Jeep released the European version of the 2019 Renegade recently, and we showed you (via Real Fast Fotography), a week or two ago, an American version being tested. But what’s under the hood?
The Renegade will have the new GSE (Global Small Engine) turbo setup, with MultiAir III, versus the current 1.4 turbo’s MultiAir II. That‘s likely a very incremental improvement compared with the advantages of the new engine design, influenced by both Chrysler and Fiat people and technologies.
The GSE T3 has 120 horsepower, and hits its peak torque, 140 lb-ft, at 1,750 rpm. That’s a bit yawn, really, about the same as the current Corolla 1.8 motor. The GSE T4 is more exciting, with 150 and 180 horsepower variants — reaching their peak torque of (rounded) 200 pound-feet at 1,850 rpm. That’s an eye-opener, compared with the current 1.4 turbo and, for that matter, the Chrysler 2.4 powerplant.
What’s more, gas mileage, even with the far more powerful T4, is supposed to be 20% lower than the old 1.4 turbo, which should help the heavy Renegade. Because it has to conquer off-road courses without breaking, the Renegade is heavier than some competing crossovers that were designed for nothing more challenging than a minor pot-hole.
There’s no belt-starter-generator hybrid in the works for the Renegade or any other front-drive FCA cars; instead, they will get 48-volt mild-hybrids.
Even without electrification, if the Renegades have these new engines, they will feel much more powerful in everyday driving than the existing models. The current 1.4 turbo requires the engine to go past around 2,000 rpm before it starts getting anywhere; the 2.4 starts earlier but still can’t match the new GSE T4 design for early-onset torque. In short, these new engines may give Renegade sales a shot in the arm where they need it most — North America — and boost already-strong sales in Europe.
David Zatz has been writing about cars and trucks since the early 1990s, including books on the Dodge Viper, classic Jeeps, and Chrysler minivans. He also writes on organizational development and business at toolpack.com and covers Mac statistics software at macstats.org. David has been quoted by the New York Times, the Daily Telegraph, the Detroit News, and USA Today.
Looking Good !
PHEV Renegade is also there in the plans. It’s in the CO2 compliance document of a new 5 year plan.
It could be a MY2020. FCA says it’s a P1P4 PHEV. Actually it cod be a P0P4. Fca is using P1F designation for a BSG systems which are actually P0. So we are talking about PHEV with a BSG and an e-axle at the back.
The other solution is slated for a MY2021.
A P2 48 V mild hybrid.
It allows a full electric mode and a bigger recuperation potential and battery compared to a BSG solution.
It’s all in the official 5 year plan.
P1P4 PHEV should be on 6 nameplates.
P2 48V MHEV should be on 11 nameplates.