Jeep Revs Up Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV says the 2018 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will be the quickest and most powerful production SUV in the world with a zero to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.

The Trackhawk, which will be officially unveiled this week at the New York auto show, is fitted with FCA’s 6.2-liter Hellcat V-8 engine that bowed three years ago in high-output versions of the Dodge Challenger and Charger muscle cars. The powerplant kicks out 707 hp and 650 lb-ft—the same as the Dodge Hellcats—to enable the Jeep SUV to reach a quarter mile in 11.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 mph.

Jeep says it maintained the engine’s performance in the four-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee by modifying the single-speed, full-time active transfer case with forged steel chain sprockets and a wider chain. The engine is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential, strengthened rear drive shaft and beefier rear axle.

To handle the power and speed, the Trackhawk gets upgraded brakes that feature two-piece 16-inch vented Brembo rotors clamped by 6-piston calipers up front and 14-inch vented rotors in the rear. The setup can stop the vehicle from 60 mph in just 114 feet, the carmaker says.