Updated: New photos added.
Jeep’s Hellcat-powered 2018 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was caught wearing minimal camouflage today.
Unfortunately, what little cover-up Jeep’s engineers had applied was strategically placed to hide the one thing we want to see–the telltale signs of a supercharger system in the front end. Thanks to some late-morning sunshine in Michigan, we can see that the front bumper is indeed modified to accommodate airflow to the supercharged Hemi. Just below the signature seven-slot grille sits a wide, horizontal intake with two separators.
What we’re left with are the parts the Trackhawk will likely share with the SRT model on which it is based–bright red Brembo brake calipers, the signature dual exhaust and the “SRT” trim on the rear. The SRT’s signature hood bulge appears unchanged.
While we know for certain that a Hellcat version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is on its way (thanks to a confirmation from Jeep CEO Mike Manley), what we’re less certain of is the configuration of its production drivetrain. Has Jeep built an all-wheel drive system robust enough to handle all 707 horsepower (and more importantly, the 650lb-ft of torque) on offer with the 6.2L, supercharged Hellcat V8, or will this boast a (very un-Jeep) RWD system only?
Our fingers remain crossed. It’s also possible the engine will be de-tuned for the larger Grand Cherokee platform, the precedent for which has already been set by the 392.
We expect to see the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk make its debut some time in the next year, ahead of a 2017 on-sale date.
Photos by Brian Williams.
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