2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk revealed, Australian arm keen

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has finally been revealed, fusing the supercharged heart of the Hellcat-badged Dodge Challenger and Charger with the more practical body of an SUV.

Under the bonnet is a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, developing 527kW of power and 874Nm of torque. Drive is sent to an on-demand all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission, which have both been upgraded over regular Grand Cherokee models to deal with the huge outputs of the Hellcat engine.

While the American company claims the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is "the most powerful and quickest SUV ever", the 3.6-second 0-100km/h sprint claim, while impressive, can't match that of the all-electric Tesla Model X P100D - which claims 3.1 seconds with Ludicrous mode - while the also impressive top speed of 290km/h is also short of the Bentley Bentayga W12's top whack of 301km/h.

Jeep also claims a standing quarter mile time of 11.6 seconds, which is just 0.7 seconds slower than established supercars like Pagani Huayra, McLaren 570S, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Porsche Carrera GT.

It's pretty quick at stopping too, thanks to a new high-performance Brembo braking package which includes 400mm two-piece vented rotors with six-piston yellow calipers up front and 350mm vented rotors with four-piston yellow calipers at the rear. While 0-100km/h takes 3.6 seconds, 100km/h-0 takes just 36m.

Distinguishing the Trackhawk from the 'lesser' Grand Cherokee SRT from the outside are a revised front fascia, quad-tip exhaust outlets and new 20-inch titanium colour wheels wrapped in 295/45ZR20 Pirelli Scorpion Verde Season or Pirelli P Zero three-season tyres.

Exterior equipment includes bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime-running lights, 'Supercharged' badging,

Inside, the hottest Jeep features a 7.0-inch driver's display with centred tachometer and 320km/h speedometer, along with an new Trackhawk-themed 8.4-inch central touchscreen - which also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Other interior highlights include active noise cancellation technology, a leather-stitched instrument panel, 'Berber' floor mats with 'Trackhawk' branding, nappa leather/suede seats with 'Trackhawk' embroidering, heated and ventilated front seats, along with heated rear seats.

The Trackhawk is also available with a range of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control with stop/go function, advanced brake assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, full-speed forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, and 'Ready Alert Braking'.

Other features include a five-mode Selec-Track system, Bilstein adaptive damping suspension, launch control, while nine colours will be offered - Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Diamond Black, Ivory Tri-coat, Bright White, Velvet Red, Redline and True Blue.

Options include an 825W Harmon Kardon 19-speaker audio system with two subwoofers, Dark Ruby Red seatbelts and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

Although allocations outside of North America are still to be confirmed, or even on the cards, Fiat Chrysler Australia chief Steve Zanlunghi has at least indicated eager interest.

Speaking with press to announce the Jeep brand's new 'There and Back Guarantee', Zanlunghi said the company would "have two hands up" for the Trackhawk.

Click the photos tab for more images

MORE: Grand Cherokee Trackhawk reports
MORE: Grand Cherokee news, reviews, comparisons and videos
MORE: Everything Jeep