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Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Wants to Drag Race BMW M8, Catches Fire Instead

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk was first introduced at the 2017 New York Auto Show as the brand’s most powerful and fastest model ever. It was also Fiat Chrysler’s most potent SUV, at least until the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat came around with its extra three horsepower.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 6 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot
Jeep Grand Cherokee TrackhawkJeep Grand Cherokee TrackhawkJeep Grand Cherokee TrackhawkJeep Grand Cherokee TrackhawkJeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Both models are brought to life by the same 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8, which gives the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk a maximum output of 707 hp (717 PS) and 645 lb-ft (875 Nm) of torque. Everything is channeled to the wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, resulting in a 0-60 acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds – although various third parties have managed to launch the car even faster than that.

Speaking of launching the Trackhawk, you’ll see somebody getting ready to do just that in the video below, as they prepare to take on a BMW M8 Competition in a straight line drag rage from a standstill.

Unfortunately for everybody involved, the race didn’t even happen thanks to the Jeep catching fire while its driver was attempting to warm up the tires via burnout. We can’t exactly fault them for that, seen as how it is an efficient way to improve traction.

However, in the video’s comments section, the uploader mentions how the SUV’s owner “drives it like he stole it all the time” and that he’s surprised the vehicle even lasted as long as it did.

We should also point out that this Trackhawk is far from factory-standard in terms of power output, as it is said to produce 900 whp (wheel horsepower), which should amount to roughly 1,100 hp at the crank, maybe even a bit more.

Still, the fact that the engine was left stock (mechanically) probably didn’t help much either, as a twin-turbo conversion would have undoubtedly proven more efficient when it comes to this much grunt. In the end though, it’s a good thing nobody was hurt. Well, except for the Jeep, that is.

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About the author: Sergiu Tudose
Sergiu Tudose profile photo

Sergiu got to experience both American and European car "scenes" at an early age (his father drove a Ford Fiesta XR2 supermini in the 80s). After spending over 15 years at local and international auto publications, he's starting to appreciate comfort behind the wheel more than raw power and acceleration.
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