Once, Jeep leveraged the Grand Cherokee as a foundation for some surprisingly remarkable vehicles. Leading the charge were undoubtedly the SRT and Trackhawk variants, introducing high-performance on-road SUVs to the brand during a period when, especially in the early days of the model, that was quite uncommon. The current Grand Cherokee has been available for five years now, prompting many to despair that these sports-car-challenging family vehicles would ever make a comeback. However, with new leadership within Stellantis and a renewed focus on V8 engines, they are officially back “on the agenda.”
We inquired with Mauricio Lopez, Jeep’s vice president of sales, regarding the possibility of a high-performance Grand Cherokee akin to the Trackhawk, potentially featuring a Hellcat V8 rejoining the lineup, especially considering that SRT has been fully revived. His response may not have been specific, but it was optimistic.
“I mean, absolutely everything is on the table,” Lopez told The Drive. “Numerous developments are underway, but Stellantis has announced a $13 billion investment in the company’s future. With that, I can assure you there’s a plethora of product initiatives coming that, naturally, we cannot reveal at this moment.”
Lopez subsequently mentioned Tim Kuniskis, who not only leads Ram but also oversees the SRT brand these days. “With Tim Kuniskis at the forefront of this, you can anticipate exciting developments from a powertrain standpoint,” he added.
This naturally prompted us to ask if the 6.2-liter Hellcat engine would fit into the WL-generation Grand Cherokee, similar to its predecessor WK2. That was a question Lopez and his team were not prepared to answer at this time, but that alone shouldn’t diminish your optimism. Earlier this week, we reported that Jeep is urging customers to “stay tuned” for the return of the 5.7-liter V8 to the nameplate.
The Stellantis of 2026 looks extremely dissimilar from the Stellantis of 2024. Some of that can be attributed to personnel changes; some certainly to regulatory alterations as well. “One positive aspect is that with the change in leadership, you know, V8s are no longer viewed negatively within the company,” Dodge CEO Matt McAlear remarked to us last February, responding to a query about the Charger reclaiming its Hemi.
If the prospect of a new Trackhawk excites you, the WL Grand Cherokee arguably launched at the most inopportune moment, amid the fallout from the pandemic and a Carlos Tavares-led Stellantis steering away from V8s while embracing EVs. Consequently, five years into this generation, the most thrilling Grand Cherokee variants may still be on the horizon.
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**Jeep Vice President Suggests Potential Comeback of SRT Trackhawk**
In a recent discussion, Jeep’s Vice President has stirred excitement among car enthusiasts by suggesting the possibility of the highly regarded SRT Trackhawk returning. Renowned for its powerful performance and unique design, the Trackhawk has built a dedicated fan base since its debut.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk, which was launched in 2017, received accolades for its remarkable specifications, featuring a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine that delivered a staggering 707 horsepower. This performance SUV was not only an immense power on the roads but also provided the versatility and toughness associated with the Jeep brand. With a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds, the Trackhawk established a standard for performance SUVs, merging luxury with exhilarating speed.
The speculation regarding the Trackhawk’s revival arrives during a significant transformation within Jeep, including the rollout of new electric models and a refreshed emphasis on performance. The brand’s commitment to enhancing its performance offerings has led to conversations about reinstating the Trackhawk, which could potentially boast updated technology and enhanced efficiency while retaining its high-performance legacy.
Jeep’s Vice President highlighted the brand’s commitment to heeding customer feedback, pointing out that the appetite for high-performance variants like the Trackhawk is still prevalent. Enthusiasts have voiced their wish for a new generation of the Trackhawk, and Jeep seems to be taking these expressions seriously.
While specific information about the new SRT Trackhawk remains confidential, industry insiders speculate it may feature cutting-edge attributes such as hybrid technology, aligning with the automotive industry’s transition toward electrification. This could create a distinctive balance of power and efficiency, appealing to a wider audience.
As Jeep continues to innovate and broaden its lineup, the possible return of the SRT Trackhawk presents a remarkable opportunity for the brand to strengthen its performance credentials. With a history of producing vehicles that excel in both off-road and on-road performance, the Trackhawk’s comeback could further cement Jeep’s status in the competitive performance SUV sector.
In summary, while official updates are still forthcoming, the hints provided by Jeep’s Vice President have sparked optimism among the brand’s followers. The return of the SRT Trackhawk could signify an exhilarating new chapter in Jeep’s narrative, merging tradition with contemporary advancements in automotive technology. As the automotive community eagerly anticipates more revelations, one thing is evident: the legacy of the Trackhawk is far from forgotten.