Stealthy models are all the range with certain automakers…so could Jeep have a Nighthawk up its sleeve?
Over the past decade, Jeep brought both the “Trailhawk” and even the absolutely berserk “Trackhawk” to market, and it seems the brand remains hawkish on introducing another similar name into the mix (sorry, I’ll see myself out). Soon, we could see the “Nighthawk”.
Interestingly, one of the folks over at 4th Gen Tacoma forums, of all places, noticed that FCA US LLC — the American arm of what is now Stellantis — filed a new application Thursday with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In that application, the automaker notes its commercial use for the mark as, “Land vehicles, namely, passenger automobiles”. That’s certainly specific, and it eliminates most of speculation we normally need to do about where this name may end up, if FCA chooses to use it at all.
It’s worth noting that the word mark is obviously not conclusive proof that a company will use it in the near future, and may never use it at all. Companies can file trademark applications for names it may use in commerce to keep them within reach before others get the idea to use that name for their products. A classic example would be the “Skyline” trademark, which Ford tried (and failed) to snag out from under Nissan’s nose in 2021, before the Japanese automaker realized it should probably scoop up the trademark itself in February 2023. Notably, though, Nissan doesn’t have the Skyline mark, as the application is still pending as of October 24, 2023.
FCA, for what it’s worth, still holds several other name marks which it no longer uses in commerce, like Trackhawk, which went out of production with the WK2 Grand Cherokee in 2021, and “Tomahawk”, which it’s held since 2004.
What could FCA’s trademark possibly be?
While we can colloquially assume the “Nighthawk” name would end up on a Jeep somewhere, we can’t say that with certainty right now either. That just makes the most sense, seeing as the Trailhawk is still definitely a trademark FCA uses in commerce with the Grand Cherokee.
But what could it be? It’s anyone’s guess, of course, but to my mind it’s most likely a name (or name-to-be) for a stealthier trim. Not necessarily an off-road-focused trim to rival the Rubicons or Trailhawks of the world, but something that’s more of a sporty street type. If you’ve followed Toyota at all over the past few years, you’ll know how they’ve been gunning to make a “Nightshade” version of every single model in their lineup. Think that, but Jeep.
It’s also unclear for the moment which Jeep that name would launch with: Will it be a stealthy and sleek Grand Cherokee, or a urban-style Renegade? Maybe FCA will cross that name over to the Wagoneer (although the “Obsidian” does already exist for the Grand Wagoneer), or we’ll see a blacked-out Wrangler alongside the street-focused Sahara?
As ever, only time will tell, but keep your eyes peeled: You may have another option at your Jeep dealer in a couple years’ time. FCA spokespeople do not comment on future product, so all the above ideas are educated guesses, at best, until we get an official announcement.
