Back in June, we brought you news that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles would give the green light to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with the supercharged V-8 ("Hellcat") powertrain. Sources suggest that the hottest Jeep performer ever was already in development with mules on the road, and had the code name Project K.
Today, we're hearing word that the vehicle has been delayed.
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While we haven't been able to confirm with Fiat Chrysler PR, a source suggests that the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has been delayed a year. It had been mooted as a 2017 model, but the latest suggestion is that it will be a 2018 model.
Those sources at JeepTrackhawkForums say the delay will lead to an extended model year for the 2018 TrackHawk--and then no more, since Chrysler could be ready to retire the HEMI and Hellcat engines after the 2018 model year.
Future FCA performance models would reportedly go either with twin-turbo four or twin-turbo six power, something already on display in the upcoming Alfa Romeo Giulia.
A Fiat Chrysler Automobiles [NYSE:FCAU] spokesperson confirmed that the company "can't comment on future product plans."
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The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk could be one of the final V-8-powered Grand Cherokees, if it adopts the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine. With 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, all-wheel drive, and an eight-speed transmission, it could be the quickest Jeep ever, with 0-60 mph times in the 3.0-second range and a top speed approaching 200 mph.
There's no word on how these product plot points would affect the return of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which has been working toward a debut at the end of the decade.
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