2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2008 Jeep Renegade Concept

Jeep revives the Renegade in all-aluminum, diesel hybrid form

by Bengt Halvorson


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What it is
Jeep Renegade Concept Preview – 2008 Detroit Auto Show: Like the Wrangler, but want something with a little more sport? Then check out the Renegade. A resurrected name, but no, this isn’t just an option package for the current Wrangler. Instead, this Renegade Concept is a compact “B-segment” two seater with a cut-down speedster-style windshield, roll bar, a hose-out interior and eco-friendly Bluetec diesel/hybrid engine. Jeep says that it’s aimed at those who want the “all-weather delights of off-roading and dune surfing,” but with minimum environmental more at the official unveiling in a couple of weeks.impact. With fuel economy projected in the 110 mpg range, we’d say this little off-roader has a pretty small footprint indeed.

What's Under the Hood
Chrysler’s 2008 Jeep Renegade Concept relies on a lithium-ion battery pack to power dual electric 200-kilowatt motors capable of delivering 268 horsepower that are supplemented with a small 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder Bluetec diesel engine. The Renegade's battery pack will move the vehicle 40 miles on electric power alone, with the Bluetec engine supplementing power for longer travel -- up to 400 miles, in fact, according to Jeep -- while battery cells recharge. The addition of the diesel generator adds 115 additional horsepower, while keeping emissions low; utilizing diesel and electric power in combination will deliver up to 110 mpg.

What's Inside
Seats and doors are constructed of soy-based materials, while single- and dual-molded components using urethane skin, aluminum, silicone and environmentally-safe resins make up the remaining interior components and chassis. In place of conventional wiring, the instrument cluster features a sealed wireless system, with components that can be individually removed and reaffixed.

What it Looks Like
Renegade has a low body angle, aggressive stance, high ground clearance. Other cues include deeply-creviced triangular openings in doors; a smoothly-angled hood with elevated headlight housings; flared fenders; and a large, raked rear end with fender wings to accommodate tail lights. Front and rear skid plates accent the bottom, while deeply-welled wheels are set in place to accommodate its rubber.

By Keith Buglewicz
Photo credit: Jeep

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