This is the hardcore performance trim of the WJ generation of the SUV than never happened
July 23, 2023 at 20:04
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This story includes fictional renderings created by an independent designer which are not related to or endorsed by Jeep
Performance variants of mainstream SUVs might be a common sight today, but they were largely unheard of back in the ’90s. Still, thanks to the imagination of an independent designer, we get a peak of how the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk would look if it was launched 25 years ago.
The hypothetical scenario comes from Abimelec Design who likes to reimagine past vehicles from an alternate universe. For his latest project, he envisioned a Trackhawk based on the WJ generation that debuted back in 1998.
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The fictional sporty variant of the ladder-frame SUV got a redesigned bodykit in order to communicate its performance credentials. Changes include deeper, body-colored bumpers, side skits, and a bulged bonnet, while the roof rails are gone for a more aerodynamic look. The center-mounted dual exhaust pipes evoke the SRT8, the lighting units got darkened, the suspension is lowered, and the shiny alloy wheels are similar to those used by Chrysler concepts of the same era. Overall, the 3D model is quite believable, as the styling doesn’t deviate much from the standard Grand Cherokee, in line with the period-correct approach.
As a refresher, the most powerful engine option in the Grand Cherokee WJ was the 4.7-liter V8 producing 265 hp (198 kW / 269 PS) and 441 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque. This was respectable for an SUV in the ’00s but doesn’t even come close to the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 which produced a monstrous 707 hp (527 kW / 717 PS) and 875 Nm (645 lb-ft) of torque in the Trackhawk of the WK2 generation. The current Jeep Grand Cherokee WL hasn’t got a performance-focused version yet, although those numbers are hard to beat for any ICE-powered SUV after the HEMI gets discontinued.
Among the renderings, the designer created a few digital illustrations, showing how such a vehicle would be marketed in magazines. As with other fictional projects, the grandfather of the Trackhawk never intended to escape the computer screen. Having said that, in an era where restomods are quite popular, we wouldn’t be surprised if someone got inspired for a similar real-life build. Besides the visual treats and a more powerful engine swap, such a project would certainly require serious chassis upgrades, altering the comfort-focused setup of the old SUV.
Interestingly, this is not the first time the designer works on a classic Jeep as four years ago he created a 1989 Trackhawk based on the smaller Cherokee XJ.
