The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been celebrated for its off-road prowess and versatility. But what happens when this iconic SUV is injected with pure, unadulterated power? The answer is the Trackhawk Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most powerful and quickest SUV ever created. This isn’t just an SUV; it’s a high-performance machine disguised in an SUV body, boasting a staggering 707 horsepower and breathtaking speed. Let’s delve into what makes the Trackhawk Jeep a true apex predator in the automotive world.
The Heart of the Beast: A Supercharged 707-Horsepower Engine
At the core of the Trackhawk Jeep lies a monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, unleashing an earth-shattering 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque. This isn’t just any engine; it’s a meticulously engineered powerhouse built with the strongest and most durable materials. The cast iron block features advanced water jackets for optimal cooling, ensuring peak performance even under extreme stress. The forged-steel crankshaft is incredibly robust, capable of withstanding immense pressures, while the unique crankshaft damper is designed to handle extreme RPMs.
High-strength, forged-alloy pistons and powder-forged connecting rods further enhance the engine’s durability and performance. Premium grade aluminum-alloy cylinder heads optimize thermal conductivity, and sodium-cooled exhaust valves withstand scorching temperatures.
The 2,380cc supercharger with integral charge-air coolers and an electronic bypass valve is a marvel of engineering. Its twin-screw rotors are coated with a special formula to minimize air leakage and maximize performance. This supercharger works relentlessly, delivering instant power and that signature whine that Trackhawk enthusiasts adore. A cold-air scoop, replacing the driver’s-side fog lamp, feeds the massive 92mm throttle body, ensuring the engine gets the air it demands. The lubrication system, featuring a high-flow oil pump and piston-cooling jets, along with a high-capacity oil/air heat exchanger, ensures the engine stays properly lubricated and cool, even during track sessions. A dedicated low-temperature cooling system further manages intake air temperatures, maintaining optimal performance in demanding conditions. Finally, a high-performance fuel delivery system with two high-flow pumps ensures this beast is always fed the fuel it needs to unleash its fury.
Unrivaled Performance: Speed and Handling
The Trackhawk Jeep isn’t just about raw power; it’s about translating that power into breathtaking performance. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs on the planet. It devours the quarter mile in just 11.6 seconds at 116 mph, and if you have enough open road, it will reach a top speed of 180 mph. These figures are not just impressive for an SUV; they rival many high-performance sports cars.
Complementing the monstrous engine is an upgraded TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, engineered to handle the immense torque. The transmission software intelligently adapts to driving conditions, ensuring optimal shift points and responsiveness. The Jeep Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel-drive system, featuring an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a single-speed active transfer case, provides exceptional grip and control in all conditions. Upgraded components like forged steel chain sprockets, a wider chain in the transfer case, a strengthened rear drive shaft, and ultra-high-strength steel half-shafts ensure the driveline can withstand the Trackhawk’s prodigious power.
Standard Launch Control optimizes acceleration by coordinating the engine, transmission, driveline, and suspension for consistent, lightning-fast launches. The Torque Reserve system further enhances launch performance by pre-positioning the supercharger bypass valve and managing fueling and spark timing to deliver instant torque from a standstill.
The Selec-Track system offers five dynamic modes – Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, and Tow – allowing drivers to tailor the Trackhawk’s performance to various conditions. Each mode adjusts the four-wheel-drive system, transmission, suspension, and steering for optimal performance. For those who crave personalized control, Custom Mode allows drivers to fine-tune vehicle settings to their preferences. The Trackhawk Jeep also retains impressive SUV capabilities, boasting a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds.
Benchmark Braking and Handling
Bringing this powerful machine to a halt requires serious stopping power. The Trackhawk Jeep features new high-performance Brembo brakes, the largest standard front brakes ever fitted to a Jeep vehicle. Massive 15.75-inch vented front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.78-inch rear rotors with four-piston calipers, all finished in distinctive yellow, provide exceptional braking performance, heat management, and durability. The Trackhawk can stop from 60 mph in just 114 feet, a testament to the effectiveness of these brakes. The anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and traction systems are specifically tuned to work in harmony, ensuring maximum safety and control.
The Trackhawk’s suspension is equally impressive. It utilizes a short- and long-arm independent front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, both featuring Bilstein adaptive damping suspension (ADS). This advanced suspension system provides a balance of world-class on-road driving dynamics and surprising comfort, adapting to road conditions in real-time.
Aggressive and Functional Design
The Trackhawk Jeep visually announces its high-performance nature with an aggressive and functional exterior design. It sits an inch lower than standard Grand Cherokee models and features 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 unique Gloss Black backgrounds, and an LED character lamp treatment. The front fascia, devoid of fog lights for optimized airflow, further emphasizes its performance focus.
From the rear, a unique Gloss Black rear valence houses four-inch Black Chrome quad exhaust tips, delivering a thrilling exhaust note. “Supercharged” badges on the front doors and a “Trackhawk” badge on the liftgate proudly proclaim its identity. New standard 20 x 10-inch Titanium-finish wheels, or optional lightweight forged aluminum wheels, showcase the yellow Brembo calipers. Pirelli Scorpion Verde All-Season and Pirelli P Zero three-season tires, specifically designed for the Trackhawk, provide exceptional grip. The Trackhawk Jeep is available in a range of striking colors, including exclusive options like Rhino and Redline 2.
Driver-Focused, Premium Interior
Inside, the Trackhawk Jeep offers a driver-focused, racing-inspired interior with premium soft-touch materials and unique Light Black Chrome and carbon fiber accents. The 7-inch driver information display features a central tachometer and a 200-mph speedometer, reinforcing its performance pedigree. The 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, angled towards the driver, includes Trackhawk-exclusive Performance Pages, providing real-time performance data, including a dynamometer screen.
The flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters and comfort and connectivity controls puts the driver in command. Standard Nappa leather and suede seats with an embroidered “Trackhawk” logo offer both luxury and support. Optional features include a Signature Leather Interior Package, heated and ventilated seats, Dark Ruby Red seatbelts, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. A standard Premium Metal Package adds upscale metal accents, further enhancing the premium feel. Additional interior features include Active Noise Cancellation, a premium headliner, leather-stitched surfaces, Berber floormats, and an optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. Two audio systems are available, including a high-end 825-watt Harman Kardon system with 19 speakers.
Advanced Technology and Safety
The Trackhawk Jeep is equipped with over 70 safety and security features, including advanced driver-assistance systems like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Blind-spot Monitoring, and Full-speed Forward Collision Warning. New technology includes Trailer Hitch Camera View at Speed and a Valet mode that restricts vehicle performance and access for security.
The Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless smartphone integration. Uconnect also offers SiriusXM Radio, Travel Link, Traffic, and Guardian Connected Services, providing a wealth of infotainment and connectivity options.
The Ultimate Performance SUV
The Trackhawk Jeep Grand Cherokee is more than just a powerful SUV; it’s a statement. It’s the culmination of Jeep’s legendary capability and SRT’s high-performance engineering, resulting in an SUV that defies expectations. It delivers supercar performance with SUV versatility and luxury, making it a truly unique and desirable vehicle for those who demand the best of both worlds. The Trackhawk Jeep isn’t just the most powerful and quickest SUV ever; it’s in a class of its own.
