CAR COMPANIES JUST LOVE TO blur the lines, and one of the strangest crossovers is an SUV with performance that suits it to the racetrack.
Such a beast (and we do mean “beast”) is Jeep’s most powerful SUV, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
When seniordriveraus tested out the Grand Cherokee SRT on a drag strip in Queensland some years ago, we were amazed to achieve a zero to 100km/h time of 4.8 seconds in a vehicle weighing more than two tonnes.
Well, file that away because the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk despatches the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds thanks to its supercharged 6.2-litre V8, upgraded high-torque-capacity TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, world-class on-road driving dynamics and Brembo brakes.
“Australia is FCA’s second largest market for V8s outside of North America and it is important for us to be able to support Australians with one of the most powerful and fastest SUVs ever,” said Guillaume Drelon, Jeep Australia Director, Product. “We’re excited to provide even more customer value to what is already the best-value, track-ready SUV in the market.”
The 2020 update adds a Signature Laguna Leather Wrapped Interior Package as standard and sleek 20-inch black lightweight forged alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero 3 Season tyres, delivering over $13,000 worth of customer value for just $5000 (Jeep’s figures).
The driver-focused interior features premium soft-touch materials, unique Light Black Chrome finishes and carbon fibre spears and a 7-inch driver information display instrument cluster, which features the tachometer in the middle.
The fourth-generation Uconnect 8.4 touch screen now sits flush mounted with the centre stack and instrument panel, featuring Trackhawk Performance Pages that showcase an array of performance timers and gauge readouts, including a new engine dynamometer screen that measures instantaneous horsepower, torque and current transmission gear.
Standard Launch Control optimises the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s performance by coordinating the engine, transmission, driveline and suspension for a textbook launch and consistent straight-line acceleration.
The Selec-Track system on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk uses performance-tuned software to pre-configure and distinguish the five dynamic modes: Auto, Sport, Track, Snow and Tow, enabling drivers to choose a vehicle setting that ideally meets their requirements and ambient conditions. The drive modes separately control the four-wheel-drive system, transmission, paddle shifters, suspension and electric power steering.
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk includes more than 70 safety and security features, including Trailer Hitch Camera View at Speed, which allows owners to view trailered items through the rear-mounted camera while moving.
Delivering improved customer value, Jeep Australia now has an all-new Capped Price Servicing Program for new customers in 2020, which applies to the MY20 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk range. The revised structure provides customers with transparency when they service their vehicle at a Jeep Dealership, with the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk capped at just $799 per service for the first five services.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is available in Dealerships nationwide, starting at $139,950 (plus on road costs).
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk standard equipment highlights:
Exterior
- Unique Fascia for Optimised Airflow and Control
- 20 x 10-inch low gloss black lightweight forged alloy wheels
- Yellow Brembo brake callipers
- Quad exhaust tips
- Cold air scoop replaces front fog lights
- Trackhawk unique gloss black lower rear fascia
- Badging
- “Trackhawk” rear Liftgate badge
- “Supercharged” front door badges
- “HEMI 6.2” badges
Interior
- Laguna Leather Wrapped Seats with Embroidered “Trackhawk” seat back logo
- Laguna Leather Wrapped Lower Panels
- Laguna Leather Door Trims
- Real metal interior accents
- Red seat belts
- “Supercharged” scuff plates
Security and safety equipment
- Forward Collision Warning Plus
- Lane Departure Warning Plus
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Path Detection
- Advanced Brake Assist
Performance
- Selec-Track System traction system with five modes (Auto, Sport, Track, Tow and Snow)
- Rear Electronic Limited Slip Differential
- Launch Control
- Yellow Brembo High Performance Brakes
- Active Damping Suspension
- Competition Suspension
- Jeep Performance Pages
Interior Options
- Black Laguna Leather (Standard)
- Black & Ski Grey Laguna Leather (Optional)
Exterior Options
- Solid Paint: Bright White
- Premium paint: Ivory White, Diamond Black, Granite Crystal, Sting Grey, Billet Silver, Slate Blue, Redline, Green Metallic and Velvet Red
| Model | Engine | Trans | Drive | Power | Fuel | |
| Grand Cherokee Trackhawk | 6.2L V8 Supercharged | 8AT | 4×4 | 522kW | Petrol | $139,950 |
Price does not include on road costs
| Option | |
| Premium Paint | $895 |
Dynamic drive mode configurations:
- Auto: Automatically adapts to any condition; uses a 40/60 front/rear torque split
- Sport: Transmission shift times are reduced by 50 percent versus Auto Mode; stability control, four-wheel-drive and steering systems are set for typical enthusiast driving style; paddle shifters are enabled and suspension is tightened up without increasing impact harshness to deliver increased vehicle performance capability over Auto Mode; uses 35/65 torque split
- Track: Transmission shift times are reduced 68percent versus Auto Mode to 160ms; stability control, four-wheel-drive and steering systems are set for ultimate track performance; paddle shifters are enabled and suspension is set to full firm to deliver maximum vehicle performance capability on smooth, dry surfaces; uses 30/70 torque split
- Tow: Alters torque delivery off the line for greater smoothness and adjusts suspension to combat pitch and yaw to deliver maximum towing performance: uses 60/40 torque split
- Snow: Maximises traction to deliver optimised performance on snow and ice with reduced engine horsepower; uses 50/50 torque split
Once we have tested and assessed the new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.