Jeep Speculative Cars

Jeep is cooking the rebirth of the Wagoneer in the form of a full-size SUV that should hit the market in 2020. Until then, we hear that the new model might benefit from a mighty inline-six engine that could outmuscle the HEMI V-8 while displacing less to make it attractive for heavily taxed markets such as Europe and Asia

It’s been rumored for quite a while that the Fiat-Chrysler group is pouring resources into a new six-pot engine and the latest reports tell the tale of a compact engine that will be able to fit on a multitude of platforms and models from the automakers that sit at the FCA table.

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL is the successor to the wildly successful Wrangler JK – a vehicle that lasted from 2007 until the early parts of 2018. The new Wrangler JL picks up where the JK left off by offering an open-air driving experience on both paved roads and where no roads exist. The Wrangler continues to stay true to the Jeep legacy of all-terrain travel while offering more creature comforts and the least-compromised on-road driving experience of any vehicle in the lineage of the Willy MB from 1941.

For 2018, the Wrangler’s appearance is an evolved take on the previous JK, adding in better aerodynamics, more roof options, and improved safety, especially in the rollover department. New details bring the JL into modern times. Things like LED headlights, fender-mounted daytime running lights, and an interior that doesn’t look made by Little Tikes. New powertrain options bring more power and added fuel efficiency, while a manual transmission and manually operated transfer case keep ties to the Jeep heritage alive.

Update 11/01/2017: Jeep has released photos of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL amid the SEMA Show and ahead of the Wrangler’s full debut at the L.A. Auto Show on November 29.

Just leaked on WranglerForums.com is what’s believed to be the next-generation Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Codenamed the JL, this four-door wrangler will replace the current Jeep Wrangler JL for the 2018 model year. Until now, details have been rather spread out, with hardly any information on the Wrangler’s overall appearance and functionality. But thanks to two grainy images, we’re getting a first look.

Much to the angst of Jeep fans, the 2018 Wrangler will indeed come with hard top that’s completely removable. The doors are also completely removable, just like the past Wranglers. The overall design is more evolutionary than revolutionary, sharing much of the overall appearance with the current Wrangler JK.

Of course, the devil is in the details. The grille has a rearward bend, just as we’ve seen in spy shots and other leaked images. The front quarter panels feature some sort of heat extractor or vent just behind the fender. The hood also features vents, much like the optional Heat Extraction hood offered on some Wrangler models. The greenhouse seems taller, with more height to the glass. The doors have a strong character line just under the window, possibly carving out where the half-metal doors will end.

And even more interesting, the windshield seems to have two hinges. Perhaps Jeep won’t kill the folding windshield design after all! As for the roll cage, it shares a similar layout to the current Wrangler JK, but it looks to be better integrated for stronger roll-over protection.

Around back the tailgate is now hinged on the driver side, making curb-side loading much easier. The spare tire is missing, but we do expect the production model will feature it in this traditional location. The bumpers have a familiar style, shaped like those found on special edition Wranglers like the 75th Anniversary, Rubicon Hard Rock, and Rubicon Recon.

All told, this is a huge relief for Jeep enthusiast worried about a watered-down, mall-rated Wrangler JL. Those fears can be set aside knowing Jeep has kept all the lovable aspects of the Wrangler in place. Let’s just hope this isn’t some fake news rendering crap designed to scam us all…

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News out of Auburn Hills regarding powertrain changes is becoming regular these days. First is was a rumor suggesting the venerable and widely used 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 will soon end production. Now sources are telling Allpar that FCA is toying with the idea of inline six-cylinder engines.

Chrysler has a long history of using inline six-cylinder engines. Major players include the AMC straight-six found in everything from sedans and budget muscle cars to Jeeps and pickups between 1964 and 2006. The iconic 4.0-liter I-6 found in Jeep products is perhaps the pentacle of Chrysler I-6 design and one of the most legendary Chrysler engines of all time. Sadly that engine met its demise with the introduction of the Jeep Wrangler JK in 2007.

Allpar speculates the new inline six-cylinder would be based on FCA’s current Global Medium Engine four-cylinder. Currently displacing 2.0 liters and found in the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the turbo-four makes 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque thanks to an intercooler, 16 valves operated by dual overhead cams, and direct fuel injection. Adding two extra cylinder to the GME could result in horsepower levels over 400 and torque levels beyond 450 pound-feet. That is, if power levels grow at the same percentage as the cylinder count.

