The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been celebrated for its blend of rugged capability and refined luxury. However, the introduction of the Trackhawk model took this legacy to breathtaking new heights. The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk emerged as not just another SUV, but as the most powerful and quickest SUV the world had ever seen. With a heart transplant of a monstrous 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, the Trackhawk redefined what an SUV could be, blurring the lines between family hauler and track weapon.
Alt text: Front view of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk showcasing its aggressive front fascia and powerful stance.
Unleashing Unprecedented Power: The Supercharged V8 Engine
At the core of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s phenomenal performance lies its awe-inspiring 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. This powerplant, delivering a staggering 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque, is an engineering marvel designed for both immense power and robust durability.
The engine block, constructed from cast iron, features strategically placed water jackets between the cylinders to ensure optimal cooling, even under extreme stress. The forged-steel crankshaft, with induction-hardened bearing surfaces, is built to withstand incredible firing pressures, capable of handling forces equivalent to multiple family cars resting on each piston with every engine revolution. Complementing this strength is a uniquely tuned crankshaft damper, rigorously tested to endure speeds up to 13,000 rpm.
Alt text: Close-up of the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, highlighting its powerful components.
High-strength, forged-alloy pistons, developed with advanced telemetry measurement, are paired with powder-forged connecting rods featuring high-load-capacity bushings and diamond-like carbon-coated piston pins. The cylinder heads are crafted from premium grade, heat-treated aluminum-alloy, optimized for superior thermal conductivity. Sodium-cooled exhaust valves, with hollow-stem construction and special steel-alloy heads, can withstand temperatures reaching as high as 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit (900 degrees Celsius), ensuring resilience under intense operating conditions.
Forced induction is delivered by a 2,380cc per revolution supercharger, complete with integrated charge-air coolers and an electronic bypass valve to precisely regulate boost pressure, peaking at 11.6 psi (80 kPa). The twin-screw rotors are coated with a proprietary formula composed of polyimide and other resins, nanometer-sized wear-resistant particles, and solid lubricants like PTFE (Teflon). This specialized coating allows for tighter clearances between the rotors, minimizing internal air leakage and maximizing compressor performance and efficiency. The coating also offers exceptional temperature and corrosion resistance. Sealed for life with premium synthetic oil, the supercharger operates at a drive ratio of 2.36:1 and can reach a maximum speed of 14,600 rpm. A one-way clutch de-coupler in the drive system enhances refinement while contributing to the signature powerful sound that Trackhawk enthusiasts adore.
Air intake for the supercharger is facilitated by a cold-air scoop integrated into the lower front fascia, replacing the driver’s-side fog lamp, and feeding a substantial 92mm throttle body. A large-nosed crankshaft drives a high-flow gerotor oil pump, which supplies lubrication to a circuit that includes eight high-flow piston-cooling jets. An oil/air heat exchanger, positioned at the front, effectively manages oil temperatures during demanding driving scenarios, such as track days. Furthermore, a dedicated low-temperature cooling system, comprising a pump, reservoir, heat exchanger, and lines, maintains cool charge air temperatures during performance driving. This system is engineered to keep intake air temperatures below 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) even under extreme ambient conditions, while allowing for airflow up to 30,000 liters per minute. A new fuel delivery system, featuring dual high-flow, multi-mode pumps, ensures the engine is supplied with the fuel it demands for peak performance.
Engineered for Speed and Precision: Driveline and Performance Dynamics
To harness the immense power of the supercharged engine, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk incorporates a suite of upgraded driveline components, meticulously engineered to manage the increased torque output and deliver benchmark performance.
The standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission is calibrated for enhanced shift response, quality, and consistent performance. The transmission software intelligently adapts to various driving conditions, taking into account factors such as engine torque gradients, kick-down events, acceleration forces, road grade changes, and friction detection to optimize shift mapping.
The Trackhawk features the Jeep Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel-drive system, which includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a single-speed active transfer case. The new, full-time active transfer case utilizes forged steel chain sprockets and a wider chain for increased strength and durability. A strengthened rear drive shaft connects to a robust new rear axle, featuring a redesigned housing, revised ring-and-pinion tooth geometry, and a new four-point axle mounting scheme for improved load distribution and overall torque capacity. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through ultra-high-strength 300M low-alloy vacuum melted steel half-shafts with upgraded eight-ball outboard constant velocity joints.
Standard Launch Control optimizes the Trackhawk’s acceleration capabilities by coordinating the engine, transmission, driveline, and suspension for consistently perfect launches and straight-line acceleration. A new Torque Reserve system further enhances engine torque response and acceleration from a standstill by pre-positioning the supercharger bypass valve to generate boost and minimize manifold filling time, while also managing fueling and spark timing to individual cylinders. This innovative system creates a reserve of torque that can be instantly deployed upon acceleration.
The Selec-Track system in the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk offers five dynamic modes – Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, and Tow – each with performance-tuned software to tailor the vehicle’s behavior to specific conditions. These modes independently control the four-wheel-drive system, transmission, paddle shifters, suspension, and electric power steering.
Alt text: Close-up of the Selec-Track system controls in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, highlighting its various driving modes.
Dynamic drive mode configurations include:
- Auto: Adapts automatically to any condition with a 40-percent front/60-percent rear torque split.
- Sport: Reduces transmission shift times by 50 percent compared to Auto Mode, firms up stability control, four-wheel-drive, and steering for enthusiast driving, enables paddle shifters, tightens suspension, and uses a 35/65 torque split.
