Report: Jeep Renegade Trackhawk Confirmed for Production, Why? (Or, Why Not?)

Aaron Cole
by Aaron Cole

Jeep will build a performance version of its Renegade for 2018, complete with boosted four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, MotorAuthority is reporting (via AutoGuide).

The busy 2.4-liter four could produce more than 300 horsepower, according to the report, but it’s not clear what transmission the Renegade Trackhawk could see. Jeep offers its Renegade with a six-speed manual for the smaller 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, but that mill only cranks half of the estimated final horsepower for the Trackhawk.

That leaves us with one question: why?

Even cloudier is the future for the Fiat 500X Abarth, which could share many parts with the Renegade Trackhawk. The Fiat family hauler was reportedly considered for performance improvements last year.

“The 500X is a good body for Abarth,” Roberto Giolito told CarAdvice Australia last year in Paris. “I can say today this is a good item. It’s absolutely perfect in terms of drivability, control. The driving seat is perfectly measured to control the car. So the Abarth would be perfect.”

Both the Renegade and 500X are built in Fiat’s plant in Melfi, Italy for North American sales.

Aaron Cole
Aaron Cole

More by Aaron Cole

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 31 comments
  • Omer333 Omer333 on Aug 19, 2015

    Earlier this year I would have been excited about this. Now, considering I keep getting told an engine is on the way for my Dart, I want nothing to do with a Chrysler product ever again. I'm seriously wondering if I should roll the dice and try Subaru, VW/Audi, or BMW. In theory I should get better customer service from on the corporate level.

  • Derekson Derekson on Aug 19, 2015

    I guess we know now what engine will be in the mainline editions of the Giulia: a turbocharged version of the 2.4 Tigershark! How premium!

  • Oldowl Oldowl on Aug 19, 2015

    Forget the 300 hp; bring the diesel.

  • Geozinger Geozinger on Aug 20, 2015

    I would totally dig a Trackhawk Renegade. I would totally dig an Abarth-level 500X better, I think. Either way, we're talking about the better part (if not above) $30K for one of these things...

Next