As if FCA wasn’t already knocking it out of the park in terms of powered up variants, it was recently reported that an internal document had been uncovered, which hints at some consideration towards the creation of a Jeep Grand Wagoneer Hellcat. I know. We’ll wait while you gather up the fragments of your blown mind.
The document, dating back to early 2017, indicates some discussion of a three-row Jeep that would pair a 6.2-liter V8 with the 8HP95X transmission. Now, it’s worth noting that Jeep’s fresh and captivating Grand Cherokee Trackhawk uses an all-wheel-drive variation of that particular transmission, the fact that those plans were already “in the works” indicates that a larger, amped up SUV might follow. Granted, the document indicates that a prototype run might have occurred as far back as mid-2017, but let’s cast any doubt aside and touch on how fun a 718 horsepower Grand Wagoneer could be.
Introduced back in the early 1960’s, it could be argued that the Grand Wagoneer provided much of the foundation upon which modern SUVs and crossovers were built. As of last year, it was announced that the Grand Wagoneer would be slated to make a return within the next few years. But the Warren MI Truck Assembly Plant is currently under renovation to support new vehicles being built upon the RAM 1/2 ton platform, renovations which aren’t due for completion until 2020. Here’s a look back at some initial speculation, from the time the Grand Wagoneer’s return was initially announced:
Jeep – Into the Future
While the simple return of the Grand Wagoneer is exciting enough, the idea of serving that up with the kind of jacked up power ratings that we’ve come to know and love is the kind of insane headline that we love to read.
Assuming that such a creation would find itself powered by the just-launched 2019 Hellcat engine, the GW would out-power the stock Trackhawk, coming nearly head-to-head with the 2019 Charger and Challenger Hellcats (as currently spec’d). The inclusion of the three-row SUV also seems to fit FCA’s current M.O. of creating high-powered offerings across various segments. Great. Now we’re back to thinking about the RAM Rebel TRX that’s getting the full Hellcat treatment for 2022, but that’s a conversation for another day…
Bottom-line, if the upcoming refresh of the Wagoneer includes a Hellcat variant, it’s proof that FCA continues to make all the right moves for the loyal fanbase.
