Jeep is claiming a world record for the fastest 4×4 to grace the ice.
A Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk reached a speed of 280km/h at the annual Speed Days of the 2019 Baikal Ice Motor Sports Festival in Russia.
All runs are traditionally conducted on natural bare ice, with preparation limited to the removal of obstacles such as hummocks and packed snow that pose a safety threat.
In preparation for the attempt, unnecessary items were removed from the Trackhawk and only a sufficient amount of fuel included, both to reduce weight.
All runs were conducted in line with the regulations of the Russian Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
The record-breaking Trackhawk boasts a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine that pumps out 522kW of power and 868Nm of torque, with a 0-100km/h time of just 3.7 seconds.
To go with this power is a set of serious Brembo stoppers which were put to the test in the unique conditions posed by the Baikal ice.
In sunlight, the surface of the lake is covered in a film of water, which reduces grip on the surface.
The rules dictate the timing gates needed to be passed in both directions, with the judges calculating the average result.
To allow for the required acceleration and braking, the total length of the course was 12 km.
Data confirmed by the Russian Automobile Federation (RAF) shows the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was able to achieve an average speed of more than 257 km/h over a distance of one kilometre, with a rolling start.
From standstill it was able to hit more than 100 km/h.
Maximum speed achieved during the runs was 280 km/h.
Additionally, the absolute maximum speed achieved in each run was included in the official Book of Records of Russia.
The Speed Days of the Baikal Ice festival were first held in 2011.
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