Another one bites the dust, am I right? Every automaker is switching all or most of its lineup to electric vehicles. As emissions laws become more prominent, many powerful engines have no choice but to disappear altogether. Next is the Hemi V8 used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and Trackhawk models. Instead of 475 horsepower and 13 city mpg, Grand Cherokee owners will be switched over to plug-in hybrid power with the Grand Cherokee 4Xe, or full electrification in the future.

Goodbye, Hemi V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.

Jeep’s global product marketing chief, Jeff Ellsworth, spoke with CarsGuide about favoring electrified powertrains replacing V8 engines. When asked about Jeep V8s going by the wayside, he said the following:

“I’m not one to say yes or no, but there’s no doubt – and this isn’t just Jeep but in general – about what we’re able to do with twin-turbo and with electrification now. As much as we love (the V8). There is no replacement for displacement, but there is technology out there can deliver on it. We’ve still kept the V8 around in certain markets around the world, and in the USA in particular, but the reality is that the plug-in hybrid has become the more premium powertrain. We still love that engine, we’re going to hold onto it. It’s there and it will stay there for as long as it makes sense, both financially and compliance-wise.”

Can Jeep twin-turbos really replace Hemi V8 engines?

According to CarsGuide, the new 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine comes in Standard Output and High Output. Owners get more than 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque for the Standard Output version. For this variant, the automaker aims for better fuel economy and uses a cooled exhaust gas circulation. Alternatively, the High Output variant provides more than 500 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque. Supposedly, the automaker promises “significant” fuel economy while pulling heavy loads, according to Motor1.

While these may not live up to the Supercharged 6.2-liter Trackhawk engine, they’re an excellent alternative. Since better fuel economy is a legal necessity, and electrification is inevitable, Jeep has to step away from the Hemi V8 eventually. Ellsworth didn’t divulge any hidden secrets about the next Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT but hinted that electrification is on the way.

What is the first electrified Jeep Grand Cherokee?

For those interested in an electrified, fuel economic Grand Cherokee, the 4Xe model is on the way. According to Jeep, it’ll be available in Spring 2022, so it’s coming very soon. There’s no EPA estimate yet, but Jeep targets 25 miles of all-electric range. It will use a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and two electric motors. One will replace a conventional alternator and the other a torque converter in the transmission. All 4Xe models will use an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Underneath the floor, the Grand Cherokee 4Xe uses a 400-volt, 17 kWh battery pack, an Integrated Dual Charging Module with a charger and DC/DC converter, and a Power Inverter Module.

Although it isn’t quite the Hemi V8, this powertrain still makes 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Best of all, Jeep expects its fuel economy to be around 56 MPGe. Furthermore, its EPA-estimated total driving range is available and is even higher than Jeep’s estimate of 440 miles. According to Top Electric SUV, EPA data suggests the Grand Cherokee 4Xe can drive 470 with one gas tank and a full charge.

Goodbye Hemi V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee, hello electrification

In conclusion, eliminating the Hemi V8 engine from Jeep’s lineup is inevitable. With the ongoing demand for better fuel economy, laws for better fuel usage in vehicles, and the future of electrification, the automaker doesn’t have much choice. However, if the first electrified Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 4Xe model, is any indicator, it looks like Jeep will still pull some powerful punches. Even with fuel economy and electricity involved, the automaker is keeping power in mind. We can only wait and see what’s coming next for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.