2018 Jeep Trackhawk Delivers Practical Performance
Jeeps’s latest Hellcat powered Grand Cherokee is more than just a one trick pony, the Trackhawk may actually be the perfect vehicle for those looking for an exceptionally-powerful utility vehicle. AutoBlog had a chance to test drive one of these 707-horsepower Hemi-powered Grand Cherokees around the streets of Portland, Maine before taking to the Club Motorsports track in New Hampshire.
As expected of an all-wheel-drive Trackhawk, it can sprint from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds, a time it can hit consistently. Jeep may have had to make a few adjustments to the 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 engine so that it’ll actually fit into the engine bay, but the 645 pound-feet of torque is still enough to push you into the seat when you put the pedal to the metal. Unfortunately, the track was not long enough for them to hit the claimed 180-mph top speed, though they did manage to 120-mph.
Paired with the beefy V8 is a Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel drive system, reinforced to withstand all that the Trackhawk can dish out.
Keep all that power in check is a set of six-piston Brembo calipers attached to 15.75-inch front rotors and 13.78-inch rotors at the rear. Another feature are the five drive modes drivers can choose from; Auto, Sport, Track, Snow and Tow.
Of course, most drivers won’t save the Trackhawk for the track and why would you? With a maximum 7,200-pound tow rating, owners will be able to take it anywhere along with whatever equipment is needed to have a good time, perhaps a dirt bike or two and some jet skis for those perfect sunny days.
The starting price of $86,995 may seem steep, but it’s still cheaper and more powerful than the BMW X5M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.
