How much horsepower is too much horsepower?
The Car Doctor answers automotive questions from readers.
Why would anyone want a Jeep with a 700-horsepower engine?Q.
I heard that Jeep put a 700-horsepower engine in a Grand Cherokee. Why would anyone want this kind of power? I have to imagine this vehicle would be like a thoroughbred horse: fast but difficult to control.
A. You’re talking about the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, which uses the same 707-horsepower engine as the Dodge Hellcat. People like performance vehicles, and it takes a certain kind of buyer to want a $88,000 SUV that hits 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds while getting 11 miles per gallon in the city and 17 on the highway. Surprisingly, the Trackhawk is very easy to drive. Except for a substantial exhaust rumble and a whine from the supercharger, it feels like any other V8 Jeep. Of course, that all changes when you step on the accelerator; then it feels like a high-performance sports car.
John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE certified master technician. Email your car question to [email protected].
