Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk On the Horizon; Thank you, Jeep

Oh, baby! A Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk — powered by a Hellcat engine — is on the horizon! That’s some exciting stuff. But, we still have a little bit of a wait. Therefore, details are few and far between. What we do know so far includes a few details about the engine and a few changes that were made in order to compensate for its huge shift in power. While we wait to hear more information, it would be worth taking a look at the 2017 Grand Cherokee SRT, which is a model that’s much closer to being released.

Still, this is exciting stuff. A Hellcat-powered, performance-oriented Grand Cherokee? It’s the stuff of dreams and legends!

What we Know About the GC SRT Trackhawk so Far

The engine that’s slapped under the hood of this bad boy is none other than a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 Hellcat engine. This thing pumps out a massive 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, and is going to make this Jeep scream down the track. Combine that with the other performance upgrades, and the Trackhawk is rumored to hit 0-to-60 mph in the 3.0-second range. Making it the fastest Hellcat-powered Jeep yet.

In order to make up for the insane amount of power horsepower now featured in the performance-oriented GC SRT Trackhawk, the vehicle will also get more bracing and a firmer suspension. Not to mention a few additional drive-train components. The most noticeable change from the current performance model GC is the mounted hood scoops, flanked by a pair of heat-extractor vents. On top of that, a new intake slit has also been added to the front bumper.

The new GC SRT Trackhawk is also going to lose some of its rugged looks that its siblings have. That much is clear in some spy photos that have recently surfaced on the internet. We’re talking a much smoother profile in the front. Other compensation for the track comes in the form of a much stiffer suspension and a slightly more aggressive stance.

Until Then, Curb that Craving with a 2017 Grand Cherokee SRT

While it might not be as fast as the upcoming 2018 Trackhawk model above, the 2017 GC Cherokee SRT is still a fast Jeep. It’s powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that puts out 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Those are numbers that still beat muscle cars like the 2016 Camaro, but are no where near as insane as the Trackhawk’s 707 horsepower Hellcat engine.

For 2017, this model sees a few changes, such as a new and more aggressive looking front fascia. Highlighted by three additional air intakes positioned just above the bumper, the 2017 SRT also comes with a new available interior package. None of these updates are groundbreaking, and to some it might seem like the Grand Cherokee’s naturally aspirated V8 engine pales in comparison to the supercharged Hellcat.

But, its still worth looking into if you need to get an adrenaline rush out of an SUV, and can’t wait another year or two for the Trackhawk model.