So, could a 3.0-liter inline-six be on the horizon for FCA vehicles, including Ram, Dodge, and Jeep? Only time will tell, but the path to that end seems oddly clear. Consider the resurgence of rear-wheel drive vehicles, like the Alfa Romeo Giulia, along with new versions of current rear-wheel drive models like the Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and even Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

Ford has already proved that turbocharged engines with smaller displacements can generate quite the kick, while providing impressively reliability despite outrageous payload and towing demands. Should FCA follow in the EcoBoost’s footsteps, we could see an impressively powerful yet butter-smooth straight-six under the hood of the next generation of FCA vehicles.

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News about the future Jeep Grand Wagoneer has gone from promising to problem-ridden over the last month. Reports have suggested Jeep is canceling the high-end SUV for good, while others suggest nothing is wrong. Well, word has just surfaced from two different third-party parts suppliers that Jeep in putting the Grand Wagoneer project on hold.

The news comes from Larry Vellequette, a reporter with Automotive News whose dedicated beat for the last decade has been Chrysler and now FCA. He reports the luxo-Jeep isn’t officially dead, but it isn’t alive and well. The major problem, according to Vellequette, is FCA’s very limited cash reserves. FCA is currently funding a company-wide game of musical chairs and retooling with its assembly plants. Vehicles are being moved around, plans are getting refurbished, and this is eating into cash reserves.

Also a major factor is the limited size of vehicle that’s capable of being produced at FCA’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. It currently builds the Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango, but anything larger, say like a three-row Range Rover competitor, simply wouldn’t fit down the assembly line.

Vellequette makes an interesting observation though. Why retool Jefferson at great expense for a low-volume SUV rather than build a high-volume, body-on-frame SUV that competes with the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition? Why not base that SUV on the upcoming refreshed Ram 1500? It’s certainly an idea worth exploring.

Ram has never made a three-row SUV based on its pickup despite GM and Ford having outstand success with the concept. Should Jeep choose to pursue this, the Grand Wagoneer name would likely drop the “Grand” portion, recalling the more utilitarian Jeep Wagoneer of 1974 through 1983.

Should Jeep go this route, it could even create a heavy-duty version, competing where the Suburban 2500 and Ford Excursion once did. What’s more, it could even create a Rubicon or Trailhawk version based on the Ram 2500 Power Wagon. Best of all, FCA would need far less cash to pull this off. The Ram’s Warren Truck Assembly Plant could accommodate the 1500-series Wagoneer, while FCA’s Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Mexico could accommodate the heavy-duty and Power Wagon versions.

Of course, this is pure speculation on our part based on speculation by Vellequette. One thing is for sure though – Jeep will not be getting its Grand Wagoneer by 2018 or 2019.

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It seems the rumor mill is spinning out word that Jeep has canceled plans to build the Grand Wagoneer – the high-end competitor slotted to compete with vehicles like the Range Rover. Early speculation had put the Grand Wagoneer debuting for the 2019 model.

The news comes from Autoline Daily, which cites speculation from AutoForecast Solution, a company that provides automotive business planning. The purported problem stems from engineering problems with the Grand Wagoneer’s chassis. The luxury SUV was slated to ride on a widened and lengthened version of the unibody platform that underpins the Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. AutoForcasts Solution says the platform could not support a full-size SUV with three rows.

Autoline did add speculation to the news, supposing the Grand Wagoneer could borrow the Ram 1500’s ladder frame chassis. That move is plausible given the Ram’s rear suspension uses a multi-link system with coil springs, just a many modern body-on-frame SUVs do. If this were the case, the Grand Wagoneer would become a competitor to the Cadillac Escalade, as Truck Trend points out. We would also add the Infiniti QX80 to that mix.

However, we find it incredibly hard to believe the engineers at Jeep can’t make the Grand Cherokee’s chassis work. After all, the Durango is already 11.4 inches longer than the Grand Cherokee and has a five-inch-longer wheelbase.

