Jeep Renegade Concept: One With Nature

Motoring Channel Staff - 15/January/2007

Detroit, America — A motor show just isn't complete without some really weird concept cars, and Jeep provided the Renegade at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show to keep the car freaks happy.

This dynamic 2-seater has three engines producing more than 250 kilowatts of power and leaves its passenger open to the elements, which might be distasteful in heavy traffic but would be ideal out in the country.

Part sports roadster, part rugged 4WD, the wild design has garnered a lot of attention at the '08 Detroit Motor Show. 

It features what Jeep calls a "one-with-nature" personality that is emphasised by its large flared wheel openings, huge wheels and cut-down speedster windshield.

Among other things, the exterior features 'deconstructed' rubber-clad headlamps and tail lamps, as well as "just-for-fun" elongated triangular openings in each of the two sculpted doors.

Jeep also saw fit to add a roll bar. Prudent, considering it has no roof. 

The Renegade Concept's "one-with-nature" idea carries through to its propulsion system, as American automaker Jeep has equipped the vehicle with two electric motors and a low emission diesel engine.

"With an electric motor powering each axle, the Jeep Renegade concept is designed for a 'hang on and have fun experience,'” said Tony Shamenkov, who was the Jeep Renegade concept's principal exterior designer.

Constructed of environmentally responsible materials, sustainability is a key theme of the Jeep Renegade concept.

According to Jeep, the Renegade concept is targeted at customers in the 'Stylish Green' segment of the marketplace. These are people who are extremely environmentally oriented, but also appreciate high-tech innovation and enjoy performance and style that keeps with their green attitude.

The low emissions propulsion system in the Jeep Renegade concept starts with a 64km (40-mile) lithium-ion battery pack. A range extender – in Renegade’s case, a small-displacement 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder BlueTec diesel engine – allows for longer journeys up to 640km (400-miles).

The BlueTec diesel engine adds 86kW (115hp) of power when needed and is less polluting than a petrol engine.

Jeep says the all-new Jeep Renegade concept's low mass (thanks to aluminium architecture) and regen-braking system help to improve overall efficiency, while the dual electric 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) motors deliver 4x4 power – complete with low range and locking differentials -- worthy of carrying the Jeep name.

Inside the concept car, the seats are form fitting and finished in neoprene, a material used on wetsuits. Jeep's goal was to create durable waterproof seats, as Scott Anderson, the chief interior designer explained: "Inspired by the simplicity and functionality of scuba diving gear, we wanted the interior of the Jeep Renegade concept to be weather-tight and durable."

Another irregular feature of the Jeep Renegade concept is the 'thermal unit' in the center console. If you want to keep food or goods either hot or cold, it just plugs into the electrical battery pack and does just that, perfect for day trips into the great unknown.

While Jeep isn't ready to develop a road-going version of the curiously designed Renegade any time soon, the prototype vehicle does provide a number of ideas that will incorporated into Jeep vehicles in the next few years, such as the circular LED head and tail lights.

And it also adds a bit of sparkle to the motor show.

Related Articles:
- Jeep Trailhawk Concept (2007)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (2006)
- Jeep Compass + Patriot (concepts)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (2005)