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2028 Jeep Trackhawk: 1,000-HP Hellcat Hybrid Details Leaked
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Is Coming Back: Everything You Need to Know
What Is the Trackhawk?
Imagine a regular Jeep Grand Cherokee—a nice, comfortable family SUV. Now imagine someone took that SUV, strapped a massive, supercharged V-8 engine under the hood, and turned it into a 700+ horsepower rocket ship. That was the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
Important Point: The original Trackhawk (sold around 2018–2021) had a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V-8 making 707 horsepower. It could go 0–60 mph in about 3.5 seconds—faster than many sports cars!
After a few years off the market, Stellantis (the company that owns Jeep, Dodge, and Ram) is planning to bring it back as a 2028 model.
Why Is This Happening Now?
1. The Rules Changed
- For years, car companies had to meet strict fuel economy rules (called CAFE standards).
- Stellantis struggled to meet these rules with big V-8 engines and paid heavy fines.
- The Trump administration relaxed these standards, giving Stellantis the freedom to bring back high-power V-8s.
2. Fans Have Been Asking for It
- Dodge, Jeep, and Ram fans have been begging for the return of Hellcat and SRT models.
- The 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee was the first to get the new supercharged V-8 (up to 777 hp).
- The Grand Cherokee is next in line.
3. It’s a "Halo Model"
- A halo model is a special, low-volume vehicle that gets people excited about the brand.
- The Trackhawk would bring buzz and excitement to Jeep showrooms.
- Jeep also plans SRT versions of the Grand Wagoneer and the upcoming Wrangler Scrambler truck.
How Does It Compare to What’s Available Now?
| Current Grand Cherokee Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 3.6L V-6 (Pentastar) | 293 hp |
| 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder | 324 hp |
| New Trackhawk (estimated) | 700–777 hp |
Important Point: The new Trackhawk could have more than double the power of the current strongest Grand Cherokee!
Who Will It Compete With?
The Trackhawk would go head-to-head with high-performance SUVs like:
- Mercedes-AMG GLE 63
- BMW X5 M
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo
But here’s the kicker: it could cost thousands less.
- Previous Trackhawk: mid-$80k to ~$100k
- Estimated new price: around $90,000
- German rivals: often $110k–$130k+
Platform & Engineering: What’s Under the Skin?
The "WL Platform"
- The current Grand Cherokee sits on a new architecture called the WL platform.
- This is the first time Stellantis would put a supercharged V-8 on this platform.
- Engineers must make sure the suspension, cooling, brakes, and drivetrain can handle the power.
Sharing with the Dodge Durango
- The 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat uses a similar engine (710 hp) and is a good reference.
- The Durango and Grand Cherokee used to share a platform, but split when Jeep moved to WL.
- The Durango will move to WL in the future, so developing the Trackhawk now helps both SUVs.
- Shared engineering = lower costs and faster development.
Key Specs at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Model | 2028 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk |
| Engine | Supercharged 6.2L Hemi V-8 (revised) |
| Estimated Power | 710–777 hp (based on Durango/Ram) |
| Estimated Price | $90,000 |
| On-Sale Date | Fall 2027 (as a 2028 model) |
| Platform | WL (current Grand Cherokee architecture) |
| Main Rivals | Mercedes-AMG GLE 63, BMW X5 M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo |
Summary
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is returning for the 2028 model year.
- It will use a supercharged 6.2L Hemi V-8 with 700+ horsepower.
- Relaxed fuel economy rules made this possible.
- It will be a halo model to boost Jeep’s image and compete with German performance SUVs.
- Expected price: ~$90,000, arriving Fall 2027.
- Engineering work on the Trackhawk will also help the future Durango SRT Hellcat.
FAQ
Will the new Trackhawk be faster than the old one?
Probably. The old one made 707 hp. The new engine in the Ram Rumble Bee makes 777 hp. Even if detuned slightly for the Jeep, it should be at least as quick—if not quicker.
Is this officially confirmed by Jeep?
Not yet. This is based on strong industry reporting from MotorTrend and Stellantis’s recent product actions (like the Ram Rumble Bee). Think of it as "all but certain."
Will there be a plug-in hybrid Trackhawk?
No. Jeep actually dropped the 4xe plug-in hybrid from the Grand Cherokee lineup for 2026. The Trackhawk will be pure V-8 muscle.
How many will they make?
Likely low volume. Halo models are usually built in limited numbers to keep them special and avoid CAFE penalty issues.
Should I wait for this or buy a current Grand Cherokee?
Depends on your needs. If you want a comfortable family SUV, the current model is great. If you want a 700-hp tire-shredding beast and can wait until late 2027—the Trackhawk is worth the wait.
