Preview: 2008 Jeep Liberty

The 2008 Jeep Liberty is due for an auto-show debut in early 2007, in the wake of the introduction of the similar Dodge Nitro earlier this year.

Our spies caught the new Liberty earlier this year without much camouflage. From their shots, it's apparent the '08 Liberty is more squared-off and chiseled, and much more masculine, than the softer-edged lines of the current model.



Body changes are similar to that of the Nitro. And engines should be the same as well. The Nitro's standard engine is a 3.7-liter V-6 offering 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed manual, or a four-speed or a five-speed automatic gearbox. Above it is a 4.0-liter V-6 with 260 hp and 265 lb-ft, linked to a five-speed automatic, which may be a Nitro R/T exclusive.