At the heart of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk lies a formidable engine, the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. This powerplant is the defining feature behind the Trackhawk’s breathtaking performance and is central to any discussion of its 2018 Jeep SRT specs.
This engine delivers a staggering 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque. Such immense power figures propel the Trackhawk into a performance territory previously unheard of for an SUV. The engine block is constructed from cast iron, featuring water jackets for optimal cooling, ensuring durability and consistent performance even under extreme conditions. Within this robust block, a forged-steel crankshaft, capable of withstanding pressures equivalent to multiple sedans stacked on each piston, works in concert with high-strength, forged-alloy pistons. Premium heat-treated aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and sodium-cooled exhaust valves further enhance the engine’s resilience and thermal efficiency.
The supercharger itself is a 2,380cc unit with integral charge-air coolers and an electronic bypass valve to precisely manage boost pressure, reaching a maximum of 11.6 psi. Its rotors are coated with a special formula to minimize internal air leakage and improve compressor efficiency. A dedicated low-temperature cooling system ensures the intake air remains below 140 degrees Fahrenheit, even under demanding performance driving. Fuel delivery is handled by a high-performance system featuring dual high-flow pumps, meeting the engine’s voracious appetite for fuel under full throttle.
Performance Specs That Defy SUV Norms
The 2018 Jeep SRT specs are most dramatically showcased in the Trackhawk’s performance metrics. This SUV redefines what’s possible for a vehicle of its type, achieving acceleration and speed figures that rival many sports cars.
The Trackhawk can launch from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 3.5 seconds. It demolishes the quarter-mile sprint in just 11.6 seconds at a speed of 116 mph. The top speed attainable is an incredible 180 mph, figures that firmly establish the Trackhawk as the quickest SUV ever produced at the time of its release. Beyond straight-line speed, the Trackhawk also exhibits impressive braking capability, stopping from 60-0 mph in just 114 feet, a testament to its advanced braking system. On the skid pad, it can achieve .88 g capability, demonstrating its cornering grip and handling prowess.
These performance figures are not just numbers; they represent a fundamental shift in SUV capability. The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is engineered to deliver supercar-level thrills in a practical SUV package.
Transmission and Driveline: Engineered for Extreme Power
To effectively manage and deploy the immense power generated by the supercharged engine, the 2018 Jeep SRT specs include a specially upgraded TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is engineered to handle the high torque output and provides rapid, refined shifts. Its software intelligently adapts shift patterns based on various driving conditions, optimizing for both performance and drivability.
The Trackhawk features the Jeep Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel-drive system, ensuring optimal traction in all situations. This system includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a single-speed active transfer case. The transfer case utilizes forged steel chain sprockets and a wider chain for enhanced strength. A strengthened rear drive shaft and a more robust rear axle with revised components further contribute to the driveline’s durability. Ultra-high-strength steel half-shafts transmit power to the rear wheels, completing a driveline system meticulously designed to withstand the Trackhawk’s extreme performance demands. Standard Launch Control and Torque Reserve systems further enhance acceleration, ensuring consistent and maximum performance launches.
Driving Dynamics and Modes: Tailoring Performance to the Road
The 2018 Jeep SRT specs for driving dynamics highlight the Trackhawk’s versatility, offering various modes to suit different driving scenarios. The Selec-Track system provides five distinct modes: Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, and Tow. Each mode adjusts the four-wheel-drive system, transmission, suspension, paddle shifters, and electric power steering to optimize performance for the selected condition.
- Auto: Adapts automatically to varying conditions with a 40/60 front/rear torque split.
- Sport: Reduces shift times by 50%, tightens suspension, and adjusts stability control for enthusiast driving, utilizing a 35/65 torque split.
- Track: Provides the quickest shifts (160 milliseconds), maximizes stability and steering for track use, firms up suspension fully, and employs a 30/70 torque split.
- Tow: Smooths torque delivery and adjusts suspension for optimal towing performance, using a 60/40 torque split.
- Snow: Maximizes traction on snow and ice with reduced engine power and a 50/50 torque split.
