Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk arrives
Featuring supercar-like performance previously unheard of in a Jeep, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk arrived in Australia in December.
Jeep Australia President and CEO Steve Zanlunghi said: “The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk not only sets new standards in the Australian SUV market, but the overall performance car market.
“In terms of value for money in the performance segment, it will be difficult to find anything else that comes close.”
Despite a starting price of $134,900 (+ ORCs), the initial Australian allocation of 62 units were sold out before arrival.
Jeep immodestly describe the Trackhawk as the most powerful V8 SUV on the planet, but the figures back up the claim. Powered by a 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8 that produces 522kW and 868Nm, the Trackhawk can go from 0 to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 289km/h.
The supercharged V8 includes a Launch Control function and also features ‘heavy duty’ cooling. The TorqueFlight 8-speed auto transmission is upgraded to suit and Jeep’s Quadra-Trac 4x4 system is standard, although in this instance, 4WD is all about improving on-road handling than off-road ability.
To suit its tarmac bias, the Trackhawk features Brembo high performance brakes and what Jeep call high performance suspension, which is stiffer than the regular Grand Cherokee to improve driving dynamics. There are also selectable steering modes that alter steering response.
A bonnet with dual air vents, modified wheelarch flares and a redesigned lower front fascia with larger air dams set the Trackhawk apart from the regular Grand Cherokee in appearance, while the interior adds lashings of chrome and carbon fibre, along with a flat-bottom steering wheel in what’s said to be a race-inspired cabin.
Nappa leather seats with heating (all) and ventilation (front only) are standard, along with FCA’s latest Uconnect 4 infotainment system, which is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and includes the ‘Performance Pages’ that log lap times and power/torque output.
The Trackhawk’s safety kit is comprehensive, including forward collision and lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross path detection, a reversing camera, active head restraints and even trailer sway control.
While the initial Trackhawk allocation is accounted for, Jeep dealers are taking orders now for future deliveries.
