The Chrysler Corporation has a rich history of recycling names. Remember when Plymouth recycled the Fury name as a replacement for the mid-sized Satellite in 1975 (and the full-size car became the Gran Fury)? And then there was the 1985 Plymouth Turismo Duster for the Horizon-based coupe. And who could forget the 1990 Monaco, a Renault-derived Dodge? I’m sure there’s more (Town & Country? 300? Charger? Aspen? Dart?), as Chrysler certainly loves to dig into its past.
The next victim of this old habit comes from Jeep, as the Avenger will be playing a particular role for the Jeep brand. Though not slated to hit the narrow streets of Europe till 2023, Jeep is showing visitors to the Paris Motor Show the potential of an electrified Jeep in the form of the Jeep Avenger 4×4 Concept.
If you recall, ClassicCars.com Journal previewed several Jeep EVs at the Detroit Auto Show, but the Avenger was not included because it’s not destined to appear in the U.S. of A — the Avenger is the first of the brand’s models designed for the needs of Europeans (plus several other markets, like Japan and South Korea) that will mix the brand’s core competencies with zero-emission goals. Interestingly, the Avenger is based on a platform developed by the PSA Group (Peugeot, Citroën and Opel/Vauxhall) before it was absorbed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to become Stellantis.
“The Avenger has been designed as a Jeep vehicle from the outset, and the all-electric 4×2 model already offers some of the best-in-class capabilities that identify the Jeep brand,” says Jeep CEO Christian Meunier. “But we couldn’t help but wonder, what would happen if we injected the Jeep brand’s four-wheel drive electrified capabilities into a compact package, while retaining the brand’s unique design language, capability and personality?”
Jeep claims the Avenger 4×4 Concept blends design, capability and innovation in a size that’s smaller than the Renegade. As you’d expect from a Jeep show car, the Avenger 4×4 Concept is replete with tow hooks, wider track and bumpers, mightier, exposed tires and fog lights. The approach angle has also been improved thanks to increased ground clearance, with the Concept offering an approach angle of 21 degrees, departure angle of 34 degrees and breakover angle of 20 degrees. Thicker cladding gives added protection without looking too much like a Pontiac. A flat-black, anti-reflective, hood decal completes the package.
Of special note is a new lightweight roof cargo system concept that compresses the luggage via a special belt system. The roof is also scratch-resistant, as is the grille, which is a boon to off-roaders headed to Mont Blanc.
So what Jeep is touting here is the legendary capabilities the brand is known for, combined by forward-thinking electrification, for a new ownership experience for Jeep-loving fans in the Continent and elsewhere — part of a move towards 100 percent electrification, which includes four new zero-emissions vehicles in the Continent through 2025.
Meunier adds, “Here in Paris, we have shown that we have a full portfolio of new all-electric 4×4 capable Jeep models just around the corner, with a clear goal in mind: to become the number one electrified SUV brand in the world as we continue our path towards achieving our mission of Zero Emission Freedom.”
Source: www.classiccars.com