Jeep is all set to reveal a new concept SUV at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show. The design sketches of the K8 Concept have now leaked online which give us a glimpse of the new hybrid crossover which will be developed especially for the Chinese market.
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 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.
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 China being the biggest market for Jeep after the US, and with a well-established production facility there, it is likely that Jeep will introduce its first alternate powertrain SUV there. The K8 Concept will be showcased at the Shanghai Auto Expo which opens its gates on April 19th.
