Jeep Renegade Concept

Jeep is no stranger to outlandish concepts, and this year's Renegade unveiled at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show doesn't disappoint. Jeep's latest exercise in styling and powertrain combines diesel and electric technology in a squat, rugged looking vehicle molded with extreme dune surfing in mind. Renegade debuted with two other Chrysler concepts that, according to the automaker, loosely illustrate the company's plans for environmentally-responsible, design-forward cars.

Renegade is powered by a small Bluetec diesel engine and lithium-ion battery pack that provides juice for a 200-kilowatt electric motor. Jeep estimates Renegade makes 250 horsepower and has a 40-mile electric-only range and the ability to achieve over 110 miles per gallon. Jeep puts Renegade's combined vehicle range around 400 miles.

This dune-buggy-meets-Wrangler concept rides on a 101.6-inch wheelbase and is 153 inches long, 62.9 inches wide, and 56.3 inches high. Renegade's lightweight exterior is constructed mostly of aluminum. The two-door, two-passenger, four-wheel-drive open-air convertible crawler features a hose-out water-friendly interior complete with drain plug and soy-based foam cushion seats.

The idea behind Renegade is "go green, go anywhere." According to Jeep, the concept is an eco-friendly subcompact-sized utility vehicle intended for those who want to enjoy the outdoors in an environmentally-friendly way.