Why is the Hellcat-Powered Jeep Wrangler Trailcat Prowling the Streets?

Stephen Elmer / August 2, 2017

Jeep has been caught running the Wrangler Trailcat Concept around on public roads recently, and although we don’t know why, it could mean something big is coming to the new Wrangler.

For those that don’t remember, the Trailcat debuted as part of the group of 2016 Easter Jeep Safari Concepts, packing a 707-horsepower Hellcat V8 under the hood hooked to a six-speed manual transmission.

To accommodate the big engine, the wheelbase of this JK was stretched by 12 inches, while plenty of proper off-road gear is used such as the Dana 60 axles, Fox shocks, 40-inch BFGoodrich Krawler tires and beadlock wheels.

A satin-black grille, LED lights, and a windshield chopped down by two inches bring plenty of style to the Trailcat. The interior doesn’t miss out either, with carbon fiber bucket seats, Katzkin leather, and a specially embossed shift knob.

So now that you know what it is, you can guess with us. Why is Jeep running it around on public roads? Our spy photographer has seen the concept more than once, so it seems it wasn’t just a single run for an engineer’s thrills.

If it has applications for a production model, it could be testing something to do with a high-power Wrangler model. With the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and Dodge Durango SRT, FCA has proven that it likes the idea of SUVs with big engines, so maybe the new Wrangler JL will be offered with something performance oriented.

Now, it doesn’t seem likely that the Hellcat will find its way into the Wrangler, but there are some other engines Jeep could use to provide good power.

One rumor suggests that a high-output version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making around 300 horsepower could be used. There is also a long-rumored turbo version of the 3.6-liter V6 that could join the fold.

If this high-output version of the Wrangler comes to fruition, it could be a specific model meant to chase the Ford Raptor in the high-speed off-road arena.

There’s a chance that nothing will come of this, but if Jeep does end up releasing a high-speed Wrangler, it isn’t likely to arrive until at least 2019.