What’s more, FCA boss Sergio Marchionne seems to be smitten with the idea of the Grand Wagoneer competing with big-time players like the Range Rover and Jeep CEO Mike Manley confirmed the three-row luxury Jeep in a conversation with Motoring. Last but certainly not least is the spied silhouette rendering of the entire future Jeep lineup, including the range-topping SUV, at a dealership meeting back in October.

The final nail in this rumor comes from an unnamed inside source that very recently told Truck Trend the Grand Wagoneer and its less-luxurious brother, the Wagoneer, are both still headed to production.

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News about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL’s construction materials is hot topic these days. FCA boss Sergio Marchionne said back in 2015 the upcoming Wrangler would partially use aluminum construction. Fast-forward to 2016, and a leaked internal memo from aluminum giant Alcoa suggests it will supply aluminum alloys for the Wrangler’s doors and hood.

The leaked internal memo was reported on JL Wrangler Forums by a user claiming to be an Alcoa employee.

It reads: “A team in the Farmington Hills (Michigan, USA) Aerospace and Automotive Products group is leading a new profitable growth opportunity with the 2018 Jeep Wrangler program. The next generation Jeep becomes the first to utilize our C6A1 high form alloy; we are currently the only supplier of this high form product.

Alcoa will also supply 6022 and A951, including front and rear door inners, hood outer and inner.”

From this we understand Alcoa will be providing three types of aluminum for the next-generation Wrangler’s construction. The first two types are 6022 and A951 for use in the inner parts of the front and rear doors and both inner and outer sections of the hood. The third aluminum type, the C6A1 high form alloy, isn’t listed to a specific part within the Wrangler, so it’s anyone’s guess as to where FCA will incorporate the proprietary Alcoa alloy.

This information is only conformation that Jeep engineers are diligently working to revamp the popular Wrangler with the latest technology. Still, the next-generation isn’t expected to deviate far from the current Wrangler JK in terms of overall styling and off-roading capability.

We expect to see Jeep debut the 2018 Wrangler within the coming months.

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is reallocating its U.S. production facilities in a move that aligns the automaker to make higher-profit, more popular trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. The news comes after FCA spelled the end of the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 sedans when FCA failed to secure a partnership with another automaker for building the cars. With both cars soon gone and the Dodge Viper ending production after the 2017 model year, all of FCA’s U.S.-based operations will manufacture pickups and SUVs.

FCA’s other sedan models, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, along with the Dodge Challenger coupe, are built in Canada, while the Fiat 500 is built in Mexico.

The Ram Brand will carry is full lineup of pickups, including the 1500, 2500, 3000, and commercial pickups and vans. Jeep will build its Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Renegade, and an upcoming compact crossover. The Durango SUV will be the sole Dodge product still built in the U.S.

"By the time we finish with this, hopefully, all of our production assets in the United States – if you exclude Canada and Mexico from the fold – all those U.S. plants will be producing either Jeeps or Ram," FCA’s CEO Sergio Marchionne told Wall Street analysts during a conference call Wednesday, July 27, according to the Detroit Free Press.

It will be the Ram pickups that will take up residence at FCA’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, the Dart and 200’s current home. Ram’s current plant, the Warren Truck Assembly Plant 10 miles down the road in Detroit, will then be outfitted to build the upcoming Jeep Wagoneer and high-end Grand Wagoneer models. Jeep’s upcoming, still unnamed, small crossover will be built in Toluca, Mexico, however.

This unprecedented move is certainly a big bet with high stakes. Marchionne is essentially putting all FCA’s eggs in the pickup and SUV basket. Should fuel prices unexpectedly rise in dramatic fashion, the automaker might have itself a problem.

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After years – no, decades – of waiting, it seems Jeep is finally going to build a pickup version of the Wrangler. Rumors have held true and speculation regarding Jeep CEO Mike Manley’s many hints are seemingly coming to fruition. It’s been 30 years since Jeep last made a pickup version of its Wrangler, then called the CJ, but it seems the wait is coming to an end.

These detailed spy shots show a four-door Wrangler with a pickup bed. The camouflage is extremely thick, but the squared-off doors, flat windshield, seven-slot grille, and removable hard top are all clearly discernable. It seems this test mule is borrowing a Ram 1500 cargo bed, but expect a more unique, Jeep-only bed for production.

