Chris Okula - Contributor
The world’s most powerful SUV is here with all 707 horses of Hellcat goodness. This is FCA’s third Hellcat model and promises to be their most practical. After months of rumors, the world’s most insane SUV is ready to dominate red light drag races. Prepare yourselves for the most family friendly 707 horsepower vehicle ever.
When you added Dodges insane 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 to their best selling SUV the results are staggering. Jeep claims it can reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. The quarter-mile falls in 11.6 seconds with a trap speed of 116mph. These performance figures are closer to a Ferrari than a family friendly SUV.
The Trackhawk benefits from some of the technology developed for the upcoming Demon. The same Torque Reserve launch control feature Dodge featured in one of its endless Demon teasers is here. During a launch, it holds the supercharger bypass valve open while cutting spark and fuel to limit torque before the brake is released.They even included the A/C compressor cooled intake which drops intake temps for added horsepower. Besides the Demon technological improvements the 6.2- liter V8 remains unchanged. It still retains the massive supercharger, forged internals, and sodium-filled exhaust valves.
To cope with this extra horsepower Jeep had to reinforce everything. The 8-speed automatic transmission was revised to survive all 645lb-ft of torque. They also beefed up the transfer case with forged internals and a wider chain. Finally, the rear drive shaft and half shafts with beefed up to survive the inevitable hard launches. Since the engine adds 259lbs Jeep revised the suspension to cope. Spring rates are raised and the adaptive Bilstein dampers are retuned. Finally to stop this massive SUV larger front 6-piston Brembo brakes are added.
Besides the drive train enhancements, the Track Hawk looks surprisingly normal. There are quad exhausts out back and a revised front fascia but it still looks relatively unchanged. On the sides, Jeep included supercharged badge but this is shaping up to be quite a sleeper.
The Trackhawk could be the ultimate family hauler. It can comfortably seat 5, tow 7,200lbs, and beat most sports cars in a drag race. The Trackhawk will be the easiest hellcat purchase to justify and I expect this to be the fastest selling model. Thank you, Jeep for this 707horsepower lump of American steel I never knew I wanted.
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