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At the International Auto Show in New York in April 2017, Jeep presented the strongest and fastest Grand Cherokee ever. The 6.2-litre V8 engine known from the Dodge Hellcat models produces incredible 717 hp and whopping 875-newton metres of torque, charged by an audible rotor compressor that clearly sends a signal to the driver that there is unbridled power available under the bonnet. This supercharged monster accelerates the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. The fine-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission catapults the Trackhawk to a phenomenal top speed of 290 km/h.
Visually, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk differs only minimally to its little brother, the SRT with modified air intakes through the front skirt, four exhaust tailpipes, as well as striking yellow Brembo brake callipers. Huge 400mm brake discs on the front axle and 350 mm ones on the rear axle were built into it and bring the appox. 2500 kg heavy monster to a stop with a staggering delay under any conditions. The 20x10 titanium wheels with 295/45ZR20 Pirelli tyres ensure the necessary grip. The Trackhawk's expression is a successful combination of straightforward elegance and terrifying aggression when you look at it from the front.
Modifications have been made to the Trackhawk on a huge scale, relating to numerous components of the power train and the chassis. In doing so, the drive shaft and the differential of the rear axle were reinforced - designed for almost 250 hp of extra performance, which the Trackhawk has compared to the SRT. Numerous optimisations were also made to the electronic transmission control.
The Launch Control offers the greatest fun factor, which allows the Trackhawk a maximum torque reserve as early as the first milliseconds after starting acceleration.
The interior is decorated with fine materials such as Light Black Chrome and carbon fibre elements. The 8.4-inch touch screen, the elegant 'digital dash', a three-spoke sports steering wheel, as well as the Nappa wild leather seats with the embroidered "Trackhawk" logo synthesise to a stylish, sporty ambience.
The list of optional extras is, as is well known with Jeep, very straightforward because almost all desirable furnishing details have long been part of the standard configuration. Thus, the Trackhawk is packed with all sorts of safety and driver assistance systems, a modern infotainment system combined with a very impressive Harman Kardon audio System.
Photos: www.fiatpress.de / www.jeep.de
When is it expected?
In North America, the first cars are expected to arrive at Jeep dealers' showrooms in Q4. Therefore, the first vehicle deliveries will also start there during that period. Europe still has to show a little patience. According to information from Jeep Germany, you will not be able to order a vehicle here until the beginning of 2018. As a result, the first vehicle deliveries for Europe will probably start in the summer of 2018. The Trackhawk will definitely cost more than € 100,000.
In the USA, the vehicle has long since triggered a hype. The vehicle will be in great demand in Europe as well. Whoever wishes to buy such a vehicle should start to insistently unnerve the Jeep dealer of their trust no later than late Autumn 2017 to be among the first to be able to place a binding order. Then the chances will still be good for grabbing a vehicle in 2018. Precisely within the first twelve months of delivery for Europe, you can expect the available number of vehicles not to supply the demand completely.
Résumé
While the Grand Cherokee that was manufactured until the year 2010 still had the impractical airs and graces of an off-road vehicle in day-to-day life, the changes to the present model in the same year cannot be felt any longer. Today, the Grand Cherokees, in particular, the SRT and Trackhawk model variants, are sporty and elegant SUVs, which are blessed with an unbeatable driving performance, especially the last-named model variants. The price-performance ratio of the Trackhawk is unparalleled. Similar SUVs from other manufacturers, which are equipped in the same way, cost a few tens of thousands of euros more. Regarding the performance, the Trackhawk is currently the king on its throne - no other manufacturer in the world currently offers a standard SUV that cracks the 0 to 100 mark in three and a half seconds. Thus, the Trackhawk is an absolute must-have for those young at heart in their mid-forties.
If you have not yet decided to buy one, here is something to strengthen your opinion on top: a 4-year guarantee/ warranty is available when purchasing the car!