As reported earlier, Jeep is prepping to introduce a new hybrid vehicle which will be showcased at this month’s Shanghai Motor Show. Now a design sketch of the new vehicle has surfaced and it is believed to be a Jeep K8 Concept which will spawn a hybrid crossover for the Chinese market.
The new seven-seater K8 will be based on the FCA’s new CUSW platform which currently underpins the current generation Cherokee. The SUV was earlier expected to be a 5+2 version of the Cherokee with a longer wheelbase since the Chinese market has a huge demand for stretched vehicles. However, latest developments have revealed that the Shanghai-bound SUV will be classified as a New Energy Vehicle (NEV) in China.
As can be seen in the grainy sketches, the K8 wears the traditional Jeep grille up front with a modern Grand Cherokee styled headlamps. The squared-off bulging fenders with a boxy approach above the silhouette adds character to the K8 Concept. The large wheels and sleek rear round off the design for the K8 and is expected to be carried over to the production model. The new SUV is rumoured to be powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from the “Hurricane” series. However, no details are available about the hybrid powertrain as yet.
With electrification being the trend these days, Jeep had also announced its intention of rolling out a hybrid or a pure EV soon. This concept could be SUV carmaker’s first step towards electrification. Given that China is the biggest market for Jeep after the US, and that too with a well-established production facility there, it is likely that Jeep will introduce its first alternate powertrain SUV in the Orient. The K8 Concept will be showcased in all its glory at the Shanghai Auto Expo which opens its gates on April 19th.
