Jeep teased a mysterious SUV
concept for Auto Shanghai 2017 debut. Allpar has revealed the concept SUV in official
sketches.
The Jeep K8 concept, the name of which was
previously unconfirmed, was believed to evolve into a three-row version of the
Jeep Cherokee in production form. The sketches suggest that the
concept SUV previews a completely new model. It has a traditional SUV shape,
typical of a Jeep, and features 7-slot grille flanked by sleek headlamps,
muscular and squarish fenders, large alloy wheels and mildly raked back glass.
The Jeep K8 concept looks compact in dimensions,
meaning that if it’s a three-row SUV, the third row probably won’t fit
full-sized adults. With a 5+2 seat layout, the Jeep K8 concept’s production
version would rival the VW Tiguan LWB, the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. It’s unknown if Jeep plans to sell this
model outside China.
The Jeep K8 concept is reportedly an electrified
model and its production version could get an electrified variant in the range.
Reports last year said that along with conventional four-cylinder engines, the
three-row Jeep SUV will have a plug-in hybrid option. The new three-row SUV may
debut the GME “Hurricane” turbocharged four-cylinder engine.