Furthermore, a Custom Mode allows drivers to personalize settings, fine-tuning the Trackhawk’s behavior to their preferences. The suspension system comprises a short- and long-arm independent front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, both featuring Bilstein adaptive damping suspension. This advanced system contributes to the Trackhawk’s balance of on-road comfort and track-ready handling.
Benchmark Braking: Stopping Power to Match the Speed
Complementing its phenomenal acceleration, the 2018 Jeep SRT specs feature a high-performance Brembo braking system. This system is engineered to provide exceptional stopping power and heat management, crucial for a vehicle with the Trackhawk’s capabilities.
The front brakes are the largest standard front brakes ever fitted to a Jeep vehicle, featuring 15.75-inch two-piece vented rotors with six-piston calipers,distinctively finished in yellow. Rear brakes utilize 13.78-inch vented rotors with four-piston yellow calipers. These Brembo brakes enable the Trackhawk to achieve its impressive 60-0 mph stopping distance of 114 feet. The anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and traction control systems are specifically tuned to work in harmony with the braking hardware, ensuring optimal safety and control.
Aggressive Exterior: Functional and Formidable
The exterior design of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is not just about aesthetics; it’s a functional expression of its high-performance nature, directly linked to the 2018 Jeep SRT specs in terms of cooling and aerodynamics.
The Trackhawk sits an inch lower than standard Grand Cherokee models and is visually distinguished by body-colored wheel flares, side sill cladding, and a sculpted hood with dual heat extractors. The signature seven-slot grille is flanked by adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with a unique Gloss Black background. The front fascia is redesigned, omitting fog lights to maximize airflow to cooling modules. A Gloss Black rear valence houses quad four-inch Black Chrome exhaust tips, contributing to both the aggressive look and the Trackhawk’s distinctive exhaust note. “Supercharged” badges on the front doors and a “Trackhawk” badge on the liftgate further announce its potent capabilities. Standard 20 x 10-inch Titanium-finish wheels, or optional lightweight forged aluminum wheels, complete the exterior, showcasing the yellow Brembo calipers.
High-Performance Interior: Driver-Focused and Refined
The interior of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is designed to be driver-focused, blending performance cues with premium comfort and technology, aligning with the overall 2018 Jeep SRT specs philosophy.
The cabin features premium soft-touch materials, Light Black Chrome finishes, and carbon fiber accents. A 7-inch driver information display places the tachometer centrally, with a 200-mph speedometer highlighting the Trackhawk’s speed potential. The 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen includes Trackhawk Performance Pages, providing real-time performance data and timers, including a dynamometer screen. The flat-bottom steering wheel incorporates paddle shifters and controls for various vehicle functions. Standard Nappa leather and suede seats with the “Trackhawk” logo provide both support and luxury. Available options include a Signature Leather Interior Package, heated and ventilated seats, Dark Ruby Red seatbelts, and a panoramic sunroof. A premium Harman Kardon audio system is also available, ensuring a high-fidelity sound experience within the performance-oriented cabin.
Safety and Technology: Advanced Features for a Modern SUV
Beyond performance, the 2018 Jeep SRT specs also encompass a comprehensive suite of safety and technology features. The Trackhawk includes over 70 safety and security features, such as Trailer Hitch Camera View at Speed and Valet mode, which restricts vehicle performance and access. Standard safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation, Blind-spot Monitoring, and Lane Departure Warning-Plus.
Technologically, the Trackhawk features the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This system offers enhanced processing power, high-resolution graphics, and access to SiriusXM services. These advanced technology features ensure the Trackhawk is not only a performance powerhouse but also a modern and connected SUV.
Conclusion: The Apex of SUV Performance
The 2018 Jeep SRT specs clearly define the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk as a groundbreaking vehicle. It’s not just a high-performance SUV; it’s a redefinition of the category, blending unmatched power and speed with everyday SUV practicality. From its supercharged 707-horsepower engine and track-ready performance figures to its advanced driveline, braking, and technology, every aspect of the Trackhawk is engineered for peak performance. For those seeking an SUV that delivers both blistering speed and everyday usability, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk stands alone in its class.
