Jeep® Boss Talks Future Products, Including Possibility Of Trackhawk & HEMI Engine Replacement!

The Jeep® brand has been on a roll as of late, with the launch of a handful of new products. Curious about the future of the brand, Motor Authority had a chance to speak to Jim Morrison, Senior Vice President and Head of Jeep North America at the 2022 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) and boy did he have some interesting things to say.

Gladiator Rubicon 392 & Gladiator Rubicon Xtreme Recon – 

When questioned about the future of the HEMI V8 in its future product lineup, Morrison actually had a lot to say. One of those questions he asked was related to the possibility of a factory-equipped 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) “Apache” V8 in the Gladiator, similar to the Wrangler Rubicon 392. “I don’t know that we’ll ever see a 392 in the Gladiator, to be honest,” Morrison said. He explained that since the Gladiator only sells about one-third of what the Wrangler can, it would doubtful to present such a business case. 

The article went on to explain a similar reason to why we haven’t seen a Gladiator Xtreme Recon package, yet. 

So for those who have been hoping for HEMI-powered Gladiator from the factory, unfortunately, you will have to reach out to aftermarket assistance from companies like our friends at America’s Most Wanted 4×4 (AMW4x4) in Holly, Michigan.

Grand Cherokee Trackhawk –

When it comes to high-performance SUVs, the last-generation Grand Cherokee Trackhawk dominated the drag strip. Its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI “HELLCAT” V8 delivered 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque, and could power the all-wheel-drive (AWD) SUV to a 0 to 60 mph run in 3.5-seconds, complete the 1/4-miles in 11.6-seconds, and had a top speed of 180 mph. 

Out of all the questions we get in our e-mail, the question of if there will be another Trackhawk for the new Grand Cherokee (WL) is one of the most frequently asked. 

When asked if the Trackhawk name would return, Morrison answered, “I don’t know. Could it be a variant of Trackhawk? Electrichawk? Who knows…”. While the answer isn’t one that Trackhawk fans wanted to hear, it’s not a complete no to bringing back a high-performance model. Unfortunately, it more than likely won’t be with a HEMI V8.

Grand Cherokee HEMI Models – 

Since the HEMI seems to be completely out of the Grand Cherokee (WL) in the near future, Motor Authority pressed the question of what could replace it in the lineup.

Currently, the all-new fifth-generation SUV has a towing capacity of up to 7,200 lbs. (when properly equipped) with the 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) “Eagle” HEMI V8. While it might not be as high as the older three-row Dodge Durango which has a towing capacity of 8,700 lbs. (on properly equipped with either the 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter HEMI V8), the Grand Cherokee V6 and 4xe offerings, only offer 6,200 lbs. and 6,000 lbs. of towing capability, respectfully. 

“We might have a different solution for them (those who tow), though,” Morrison said. When asked if it might be a plug-in version of the Hurricane engines, Morrison only smirked. 

Our sources recently stated that a PHEV version of the Hurricane would not be available in the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer (WS), however, it appears that a PHEV variant might still be in the works for the Grand Cherokee.

Gladiator 4xe & Grand Cherokee L 4xe – 

It has been no secret that Jeep has been working hard at putting the Wrangler’s PHEV powertrain under the hood of the Gladiator, however, it is waiting for the mid-cycle-action (MCA) of the vehicle to arrive first in 2024. When asked if the lineup could include a three-row Grand Cherokee L 4xe could be part of the future lineup, Morrison said: “I think so, it makes sense.”

Wagoneer / Grand Wagoneer 4xe – 

Morrison confirmed that the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will offer electrified options before the 2025 model year. Although he put up that information, he “grew rather silent” when asked if the electrified powertrain would be based on the new Hurricane engines. 

Our sources have said that a PHEV variant of the Wagoneer would be absent from the lineup, in favor of an all-battery electric (BEV) propulsion system from the upcoming Ram 1500 BEV due out around the same time. 

You can read the entire article, on the Motor Authority, by clicking here.