Rumors have been flying ever since the Hellcat powertrain arrived in the Challenger->ke249 and Charger->ke218 that FCA would use the 707-horsepower V-8 in other products across its lineup, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee->ke936 leading the list. Well the rumors are growing in intensity.
You’ll likely recall FCA trademarking the Trackhawk name, a moniker that complements Jeep’s->ke40 Trailhawk name. Like the Trailhawk is off-road, the Trackhawk will be specially built for handling the track and devouring its competition in waves of tire smoke.
The Grand Cherokee is no stranger to powerful engines. It currently offers a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 that kicks out 475 horsepower. Badged with the SRT name, the Jeep combines plenty of power with room for the whole family and their luggage. The Grand Cherokee makes the transition from off-roader to track beast quite well thanks to its platform, which it’s shared with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.->ke2901
Rumors also suggest FCA will strip the Jeep of its SRT badges since Dodge->ke28 has exclusive rights to the Street and Racing Technology brand. That’s where the Trackhawk name comes into play.
There will likely be two version of the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk – the halo model will be the Hellcat-powered version that will feature that same 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 making 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Below that will be the 475-horse version that is currently the SRT. The Hellcat version will certainly receive upgraded powertrain components, including a revised AWD system that’s rated for such abuse.
Expect the Grand Cherokee Hellcat to hit 60 mph in roughly four seconds with the quarter mile passing in the 12-second range. Though nothing is confirmed from FCA, the Hellcat’s third iteration should hit dealers by mid-2016.
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Why it matters
There are 707 reasons why the Grand Cherokee TrackHawk Hellcat is important, but you probably already knew that. It’s the fact rumors are swirling with greater fervor that piques interest. It’s also the news FCA will possibly keep the now-current SRT version alive but under the Trackhawk name. These powertrain, should things pan out, would help boost FCA’s street cred and help spread out engineering costs for the Hellcat project.
Now let’s just hope Ram get’s its turn next!