It’s clear this test mule is in the early stages of development. Inside the bed appear to be weights, tied down with ratchet straps. This indicates engineers are testing chassis, suspension, and powertrain tuning. Prevalent rumors suggest the Wrangler will have three choices in engines: a turbocharged four-cylinder making roughly 300 horsepower, a revised version of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, and the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6. The ZF eight-speed automatic will be optional each of the engines, with unknown manual transmission likely coming as standard.

The Wrangler pickup will be based on the conventional Wrangler, codenamed the JL. Expect the pickup version to come with an extended frame and wheelbase. We’d bet the Wrangler’s multi-link rear suspension with coil springs is present. After all, Ram has done will with a similar suspension setup. More to the fact, no leaf springs can be seen in these spy shots, despite the massive rear fender opening.

The Wrangler pickup will likely debut after the standard two-door and four-door Wrangler SUV. How much later is still unknown. We’d bed the Wrangler SUV will arrive for the 2018 model year, with the pickup following in 2019.

There’s tons more to discern from these spy shots, so keep reading for more information.

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By now you’ve heard Sergio Marchionne’s battle cry against Range Rover, and know FCA has plans to revive the old Grand Wagoneer name for its upcoming ultra plush SUV, intended to compete with Land Rover’s finest. Well here is your first look at what we think FCA might build. Meet the 2017 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

While Marchionne’s intent is well-known, details about styling and engineering are not. That left our artist to guess on many of the design cues, including the all-important seven-slot grille and iconic Grand Wagoneer hood. Behind the A-pillar, the SUV gets Suburban-sized dimensions with three rows of seats. Sadly, FCA isn’t likely to dive so deep in the retro styling that it nails on the woody sides from the original.

Under the skin, the Grand Wagoneer is sure to get big power. Expect FCA to offer its popular EcoDiesel option, along with a Hemi V-8. The usual ZF eight-speed auto will likely make its appearance as well.

In order to compete with Range Rover, Jeep will have to outdo itself with interior quality. Current models like the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee have surpassed anything Jeep has ever done in the past in terms of fit and finish, but the Grand Wagoneer will have to push the bar even further. Expect open-pore wood trim, supple leather on nearly ever surface, and plenty of high-end technology, from entertainment to safety systems.

Jeep is expected to have the Grand Wagoneer ready to display by the middle of 2016 and headed to dealerships for the 2017 model year. Pricing is also said to surpass everything Jeep has ever produced, with a starting MSRP somewhere in the $80,000 range.

Update 06/27/2016: Jeep head Mike Manley told Automotive News the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer shouldn’t be though of as separate vehicles, but rather a different trim levels. This suggests the two will share many mechanical and structural components, while unique looks and luxury amenities could distinguish the two apart.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

It appears Jeep is hard at work developing the next generation of C-segment crossover, in line to replace the outdated Patriot and Compass crossovers. These spy shots give us a glimpse of what Fiat Chrysler has planned.

Though details are scarce, the vehicle should be far more advanced than either the Patriot or the Compass, and include a new powertrain, lighter materials, and a much more impressive interior.

There’s also no word on what FCA will call this vehicle. It could inherit either the Patriot or Compass name, or it could get an entirely different nomenclature altogether. We’re hoping for the latter.

This new crossover will help streamline Jeep’s lineup by eliminating redundancy and injecting more life into the brand with a fresh face. Jeep has already scored a major hit with the B-segment Renegade and is without a doubt looking for a similar follow-up.

Speaking of the Renegade, the new C-segment Jeep will likely be riding on a stretched and widened version of the Renegade’s platform, also shared with the Fiat 500X. That means it will employ a transversely mounted engine, while still offering 4WD as an option.

The vehicle is expected to debut in time for the 2017 model year, with its first showing likely scheduled for mid 2016.

Updated 06/16/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Jeep CUV our for a new testing session, and this time they were also able to take some shots of the interior.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Jeep CUV.

The guys over at TFLTruck recently spotted a current-generation Jeep Wrangler fitted with light camouflage, a manufacture license plate, and an odd-looking exhaust tip. What does this cocktail mean? It’s hard to definitively say, but our hunch says this test mule is logging miles with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6.

