BERLIN: Good news for fans of the Jeep Wrangler who also fancy themselves as eco-warriors: The all-new version of the rugged off-roader will feature electric power.
Details of the new hybrid Wrangler recently appeared in a computer ordering system for dealers ahead of the car's official debut at the Dec 1-10 Los Angeles Motor Show, Germany's Autobild motoring gazette reports.
The 48-volt electrics and battery on the hybrid Wrangler are mated to a powerful new four-cylinder soft-turbo petrol engine with 300 horsepower on tap.
This is the first major makeover for the Wrangler since 1987, though engineers have been saving weight by using more chassis parts fashioned from lightweight aluminium.
The four-by-four car retains its signature boxy looks, with a redesigned slatted grille and new lights fronting a revised nose section. Inside, the dashboard has been brought up to date, with analogue instruments flanked by air vents, and a central digital screen.
Pricing has not been announced but automotive pundits expect the new Wranglers to cost up to 20 per cent more than the models they replace.
