Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have made an announcement that they will be withdrawing Chrysler and Dodge officially from the South Africa market. It should come as no surprise as they haven’t had the product or the market share to sustain local sales. But amidst the news of the withdrawal, they’ve cemented Jeep’s commitment to the country with confirmation that the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will be launching in 2018!
Jeep will be expanding their product line-up with the new Jeep Compass in the first quarter of 2018, with the soon to be revealed new Wrangler expected to arrive soon after. But it’s the Trackhawk that is the most exciting confirmation.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk uses the foundation of the already impressive Grand Cherokee SRT, but transplants the 707hp (527kW), 875Nm supercharged 6.2-litre V8 from the Dodge Charger Hellcat into the SUV’s body. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk also receives an upgraded high-torque TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic gearbox, and upgraded all-wheel drive componentry to deal with the immense power and torque.
Upgraded components include an electronic limited slip rear differential, single speed transfer case with forged steel sprockets, a strengthened rear drive shaft, and a stronger rear axle, as well as upgraded CV joints on the front axle. Combined with launch control, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will accelerate from 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in 3.5 seconds.
New Brembo brakes handle the stopping with 400mm diameter two-piece ventilated brake discs up front and 350mm ventilated discs at the rear, paired with 6-piston callipers up front and 4-piston callipers at the rear – all painted yellow. From 96km/h the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will come to a complete halt in just 35 metres.
With the planned introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, FCA are guaranteeing their commitment to South Africa – at least with the brands that continue to do well in the South African buying market.
