First Look: 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

News I By Brandon Turkus I September 05, 2012
It’s a dirty secret of ours, but we’re pretty big off-road enthusiasts. There’s just something fun about tackling a rocky trail or a big mud bog. So the news of a new, more-capable Jeep Grand Cherokee certainly has our inner trailhound excited.
 
Called the Trailhawk, it debuted as a concept at the Moab Easter jeep Safari last spring. We’re happy to announce this isn’t just some badge-and-sticker job. Its eighteen-inch wheels are wrapped in Kevlar-reinforced Goodyear tires, for extra durability. It’s built to last as well, with a solid-steel rock guard protecting the underbody (on top of the Grand Cherokee’s standard protections). Power comes from either Chrysler’s award-winning Pentastar V-6 or the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.
 
The standard Quadra-Lift air suspension will give drivers up to 11 inches of ground clearance. V-8 models will feature an electronic limited-slip differential and Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case, while V-6 models will have to get by with the Quadra-Track II system.
 
The new graphics package is, well, it’s not subtle. Black hood accents will contrast with five different exterior colors (Bright White, Brilliant Black, Mineral Gray, Maximum Steel and Deep Cherry Red), while the interior is only available in black with red accents.
 
Sales of the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk will begin in October.
 
Please scroll down for the official press release from Jeep.
 
Even More Capability for the Two Pillars of the Jeep® Brand
 
·       Jeep capability reaches new heights with Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab models
·       Grand Cherokee Trailhawk first shown as concept last Spring; quickly developed enthusiast following
·       Trailhawk is the most capable Grand Cherokee ever: solid steel rock rails, Goodyear Silent Armor all-terrain tires and standard Jeep Selec-Terrain and Quadra-Lift suspension systems
·       New Wrangler special edition pays homage to popular enthusiast off-roading venue; boasts winch-ready steel bumpers, rear limited-slip differential and available rear locker
 
September 4, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. –      
 
The best get even better… Jeep® Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler – winners of the last two prestigious “Four Wheeler of the Year” awards from Four Wheeler magazine for their unmatched level of capability – will be available in two new, even more capable models for 2013.
 
The Jeep brand is introducing the new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab editions, both of which feature off-road equipment never before offered on a production Jeep vehicle.
 
“With the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, Jeep offers the most capable SUVs on the planet,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab models take our legendary Jeep capability to new heights, offering even more off-road features and performance, without sacrificing everyday comfort and drivability.
 
“We introduced Grand Cherokee Trailhawk as a concept at the Moab Easter Jeep Safari earlier this year and it quickly drew rave reviews among enthusiasts,” Manley added. “The Wrangler Moab delivers rugged off-road features such as winch-ready steel bumpers, upgraded rock rails and an available rear-locker in a package that pays tribute to our most diehard Jeep enthusiasts and the off-road playground they love.”
 
The limited-edition Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab models arrive in showrooms in October.
 
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
 
For 2013, Jeep announces the production version of the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk first seen as a concept at the 2012 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is evidence that even the most awarded SUV ever, and the most capable Grand Cherokee ever, can get even better.
 
The 2013 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is available with a V-6 or V-8 engine and includes the following capability-enhancing equipment:
18-inch Goodyear Silent Armor all-terrain tires with Kevlar reinforcement
Solid steel rock rail body protection
Quadra-Lift air suspension, with nearly 11 inches of ground clearance
Selec-Terrain traction control system with five settings: Snow, Rock, Sand/Mud, Sport and Auto
A Rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD, V-8) that can transfer up to 100% of engine’s torque to one rear wheel in order to keep the Jeep moving forward even in the most extreme situations
Quadra-Track II or Quadra-Drive II (V-8) with a two-speed transfer case to help conquer the toughest obstacles
 
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is easily recognized with new signature red Trailhawk and Trail Rated badging and tow hooks, black-surround headlamps and a unique gray on the grille surround, side mirrors, rear light bar, 4×4 badge and five-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels. A black hood decal with a red accent stripe helps reduce glare from the sun which can help the driver in extreme off-road situations.
 
Trailhawk-specific interior touches include black leather and performance suede seats with red accent stitching and Mopar slush floor mats front and rear.
 
The 2013 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is available in Bright White, Brilliant Black, Mineral Gray, Maximum Steel and Deep Cherry Red.
 
Jeep Brand
 
Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.
 
The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

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