The Hell(cat) of a History: Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Greetings, fellow motorheads! Prepare to be blown away by the tale of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (Hellcat engine), a beastly creation that took the world by storm.
Buckle up, because this is one wild ride!
The Trackhawk's Roar Begins (2018-)
The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was born in 2017, during the New York International Auto Show. Jeep decided to team up with Hellcat V8 to create a powerful SUV that could not only conquer the roads but also blast through the racetracks. Sporting a monstrous 6.2L Hellcat HEMI V8 engine, this beast churned out a whopping 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque.
From its initial release in 2018, the Trackhawk saw new model productions each year. But like a fine wine, it didn't change too much, remaining mostly the same in terms of performance and appearance.
Year-By-Year Evolution and Changes
2018 Trackhawk
In 2018, the Trackhawk was modeled after its sibling vehicle, the SRT Jeep. But with the Hellcat V8 upgrade, the Trackhawk boasted some serious mechanical muscle. Its all-wheel-drive system and paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic transmission allowed it to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. It crushed the quarter-mile in 12.0 seconds at 115 mph.
One unique feature was the removal of fog lights to improve cooling. An air cooler and a cold-air intake took their place, ensuring the beast stayed cool even at breakneck speeds. The Trackhawk also had a speedometer that ran up to 200 mph, a cheeky nod to its top speed of 180 mph.
2019 Trackhawk
In the world of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk stood proudly, bearing no changes from its predecessor. No upgrades or cosmetic tweaks were added, but hey, at least there was no room for Jeep to cheap out on the newer models, am I right?
2020 Trackhawk
Rolling into 2020, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk remained largely unaltered since its 2018 debut. But, lo and behold, some subtle changes graced this beast. Sporting a new Trackhawk badge on the liftgate, a now-standard single-pane sunroof, and optional upgrades like 20-inch wheels, premium leather interior, and a snazzy exterior lighting package, this baby got a slight glow-up.
2021 Trackhawk
And then there was the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, basking in its own completeness. With the "don't mess with perfection" mantra, Jeep kept this version identical to its predecessors, showing they were confident in the full package they'd created.
Fast Facts
- The Trackhawk's 6.2L Hellcat HEMI V8 engine is the same engine found in the Challenger Hellcat and Charger Hellcat.
- The 2018 Trackhawk boasted a higher top speed than the 2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, clocking in at 180 mph.
- In 2018, it was the fastest production SUV, hitting 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
- The Trackhawk could tow up to 7,200 pounds, making it as functional as it was fast.
- The Brembo brake system on the Trackhawk featured the largest front brake rotors ever offered on a Jeep vehicle, measuring 15.75 inches in diameter.
- The Trackhawk's suspension used Bilstein adaptive dampers, providing a smooth ride and excellent handling.
- Jeep offered a "Trackhawk Launch Control" feature that optimized performance on the drag strip.
- The Trackhawk's engine had a forged-steel crankshaft and high-strength forged-alloy pistons, ensuring durability under extreme conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk cost?
A: The base price for a 2018 Trackhawk was around $86,000. As for newer models, expect the price to be in the $90,000 to $100,000 range.
Q: How fast is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk?
A: The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has a top speed of 180 mph, and it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. It is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the world of performance SUVs.
Q: What are the main differences between the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and the SRT Jeep?
A: While both models share the same platform, the Trackhawk is equipped with the more powerful 6.2L Hellcat HEMI V8 engine, capable of producing 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Jeep, on the other hand, comes with a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Trackhawk also sports larger brakes, an upgraded suspension system, and additional cooling features.
Q: How does the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk compare to other performance SUVs?
A: The Trackhawk has established itself as a top contender in the performance SUV market. With its impressive horsepower, torque, and acceleration, it rivals vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, BMW X5 M, and Lamborghini Urus. While it may not have the same luxury features as some of its European counterparts, the Trackhawk offers a unique combination of American muscle and off-road capability.
Q: What kind of fuel economy does the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk get?
A: Given the powerful engine under the hood, the Trackhawk's fuel economy isn't its strongest suit. According to the EPA, the 2018 model had a rating of 11 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. However, when you're driving a 707-horsepower beast, fuel economy might not be your top priority.
Taking a Peek Under the Hood
The heart of the Trackhawk is its monstrous 6.2L Hellcat HEMI V8 engine, which owes its existence to the Dodge Hellcat Performance Parts that make it a true powerhouse. This engine is supercharged, with a 2.38-liter twin-screw IHI blower that produces 11.6 psi of boost. It also features a cold air intake system to improve efficiency and performance.
To keep this hellish engine cool, the Trackhawk relies on multiple cooling systems, including an engine oil cooler, a high-capacity radiator, and an intercooler water tank. These systems work together to ensure optimal performance, even under the most demanding conditions.
The Trackhawk's Handling and Braking Prowess
Handling is crucial for a high-performance SUV, and the Trackhawk doesn't disappoint. Its suspension system uses Bilstein adaptive dampers, which provide excellent handling and a smooth ride. The vehicle also features a Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel-drive system with an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced traction and control.
The Trackhawk's braking system is just as impressive, with Brembo high-performance brakes that feature the largest front brake rotors ever offered on a Jeep vehicle. These massive 15.75-inch rotors, paired with six-piston calipers, ensure that the Trackhawk can stop as quickly as it accelerates.
The Trackhawk Legacy
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has left an indelible mark on the performance SUV landscape. It has proven that American muscle can compete with the best that Europe has to offer, providing a unique blend of power, performance, and off-road capability. The Trackhawk's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of high-performance SUVs, as manufacturers push the boundaries of what is possible in this exciting segment.
Special Editions and Unique Features
Throughout its production, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has seen several special editions and unique features that make certain model years stand out. For example, the 2018 model offered a limited "Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package" with Laguna leather seats in black or black and dark ruby red, enhancing the luxury aspect of the vehicle. Additionally, the 2020 model introduced a new "Premium Lighting Group" package that added bi-xenon HID headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED daytime running lights for a more aggressive and eye-catching appearance.
As a performance-focused vehicle, the Trackhawk is equipped with various driving modes to suit different conditions and preferences. These modes include Auto, Sport, Track, Tow, and Snow. Each mode adjusts the suspension, steering, and powertrain settings to optimize performance for the selected driving condition.
In conclusion, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has made an indelible mark on the performance SUV market, proving that American muscle can hold its own against the best that the world has to offer. With its impressive power, handling, and off-road capabilities, the Trackhawk offers a unique blend of performance and practicality that few other vehicles can match.
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