In a fairly bold move for a fairly cash-strapped company like Chrysler they announced today the launch at the New York Motor Show of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. It is bold because this is a very niche SUV powered by the 6.2 liter V8 supercharged engine straight from the Challenger Hellcat muscle car. 

Of course, it’s not the first time they put a big engine in a Cherokee, and although the previous efforts have not been sufficient to drive super SUV customers away from their Cayennes and the AMG SUVs, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is so insane – and, because it’s American, so cheap for the performance it delivers – it is going to be hard ignoring it. After all, this thing has 707 horsepower 650 lb-ft (881 Nm) of torque. That power translates into ao 0 to 60 mph acceleration record of 3.5 seconds and whereas the Euro SUVs are limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) this power-crazed Yank goes all the way to 290 km/h (180 mph).

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Granted, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will invariably suffer from lack of finesse and elegance compared to those fine European products. But if it’s power  you are after you can’t argue with those numbers. And forget about off-road capabilities because this Jeep has large rims and low-profile tires and Brambo brakes, and although it has all-wheel-drive it’s a limited-slip affair at the back tuned for on-road performance rather than off-road prowess. It also has ruby red accents inside the cabin and suede inserts, which gives you clue as to where Jeep wants you to use this vehicle.