Jeep to build 527kW Cherokee Trackhawk

[Express]

Jeep to build 527kW Cherokee Trackhawk


Facelifted model arrives as Jeep confirms plans to build the ultimate V8 SUV.



David Morley
24 March, 2016




The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT could be joined by a supercharged Hellcat model. Photo: Supplied


A Jeep Grand Cherokee mated to a Dodge Challenger Hellcat V8 engine might sound like an unholy alliance, but Jeep has confirmed it will build such a thing.

Rumours of a muscled-up Jeep Grand Cherokee that would be the fastest ever production Jeep have been circulating for months now, and have been confirmed at this week's New York Motor Show.



Jeep has added a rugged "Trailhawk" model to the Grand Cherokee range.


The vehicle in question was discussed by Jeep's global boss Mike Manley and even given a timeline, although more details were not forthcoming.

The broad plan is to wedge the Dodge Hellcat's 6.2-litre, 527kW supercharged V8 into the Grand Cherokee SRT, stand back and let the fireworks begin.

With the Jeep's all-wheel-drive, the vehicle's 0-100km/h time should be comfortably under four seconds, making for the world's fastest production SUV.



Inside the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.


Mr Manley said the plan was to build the vehicle sometime around or after the middle of 2017.

No names have been mentioned officially, but Trackhawk is a likely contender.

Jeep Australia spokesman Andrew Chesterton says such a model would be welcomed by its local operation.

"The Grand Cherokee has been a hugely successful car in Australia and a significant proportion of the Grand Cherokees here wear an SRT badge," he says.

"There is clearly a market for high-performance SUVs.

"If a vehicle like a Hellcat-powered SRT were to be made available in Australia it is something we would absolutely put our hands up for."



The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit.


The "Trackhawk" confirmation comes as Jeep revealed a facelifted version of the regular Grand Cherokee. Set to arrive locally before the end the year, the new car features updated styling to help keep it looking fresh.

Jeep revealed the model in two forms, starting with a new Trailhawk model with red-painted tow hooks, purposeful tyres, air suspension and skid plates that help make it the most off-road capable model in the Grand Cherokee range.

The brand has also upgraded the Grand Cherokee Summit, adding enough Nappa and Laguna leather to its cabin to claim that the model is "the most luxurious vehicle in the full-size SUV segment".

The Summit features a 19-speaker stereo with three subwoofers, as well as polished 20-inch wheels, air suspension an advanced four-wheel-drive system.

- with David McCowen

http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/j...23-gnq12z.html