Rumors have long been spreading that Jeep would incorporate the EcoDiesel into the Wrangler at its next generational change. Well, that time has come and it appears Jeep’s R&D department is well underway with evaluations.

The addition of the V-6 EcoDiesel would give the Wrangler an incredible boost in fuel economy – perhaps by a full 10 mpg on the highway. The current Wrangler is rated at 21 mpg highway with its 3.6-liter gasoline V-6. Conversely, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickup, which is slightly heavier than the current Wrangler, can achieve 29 mpg on the highway. If the next-generation Wrangler loses a decent amount of weight, it could potentially achieve 30 mpg highway. That’s a big deal.

Beyond the spy shots, TFLTruck spends time talking about their top 10 topics for the upcoming off-roader. They include all the fiercely debated rumors like roof designs, suspension set-ups, and of course powertrain rumors. I won’t spoil all the fun, so you’ll have to watch the video for the full details.

As always, check back with TopSpeed for the latest in automotive news.

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We’re growing ever more fond of Sergio Marchionne’s style of news dissemination. The Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO’s recent “realignment” of the automaker’s five-year plans is making massive waves, thanks to details on a renewed focus on trucks and SUVs, while killing off slow-selling sedans. However, Marchionne’s latest confession has us more excited than before.

In an interview with Automotive News, Marchionne made the statement, “I think it’s important for us to have found a home for the Grand Wagoneer family – both the Grand Wagoneer and the Wagoneer – in whatever shape they come, and that we find that space without creating additional production capacity.”

Did you catch that? This is the first mention of a Jeep Wagoneer from FCA. We’ve known about the Grand Wagoneer project for some time now, and it’s task to compete with the Range Rover in the high-end luxury SUV segment. But what’s the Wagoneer? Sadly, there were no further details or slips to come from Marchionne’s interview, or subsequent calls to Fiat Chrysler.

The addition of the Wagoneer aligns well with FCA’s plans of concentrating on SUVs and trucks. What’s more, Marchionne has said in the past how Ram has room to make a SUV based on the Ram 1500 pickup. Such a body-on-frame SUV would compete with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, their GMC counterparts, and the Ford Expedition. Perhaps the Wagoneer is the Jeep-branded version of this Ram vehicle.

Whatever the Jeep Wagoneer turns out to be, it’s definitely exciting times to be a jeep fan and truck enthusiast. We will certainly keep you informed of any further information slipping from FCA.

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Fiat Chrysler is currently holding a meeting for many of its nationwide dealerships to show off – in deep secret – a few future models. Though the meeting, taking place in Las Vegas, bars attendees from bringing cell phones and camera, the lucky few will get a glimpse of what FCA has up its sleeve. However, that doesn’t stop the speculation from rolling through the industry as to what’s being shown.

High on the list of speculated models is a production version of a Jeep Wrangler-based pickup truck. The pickup would be classified as a midsize and would likely not compete with Ram, despite protests from the all-truck brand. Since it would share the Wrangler’s bones, the truck would focus more on off-road capability than towing and hauling numbers.

What’s more, the Wrangler is slated for a complete redesign for the 2018 model year, meaning any legitimate Wrangler pickup concept would be based on the yet-unseen future Jeep. Talk about a two-for-one.

This isn’t the first time Jeep has toyed with a Wrangler pickup. In 2005, the brand debuted the 2005 Jeep Gladiator. Attempts to move the Gladiator from concept to production have failed repeatedly, though Jeep’s current CEO, Mike Manley, has shown great interest in moving forward with a truck.

Also rumored to be making an appearance are the 2017 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and next-generation Chrysler minivan. The Grand Wagoneer is slated to compete with high-end luxury SUVs like the Range Rover while the new minivan is said to take a large departure form the current boringness that is the 2014 Town & Country. It’s even said the van will have a plug-in hybrid version that gets upwards of 75 MPGe, along with an AWD option on non-hybrid models.

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It appears the rumors have been confirmed – Jeep will produce the Hellcat-powered 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The news comes as an unnamed source confirmed several details to Motor Authority. That means the Grand Cherokee will be the third recipient of FCA’s mighty 707-horsepower Hemi V-8.

The Trackhawk build is called Project K within FCA walls, and includes a few additional go-fast bits to make the Jeep worthy of the Hellcat badge. Leading the pack is the inclusion of AWD and the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment.