- Track: Reduces transmission shift times by 68 percent compared to Auto Mode (to 160 milliseconds), optimizes stability control, four-wheel-drive, and steering for track performance, enables paddle shifters, sets suspension to full firm, and uses a 30/70 torque split.
- Tow: Modifies torque delivery for smoother starts and adjusts suspension to minimize pitch and yaw for optimal towing performance, using a 60/40 torque split.
- Snow: Maximizes traction on snow and ice by reducing engine horsepower and using a 50/50 torque split.
The Trackhawk also features a Custom Mode, allowing drivers to personalize their driving experience with a wide range of adjustable vehicle system combinations. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk boasts a short- and long-arm (SLA) independent front suspension with coil springs, Bilstein adaptive damping suspension (ADS), and lightweight aluminum components. The rear suspension is a multi-link design with coil springs, Bilstein ADS, aluminum lower control arms, and a hollow stabilizer bar. Despite its performance focus, the Trackhawk maintains a respectable towing capacity of 7,200 pounds.
Unrivaled Braking and Handling: Dynamics of a Super SUV
To match its blistering acceleration, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is equipped with a high-performance Brembo braking system, featuring the largest standard front brakes ever fitted to a Jeep vehicle. The front brakes consist of massive 15.75-inch (400 mm) two-piece vented rotors with six-piston calipers, finished in a distinctive yellow. At the rear, 13.78-inch (350 mm) vented rotors with four-piston yellow calipers provide exceptional stopping power, heat management, and durability.
These Brembo brakes enable the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk to stop from 60 mph in a mere 114 feet. The anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and traction control systems are uniquely tuned to complement the Trackhawk’s high-performance capabilities, ensuring optimal safety and control.
Bold Design, Functional Form: Exterior and Interior Aesthetics
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s exterior design is both aggressive and functional. Riding one inch lower than non-SRT Grand Cherokee models, the Trackhawk features body-colored wheel flares, side sill cladding, and a sculpted hood with dual heat extractors.
The signature seven-slot upper front grille is flanked by adaptive, bi-xenon headlamps with a unique Gloss Black background and LED character lamps. Fog lights are omitted from the front fascia to maximize airflow to cooling modules and air induction.
The rear of the Trackhawk is distinguished by a Gloss Black rear valence showcasing quad four-inch Black Chrome exhaust tips. This new quad exhaust system delivers a thrilling and unmistakable sound during full acceleration. “Supercharged” badges adorn both front doors, and a “Trackhawk” badge on the liftgate features a Liquid Titanium Chrome outline and Matte Black background.
New standard 20 x 10-inch Titanium-finish wheels with Satin Chrome center caps highlight the yellow Brembo calipers. Optional lightweight 20 x 10-inch forged aluminum Low Gloss Black wheels save a total of 12 pounds compared to the standard wheels. The Trackhawk is equipped with Pirelli 295/45ZR20 Scorpion Verde All-Season tires and Pirelli P Zero three-season tires with an increased speed rating. Nine exterior colors are available, including exclusive Rhino and Redline 2.
Alt text: Interior view of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, showcasing its driver-focused cockpit and premium materials.
Inside, the driver-focused interior features premium soft-touch materials, Light Black Chrome finishes, carbon fiber accents, and a 7-inch driver information display (DID) instrument cluster with a central tachometer and a 200-mph speedometer. The 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen in the center stack includes Trackhawk-exclusive Performance Pages, displaying performance timers, gauges, and a new engine dynamometer screen. The flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel incorporates comfort, convenience, and connectivity controls, along with paddle shifters. Standard Nappa leather and suede seats feature an embroidered “Trackhawk” logo, with an optional Signature Leather Interior Package available. Heated and ventilated front and rear seats, Dark Ruby Red seatbelts, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof are also optional. A Premium Metal Package adds upscale real metal accents to the interior. Additional features include Active Noise Cancellation, a premium headliner, leather-stitched surfaces, Berber floormats with the Trackhawk badge, and an optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray. Two audio systems are offered, including an 825-watt Harman Kardon system with 19 speakers and two subwoofers.
Safety and Technology: Advanced Features for a Modern Era
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is equipped with over 70 safety and security features, including Trailer Hitch Camera View at Speed and Valet mode. Valet mode reduces engine power and torque, limits rpm to 4,000, locks out first gear, upshifts early, treats manual shifter position as drive, sets traction, steering, and suspension to Street settings, disables paddle shifters and Drive Mode functions, and enables full-on ESC. Valet mode can be activated and deactivated with a personalized PIN code. Other safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Advanced Brake Assist, Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, Full-speed Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation, Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Departure Warning-Plus, and Ready Alert Braking.
Technology is at the forefront with the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen system featuring standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system offers seamless smartphone integration, navigation, entertainment, and connected services through SiriusXM Radio, Travel Link, Traffic, and Guardian Connected Services. The Uconnect system boasts enhanced processing power, faster startup times, and high-resolution graphics.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was more than just a performance SUV; it was a statement. It demonstrated the relentless pursuit of power and capability, seamlessly blended with Jeep’s renowned off-road heritage and luxurious refinement. The Trackhawk set a new benchmark for SUV performance, offering an unparalleled driving experience that continues to captivate enthusiasts and solidify its place as a legend in the automotive world. For those seeking the ultimate combination of power, speed, and SUV versatility, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk remains in a class of its own.
