New York show: Jeep unleashes 527kW Trackhawk

JEEP has taken the covers off its brutal Grand Cherokee Trackhawk ahead of the performance flagship’s public debut at the New York motor show later this week.

Packing some serious punch from its 6.2-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, Jeep is laying claim to the title of world’s fastest SUV.

Producing a formidable 527kW of power and 874Nm of torque, the Trackhawk – which is yet to be confirmed for launch in Australia – handily dispatches of the zero to 100km/h sprint in a scant 3.6 seconds while on its way to a top speed of 290km/h.

Tesla Motors will be quick to point out that its all-electric Model X P100D can dash to 100km/h from standstill in 3.1 seconds with Ludicrous mode enabled, pipping the Grand Cherokee by half a second.

Similarly, the Bentley Bentayga W12 claims a terminal velocity of 301km/h, which is 11km/h more than the Trackhawk can manage.

Nevertheless, the Jeep is said to be capable of covering 400m in only 11.6 seconds, with a top speed of 186km/h achieved during that run.

Power is sent to the tarmac via an on-demand all-wheel-drive system and a heavily upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission, with drivetrain changes necessary to cope with the mountainous torque output.

Furthermore, there is no shortage of stopping power thanks to the addition of Brembo brakes – including 400mm discs with six-piston callipers up front – which allow the Trackhawk to pull up from 100km/h in just 36 metres, according to Jeep.

Fitted at the rear is an electronic limited-slip differential that allows for maximum power and traction out of corners.

Launch control is also standard on the performance SUV, catering to those who prefer quick, consistent off-the-line acceleration.

Six different driving modes – Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow and the configurable Custom – offer varying degrees of performance, with each altering the amount of torque – up to 70 per cent – that is sent to the rear wheels.

An independent front suspension is employed by the Trackhawk, as well as a multi-link set-up at the rear with adaptive dampers all-around.

Body-coloured flared wheelarches and side sills, as well as a creased bonnet with dual heat extractors, help visually distinguish the performance flagship at the front end from the rest of the Grand Cherokee line-up.

Additionally, a gloss-black rear diffuser paired with four-inch black chrome quad exhaust tips complete the exterior upgrade, alongside 20-inch alloy wheels shod with 295/45Z Pirelli rubber.

Inside, Trackhawk-branded Nappa leather and suede seats feature, along with various leather-stitched surfaces, metal accents, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, black chrome finishes and carbon-fibre highlights.

Infotainment is handled by an 8.4-inch touchscreen that is powered by Jeep’s Uconnect software which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

“The new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk delivers astounding performance numbers, backed by renowned SRT engineering that combines world-class on-road driving dynamics with luxury, refinement and an array of innovative advanced technology,” said Fiat Chrysler Automobiles global head of Jeep brand Mike Manley.

Customers in the United States will be able to take delivery of their Trackhawks from the fourth quarter of this year, with the SUVs set to be built in Detroit at the Jefferson North assembly plant.

Meanwhile, Fiat Chrysler Australia president and CEO Steve Zanlunghi told journalists in February this year that the local arm would “have two hands up” for the halo model, but a release Down Under has yet to be confirmed by the company.

The rest of the Grand Cherokee range was updated last month, highlighted by revised styling, a larger suite of safety technologies and price rises.