At the annual Speed Days of the Baikal Ice Motor Sports Festival 2019 in Russia, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk set the speed record for SUVs driven on ice.

According to data confirmed by the Russian Automobile Federation (RAF), the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was able to achieve an average speed over a distance of one kilometre of more than 257km/h with a rolling start and an average speed starting from a standstill of more than 100km/h. The maximum speed on ice according to the GPS trackers was 280km/h.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk backs up its claim as the most powerful mass-produced SUV in the world. Under the bonnet is a 710hp 6.2-litre V8 engine. Despite its impressive dimensions, the Trackhawk reaches 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds, with a maximum speed of 290km/h.

Participation in this event means a serious load on the braking system due to the unique conditions of the Baikal ice. In sunlight, the surface of the lake is covered in a film of water, which reduces grip on the surface. Even in such conditions, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk demonstrated excellent braking results thanks to the Brembo brake system, which uses large front brakes.

Traction was granted by the Jeep Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel-drive system, which includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a single-speed active transfer case, and the Selec-Track system with five dynamic modes – Auto, Sport, Track, Snow and Tow – which allows the driver to choose a vehicle setting that ideally meets any requirement and ambient conditions, including ice driving.

Before the race, unnecessary items were removed from the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and a sufficient level of fuel was included.

All the runs were conducted in line with the regulations of the Russian Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

The Speed Days of the Baikal Ice festival were first held in 2011. Over eight years, more than 20 speed records have been set on the Baikal ice in different categories of vehicles. All runs are traditionally conducted on natural bare ice and preparation of the route is limited to the removal of obstacles (packed snow, hummocks) affecting safety for drivers and judges. Achievements are recorded by licensed judges from the Russian Automobile Federation, using timekeeping equipment approved by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).