Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk breaks cover

Jeep has just unveiled what might very well be the most powerful production SUV so far - the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. That’s right! This 6.2-litre V8 Hellcat engine, seen previously in the Challenger and the Charger, now sends 707bhp of power to the all-wheel-drive in the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, while producing a colossal turning momentum of 875Nm.

To put things into perspective, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will accelerate from 0-100kmph in just 3.5seconds, which is identical time to the Jaguar’s high-performance sports coupe – the F-Type SVR. According to Jeep, the V8 marauder will run the quarter mile in 11.6seconds at 186kmph and will continue on to a top speed of 290kmph. The 2.4tonne mammoth can haul up to 3,266kg thanks to its reworked eight-speed transmission which has been made more robust to handle the increased torque over the already bonkers SRT. Braking responsibilities are taken care of by the biggest set of Brembos ever fitted on a Jeep – 400mm discs at front and 350mm at rear with six and four-piston callipers respectively, thus bringing the SUV to a screeching halt from 100kmph to zero in mere 114feet.

There are seven driving modes – Automatic, Sport, Track, Tow, and Snow, and a Custom mode to alter the way the behemoth behaves. The SUV sits lower on Bilstein adaptive dampers, lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in special 295/45ZR20 section Pirelli rubber. Similar to the impending SRT Demon, the Trackhawk features a sophisticated Torque Reserve launch-control

The Trackhawk is distinguishable by means of the functional cold air scoop, blacked-out quad exhaust pipes, flared body-kit and a roof spoiler along with the ‘supercharged’ insignia on the doors, all lending a menacing stance to the brute. There are 10 body colours including two exclusive colours to choose from if you want the V8 hauler to be further alluring.

In traditional SRT fashion, the interior is resplendent with upmarket and performance oriented finishes. There is a performance steering wheel, Nappa leather and suede wrapped upholstery with Trackhawk logos, big paddle shifters, and real carbon fibre inserts.  The instrument cluster is a 7-inch TFT screen, while the dashboard has an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, incorporating navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SiriusXM.

Jeep is yet to officially announce the pricing, but the Trackhawk is expected to start at around $85,000. The ‘most powerful and quickest SUV’ will go on sale in the US by the fourth quarter of this year.