Track manager and skilled driver Chris Duplessis, widely recognized from Monticello Motor Club, spent Thursday with The Drive at the monticello Motor Club. Despite his extensive experience in the World Rally Championship (WRC), Duplessis is equally proficient on asphalt. After exhilarating runs in Polaris RZRs at the club’s off-road course and overseeing track conditions for members, he shifted gears to get behind the wheel of a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
The Drive was excited to join in, as Duplessis pushed the Trackhawk to its limits. Following an in-car assessment of the vehicle and perfecting his launches, he navigated the 707-horsepower SUV around the track more than ten times, and the Trackhawk showed no signs of fatigue.
Equipped with 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk distributes power with 30 percent to the front wheels and 70 percent to the rear, which adds a rear-biased handling edge that allows the SUV to slide during turns.
As the day drew to a close and the clock approached 5:30 PM, Duplessis wasn’t ready to conclude the session without a thrill. Accelerating, he expertly maneuvered the Trackhawk, causing the SUV to drift while leaving a trail of smoke against the evening sky. This display has left us eager to see Duplessis create his own version of gymkhana with the Trackhawk. Remain tuned to The Drive for a comprehensive review of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk from Lawrence Ulrich, along with stunning on-track footage.
Finally, if you’re curious whether the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk can handle launching on loose terrain, the answer is confirmed!
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