Auburn Hills-based automaker FCA US has announced upgrades to the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, including 707 horsepower from a 6.2-liter V-8 engine and a high-torque capacity TorqueElite eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle is also equipped with new on-road driving dynamics and Brembo brakes, and can go from 0-60 miles per hour in three-and-a-half seconds, with top speeds of 180 miles per hour.
“Long recognized as the full-size SUV capability leader, Jeep Grand Cherokee is now the most powerful and quickest SUV as well, with the introduction of our new 707-horsepower Trackhawk,” says Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “The new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk delivers astounding performance numbers, backed by renowned SRT engineering that combines world-class on-road driving dynamics with luxury, refinement and an array of innovative advanced technology.”
The supercharged engine is designed and manufactured from durable materials, including a cast iron block with water jackets between the cylinders for optimal cooling. A forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces adds additional strength and can withstand firing pressures of nearly 1,600 psi. The specially-tuned crankshaft damper has also been burst tested to 13,000 rpm.
The Cherokee Trackhawk is also equipped with a new low-temperature cooling system, consisting of a pump, reservoir, heat exchanger, and lines, to help keep the charge air below 140 degrees during performance driving, for optimum performance. A new fuel delivery system featuring two high-flow, multi-mode pumps matches the demands of the engine.
In addition to the engine upgrades, the Trackhawk also has the Jeep Quadra-Trac on-demand four wheel drive system, which includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential and single speed active transfer case. A strengthened rear drive shaft connects to a new, stronger rear axle, and the differential features a revised housing design, ring-and-pinion tooth geometry, and new four-point axle mounting scheme for better load distribution, additional torque capacity, and overall durability.
The driver-focused interior features soft-touch materials, Light Black Chrome finishes and carbon fiber spears, and a 7-inch driver information display instrument cluster, which features the tachometer in the middle. The 200-mph speedometer is on the left side of the cluster.
The instrument panel center stack with new 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen features Trackhawk-exclusive Performance Pages that showcase an array of performance timers and gauge readouts, including a new engine dynamometer screen that measures instantaneous horsepower, torque, and current transmission gear. The dynamometer screen also includes a new snapshot function for owners to save their readouts on a USB.
Built in Detroit at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will be available in Jeep showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2017. Pricing will be announced in the coming weeks.