Performance numbers are said to be very competitive with the other Hellcats, thanks in large part to that all-wheel drive. The inside source says 0-to-60 mph times will fall under three seconds and the top speed with be a blistering 200 mph. Not too shabby for an SUV.

Sadly, there are quibbles about Jeep having to restrict torque output from the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi to keep the AWD system from exploding. Though unconfirmed, the rumor could prove true. Nevertheless, don’t expect anything less than 600 pound-feet if the cutback does indeed happen.

What’s more, the source says the current 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT will get a name change and a nice boost in power to accompany the Trackhawk introduction. Rumor has it the new SRT’s 6.4-liter Hemi will kick out 490 horsepower, up from 470 the horsepower of the current model.

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Little is known about Jeep’s upcoming rebirth of the Grand Wagoneer, however, dealers attending the biennial dealer show in Las Vegas this August will get the first glimpse of the all-new SUV.

The Grand Wagoneer is suspected to be the high-class Range Rover competitor FCA boss Sergio Marchionne mentioned he desired early last May. Such a vehicle would push the Jeep brand into uncharted high-end luxury territory with prices that could top $100,000.

Nothing is known about the Grand Wagoneer’s underpinnings, powertrain, or potential styling, though it’s highly suspected its chassis will also underpin the next-generation Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango; its powertrain will include both HEMI V-8 and EcoDiesel powerplants; and its styling will feature loads of retro cues – though likely without the woodie sides.

To compete with the Range Rover’s 5.0-liter supercharged V-8, Jeep may include the powerful 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 or perhaps a detuned version of the Hellcat’s 6.2-liter supercharged V-8.

Of course the Grand Wagoneer would include Jeep’s top-tier 4WD system with Selec-Terrain, with the likely inclusion of a four-corner air suspension system. It’s possible Jeep will take the aluminum route, saving weight and adding strength.

Though the public will not get a chance to view the initial plans for the Grand Wagoneer in August – unless someone leaks a photo – Jeep will likely have the range-topping SUV ready for an auto show by the end of 2016 as a 2017 model. If Jeep truly plans to square off against the Land Rover’s Range Rover, expect Grand Wagoneer prices to start in the high $70,000 to low $80,000 and rise well into the six-figure range.

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Rumors have been flying ever since the Hellcat powertrain arrived in the Challenger and Charger that FCA would use the 707-horsepower V-8 in other products across its lineup, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee leading the list. Well the rumors are growing in intensity.

Rumors have been flying ever since the Hellcat powertrain arrived in the Challenger and Charger that FCA would use the 707-horsepower V-8 in other products across its lineup, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee leading the list. Well the rumors are growing in intensity.

You’ll likely recall FCA trademarking the Trackhawk name, a moniker that complements Jeep’s Trailhawk name. Like the Trailhawk is off-road, the Trackhawk will be specially built for handling the track and devouring its competition in waves of tire smoke.

The Grand Cherokee is no stranger to powerful engines. It currently offers a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 that kicks out 475 horsepower. Badged with the SRT name, the Jeep combines plenty of power with room for the whole family and their luggage. The Grand Cherokee makes the transition from off-roader to track beast quite well thanks to its platform, which it’s shared with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

Rumors also suggest FCA will strip the Jeep of its SRT badges since Dodge has exclusive rights to the Street and Racing Technology brand. That’s where the Trackhawk name comes into play.

There will likely be two version of the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk – the halo model will be the Hellcat-powered version that will feature that same 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 making 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Below that will be the 475-horse version that is currently the SRT. The Hellcat version will certainly receive upgraded powertrain components, including a revised AWD system that’s rated for such abuse.

Expect the Grand Cherokee Hellcat to hit 60 mph in roughly four seconds with the quarter mile passing in the 12-second range. Though nothing is confirmed from FCA, the Hellcat’s third iteration should hit dealers by mid-2016.

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Sergio Marchionne just spilled the beans on Jeep’s development of a high-end, luxury SUV that competes with Range Rover. The news comes as the Fiat Chrysler Chief Executive Officer spoke during the opening ceremony at an Alfa Romeo and Maserati dealership near Toronto last week.