Jeep has taken the wraps off the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk at the New York motor show. Powered by the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2-litre V8, the Trackhawk is the world’s most powerful series production SUV yet.
The Trackhawk’s engine is capable of producing 717hp and 874Nm of torque. The SUV can out-accelerate the Range Rover SVR, Bentley Bentayga, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.
It can sprint from 0-100kph in 3.5sec – identical to a Jaguar F-Type SVR – and has a top speed of 290kph. By comparison, the W12-engined Bentley Bentayga is down on power by 108hp and needs an extra half a second to hit 60kph. Although, admittedly, the luxury SUV has a top speed of 301kph.
The Trackhawk uses an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends drive to all four wheels. An electronic limited-slip differential and beefed-up rear axle work with the car’s launch control to enable its sportscar-aping acceleration.
Braking is handled by Brembo 400mm front and 350mm rear discs that work with six and four-piston calipers respectively. The car sits on Bilstein adaptive dampers, which can be adjusted through five drive modes, and 20-inch alloy wheels with 295 section Pirelli tyres.
To signify its muscle, the Trackhawk wears thick bumpers and a roof spoiler, and it sports quad-exit exhausts. Inside, deeply bolstered leather seats are accompanied by a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will sit above the 468hp Grand Cherokee SRT, the current most potent Jeep, in the range.