Report: The next Jeep Wrangler may get a hybrid option
Although the press days for the 2015 Detroit Auto Show are over, that doesn’t mean the news reel is slowing as a new report is in from AutoExpress, who heard that the next Jeep Wrangler could gain a hybrid option.
Jeep’s CEO, Mike Manley, spoke with AutoExpress, and Manley said the potential for hybrids in the future exists for obvious reasons–fuel economy. But more so, he believes the instant torque delivery of electric motors could be extra useful for the off-roading crew.
The idea would be similar to conventional hybrids, where the electric motor would be the sole-mode of propulsion at low speeds and off-roaders tend to move at a crawler’s pace. Additionally, the new Wrangler could also use some new lightweight materials to help improve fuel economy.
And for those wondering, Manley confirmed the Wrangler’s tough body-on-frame construction will most likely remain. Should the hybrid powertrain not interest the Wrangler buyer, a new ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, lifted from the Grand Cherokee and the Ram 1500 should find its way into the Wrangler.
A reveal date isn’t expected to happen until 2017.
Source: AutoExpress