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2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is more expensive than the Dodge Demon

Jeep has finally released pricing for its crazy, all-wheel-drive, Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee, and it's seriously expensive. It starts at $86,995. That's a full $2,000 more than the limited-production, 840-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. For 140 fewer horses, and a quarter-mile time that's 2seconds slower (11.6 seconds vs. 9.6), you'll spend more money. Then again, the Grand Cherokee can do things the Demon and the Hellcats can't. It's got more space than any of them, meaning you can carry quite a bit more. It's capable of towing up to 7,200 pounds of stuff. It also has all-wheel drive, which means you have a little extra traction in bad weather, and you have the opportunity to do spectacular four-wheel burnouts. And of course, the Trackhawk is still fast and capable by any measure. It's only a tenth of a second slower to 60 mph than the Challenger Hellcat Widebody. It also comes with massive Brembo brakes, with the largest front rotors fitted to a Jeep, to haul it down from 60 mph in a claimed 114 feet. Each corner features 295-mm tires that Jeep claims let the Trackhawk generate 0.88g circling a skid pad. If the Trackhawk sounds like just the absurd performance machine you've been waiting for, you'll be able to put your order in soon. Dealers will accept orders starting Aug. 10, and the vehicles will start arriving at dealer lots toward the end of the year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk View 45 Photos Image Credit: Jeep Jeep SUV Performance

Tour the Jeep Wagoneer Icon Reformer with its creator Jonathan Ward

Icon has released a plethora of amazing machines, and has more coming down the pike. One of the company's latest creations is a Jeep Wagoneer that was done as part of Icon's Reformer line, which Jonathan Ward, the head of Icon, explains is a thorough restoration and upgrade, but with a fresh restored finish. This is in contrast to the company's Derelict series that keeps the rough exterior while upgrading everything underneath. And the level of detail in the Reformer Wagoneer is amazing, as shown by this video from The Hoonigans in which Ward gives a tour of the SUV. Starting on the outside, the truck is pretty close to stock in appearance, though the color and faux wood trim were never offered on it. Badges are a mix of originals, and a few tweaked ones for use on this Jeep. For instance, the front fender badges now feature the engine displacement of the Chevy LS V8 under the hood. Also, the round Jeep badges front and rear now have the Icon lizard badge. Inside, custom upholstery was added featuring patio furniture fabric for durability and the nifty pattern. Anything that would have been plastic, such as some of the chrome trim and the gauge cluster fascia, or vinyl, such as the door panels, have been upgraded to genuine metal or leather components. Icon even re-created a casting for the steering wheel to replace the old one. As already mentioned, this Jeep Wagoneer has a Chevy LS V8 displacing 6.2 liters. It naturally connects to a four-wheel-drive system with a Dana 60-size rear axle and 44-size front axle. The chassis was built by Art Morrison, a company known for its custom vintage car chassis. The suspension consists of coilover shocks and springs from Fox Racing and Eibach respectively. This is all just a brief overview. Check out the whole video above for all the neat details. Related Video: Image Credit: The Hoonigans / YouTube Aftermarket Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles Classics Videos icon

FCA plants skipping summer shutdown to keep up with demand

Hopefully, some FCA US factory employees don't have big plans for the usual summer shutdown, because the automaker is keeping several plants running this year. Demand is so high that the company wants to keep models rolling off the assembly lines. Four FCA US assembly plants, all the engine factories, and some locations that build transmissions are staying open throughout the summer, according to the Detroit Free Press. Usually, these sites would see a two-week shutdown for the company to retool and perform repairs. This year, factories are staying open for FCA to support its strong sales. The lines that remaining humming through the summer show an inclination toward the automaker's popular SUV's and crossovers. They include the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Michigan that builds the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango; Saltillo Van Assembly in Mexico that constructs the Ram ProMaster; Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio that produces the Cherokee and Wrangler; and Toluca Assembly in Mexico that makes the Dodge Journey and Fiat 500. Related Video: News Source: The Detroit Free PressImage Credit: Bill Pugliano / Getty Images Plants/Manufacturing Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM FCA dodge journey fca us ram promaster Jefferson North Assembly Plant