The year 2016 has been special for Jeep. It marks the 75th anniversary of a brand that has been synonymous with off-road vehicle manufacturing since the World War II era. And for decades, no vehicle from the Jeep stable has exemplified the ideal commercial off-roader better than the Wrangler (which will not win any “Most Civilized” awards anytime soon).
Small wonder that at Jeep’s 50th annual Easter Safari Fan Fest in Moab, Utah, it was the Wrangler that captured attendees’ attention more than any of the other six new vehicles on display combined. And, of course, it wasn’t just any ordinary Wrangler – it was a super high-performance variant called the “Trailcat.”
There’s a reason why the Jeep Trailcat is making major auto industry news. Namely, its engine. The Trailcat has at its disposal a Chrysler-built workhorse used to power the performance-oriented Challenger and Charger since 2014.
Indeed, you can say that this concept vehicle partly derives its name from this engine, since it‘s called “Hellcat.” A supercharged V8 version of Chrysler’s 6.2-liter HEMI engine, this powerhouse churns out 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.
Hitched to a 6-speed manual transmission, there’s no worrying about acceleration with this monster. The Hellcat engine is estimated to get the SUV from zero to 60 mph in as little as 4.2 seconds, and top speed is estimated at around 170 mph. So formidable is this machine that Chrysler had to lengthen the Trailcat’s wheelbase by 12 inches over the regular Wrangler model to accommodate it.
Partial credit for the Trailcat name is due to this concept vehicle’s heightened level of off-road capability. Supremely designed to handle the rocks and trails of Moab—or any rough terrain across the globe—the Jeep Trailcat rolls on humongous 39.5-inch BF Goodrich Krawler T/A tires. With extreme puncture resistance, as well as unprecedented grip on rocks, mud, and dirt, Krawler T/A tires have historically been virtually untouchable in helping vehicles win rock-crawling championships.
The tires are a welcome combination with the ground clearance, which is two inches higher on the Trailcat than on the regular Wrangler. So, you needn’t worry about rocks or debris inflicting damage to the undercarriage of this supercharged SUV.
Chrysler notes that the Trailcat is more likely to be taken on a bump-riddled outdoor ride than to more civilized climes. So, it appropriately primes the cabin with well-bolstered seats from the spirited Dodge Viper to keep occupants secure from any turbulence. Also, keeping the tires and wheels together are Dana 60 axles at the front and back to provide optimal strength, and thus contributing to better performance when driving on rock, mud or sand.
Other areas also display the uniqueness of the Jeep Trailcat. As if to remind you what powers it possesses, the vehicle has the Hellcat logo emblazoned on the shift knob of the transmission. The Trailcat also features a windshield that is lowered two inches, a hood that is domed and vented, doors that look more like tubular gates, LED headlights for long-lasting exterior lighting, and rock rails for hopping onto or alighting the high-standing SUV.
So, ultimately, will a vehicle like the Trailcat ever be made available for public consumption? Well, if so, it’d be one hell of a trip—no pun intended.