Being among the most-loved off-roaders, the Jeep Wrangler has won hearts of many drivers in the United States.
Extreme off-roaders were waiting for a fresh addition to the series and will welcome the announcement from Michael Manley, the Head of Jeep brand.
According to an Autoblog interview with the Jeep boss, the brand is planning to create a hybrid version of its much-loved model — the Wrangler.
At the Detroit Auto Show, Manley shared that "the hybridization would actually improve" Wrangler's overall performance. He also asserted that this move would particularly aid in the distribution of torque, which is a vital component for four-wheel vehicles.
Hybrid Wrangler In The Works?
Manley shared that he "could see the Wrangler being a form of electric," suggesting that the brand may be thinking of taking the hybrid route. The Jeep boss did not elaborate on this statement and, therefore, it is unconfirmed whether the brand will eventually out a hybrid Wrangler or not, in the near term.
The Jeep Wrangler is expected to get a refresh and the new version of the off-roader will be the 2018 model.
Instead of a traditional fuel-economy model, hybrid technology is most likely to be used for bringing out improvements in performance and efficiency in the refreshed Jeep Wrangler. Many improvements such as a four-cylinder powered gasoline engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and updated aerodynamic aluminum design are expected to come with the hybrid version of the same model.
Rumors of an upcoming hybrid Wrangler, which was expected to get a hybrid powertrain, have been rife for a while. Considering the ever-increasing popularity of hybridization, this wouldn't come as a surprise.
Manley also let on that even if there were any alterations to the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, it would be identifiable as the brand's flagship.
"It's the icon of our brand," he noted.
Jeep Wrangler Plans
Reportedly, Fiat Chrysler's VP Jeffery P. Lux is being considered for overseeing the developments in design of Wrangler's upcoming hybrid. Lux has worked for 27 years with General Motors (GM) and was the chief engineer for GM's hybrid electric units in 2009.
Jeep also confirmed that the Grand Wagoneer and the Wagoneer models will return to the brand's lineup in 2020.
Jeep continues to perform well in the automobile space, which continues to exhibit a strong market demand for trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. In 2016, the brand's sales rose by 6 percent.
Photo: Michael Dorausch | Flickr
