Grand cherokee trackhawk

Image credit: Jeep Press Europe.

Watch: Cherokee Trackhawk – Redefining the performance SUV [video]

Not the fairest of matchups we’ve ever seen, but it was still fun to watch.

Grand cherokee trackhawk

Image credit: Jeep Press Europe.

The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, described as the “new standard in SUV performance” by Jeep, is the most powerful and quickest SUV to date, finishing a quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 289 KPH.

Why does Jeep consider it the fasted SUV? Because it goes from zero to 60 miles – or 96 kmh – in under 3.5 seconds, that’s why. Also thanks to its supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine delivering up to 707 horsepower.

Mike Manley, the Head of Jeep, said the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk “delivers astounding performance numbers, backed by renowned SRT engineering that combines world-class on-road driving dynamics with luxury, refinement and an array of innovative advanced technology.” He added:

“As the most powerful and quickest SUV, there is nothing else like the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk in the market, and with its starting price of $85,900, [R1,2m] there is no better value for a high-performance SUV.”

To show the Trackhawk off in all its glory, Jeeps European division pitted it against two rather odd choices: The TVR Griffith and the Audi Quattro, a cult rally car from the 80s. Can the two iconic sports cars keep up?

WATCH: Grand Cherokee Trackhawk races TVR Griffith and Audi Quattro:

With the 27-year-old Audi reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and the TVR only getting there in 6.2 seconds, it really is no contest. For this race, the Jeep clocked just under 290 kph, while the Audi managed 286 kmh, and the TVR came trailing last at 233 kmh.

While it took the Trackhawk only 11.48 seconds to cross the finish line, the Quattro and Griffith managed it in 18.48 seconds and 13.81 seconds respectively.

Let’s compare

Jeep Grand Cherokee TrackhawkTVR Griffith 500Audi Quattro
Engine:  Supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 engineEngine: V8 5.0-litreEngine: 2.2-litre 5 cyl
Power: 710 hpPower: 340 bhpPower: 220 bhp
0-62mph: 3.7 seconds0-62mph: 4.1 seconds0-62mph: 6.2 seconds
Top Speed: 180mphTop Speed: 167mphTop Speed: 145mph
Quarter-mile time: 11.48 secondsQuarter-mile time: 13.81 secondsQuarter-mile time: 18.48 seconds
Number of seats: 5Number of seats: 2Number of seats: 4
Special skills: Fastest accelerating SUVSpecial skills: N/ASpecial skills: 4 wheel drive

Apart from raw power, the Trackhawk’s standard interior consists of Laguna leather seats, while the premium metal package takes the design to new levels with real metal accents.

The devil is in the details, with the leather stitched instrument panel, doors, console and armrests. rounding out this stylish beast.