In 2018, the Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trackhawk took the automotive world by storm, emerging as the most powerful and quickest mass-produced SUV ever created. With its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI HELLCAT V8 engine, the Trackhawk delivered a staggering 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque. Straight off the assembly line, this monumental power allowed the 5,363 lbs. (2,433 kg) two-row SUV to conquer the quarter-mile in just 11.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 mph.
We were so captivated by the Trackhawk’s performance that we, at Car News, owned not just one but two of these high-performance Jeeps, a 2018 and a 2020 model. However, for some car enthusiasts, even the incredible power offered by the factory version is simply not enough. This has led many individuals, like Mike Ferrand of Sinister Performance Club, to seek even greater horsepower. While we have witnessed 1,200 horsepower versions of the Trackhawk before, such as the Hennessey Performance Engineering Trackhawk HPE1200, Mike’s Trackhawk sets a new benchmark with its mind-blowing 1,300 horsepower and 1,500 lb.-ft. of torque delivered directly to the wheels.
Ferrand achieved this exceptional output by tuning the HELLCAT engine for nitrous, installing 1,300cc injectors, and reinforcing the pistons and rods. Although several upgrades, including an improved blower, a Stage 3 8-speed 8HP95 automatic transmission, and axles, help to transfer all that power to the ground, most of the internal components of the engine remain stock.
With the ability to utilize up to a 200 shot of nitrous, this full-size SUV has impressively achieved a quarter-mile time of 9.2 seconds at 154 mph. This is a truly remarkable feat for such a large vehicle. And what’s more, this black and silver camouflaged Trackhawk is not just a track-ready machine; it can serve perfectly fine as a daily driver.
Recently, “That Racing Channel” had the opportunity to spend some time with Mike and his awe-inspiring Trackhawk, which has been declared the fastest in Canada. They examined the vehicle up close and even took it for a few runs. Despite the intimidating “DIGMNSTR” license plate and the parachute adorning the rear, this Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, at first glance, might seem like an ordinary SUV. But once you witness its extraordinary performance, you’ll realize it’s far from ordinary.
Unfortunately, production of the Trackhawk has come to an end. The model concluded its run along with the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat at the end of the 2021 model year. As the automotive industry continues to embrace electrification, it’s highly likely that we will soon witness factory-produced vehicles with horsepower ratings similar to Mike’s Trackhawk. However, there’s simply no replacing the mesmerizing sound and excitement produced by the beefed-up HELLCAT engine, something that no electric car will ever be able to replicate.
FAQs
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Q: What makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk so special?
- A: The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk stands out as the most powerful and quickest mass-produced SUV ever made. Its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI HELLCAT V8 engine delivers an astonishing 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque, propelling the SUV to incredible performance on and off the track.
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Q: How much horsepower does Mike Ferrand’s Trackhawk produce?
- A: Mike Ferrand’s Trackhawk boasts an outstanding 1,300 horsepower and 1,500 lb.-ft. of torque at the wheels, thanks to engine tuning for nitrous, reinforced internals, and various upgrades.
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Q: Is the Trackhawk suitable for everyday driving?
- A: Absolutely! The Trackhawk’s exceptional power doesn’t compromise its usability as a daily driver. It offers the perfect combination of high-performance capabilities and practicality.
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Q: Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk still in production?
- A: No, the Trackhawk, alongside the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, ended its production run at the conclusion of the 2021 model year.
Conclusion
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has cemented its legacy as an iconic SUV, pushing the boundaries of performance and power. While the original factory version already commands tremendous respect, car enthusiasts like Mike Ferrand have taken it to the next level by unleashing an astonishing 1,300 horsepower on the road. As we bid farewell to the Trackhawk and embark on an era of electrification, the incredible sound and unadulterated thrill provided by this legendary beast will forever remain in the hearts of car lovers. For more exciting car news, make sure to visit Car news.