2003 Jeep Treo Concept
Radical 4x4 Hits Tokyo Show
Jeep, the world-famous American sport utility and off-road vehicle manufacturer, has stunned auto show circuit crowds with sensational concepts in recent years. Running on a schedule thats clocked like a fine Swiss watch, the DaimlerChrysler division has debuted some of the radical renditions for futuristic off and soft-roading. Everything from the retro-gone-wild Willys to the rapid Jeepster concept has come out of Jeeps skunkworks design team, but nothing quite like the latest addition to the family.
The Jeep Treo is set to make a big splash amongst the dozens of new world releases at this years Tokyo motor show. Wild and crazy arent even close to suitable words to describe the new concept. The Treo is just plain and simply... out there.
Sure enough, the authentically unmistakable Jeep grille is front and center, complete with chromed round xenon HID headlamps. But other than these elements, the entire concept is foreign. Dominated by a gunmetal colored front bumper, the utilitarian-looking Treo appears purpose built for heavy-duty rock climbing (a favorite pastime for CJ/YJ owners), with dual winch hooks and deep grooved tires for channeling mud and dirt looking positively menacing.
If the front is an exercise in the extremes of emotion, what the heck is the rest of the car trying to communicate? Moss-green half fenders are bolted to the body above the four wheels, sticking out just wider than the chunky wing mirrors that jut out from the front of the cars three segment, elongated window - which also spans the length of the Treos door.
Moving back, the actual cockpit tapers rearward into a narrower point. High-mounted, and seemingly borrowed from a Learjet, are two laminar shaped airfoils. Can it fly? No, but these thin ears work as the Treos brake and turn signals just the same.
Designed to fit a leisure transport role for outdoorsy types, Jeep has titled their new concept an Urban Mobility Vehicle. Thats an interesting definition considering the Treos capability off-road, but at the very least comes clean in admitting that the majority of SUV owners never leave pavement.
Whether on asphalt or not, the Treos drivetrain is a welcome alternative. Simply, quietly and cleanly, its powered by electricity. Two electric motors, one to motivate the front wheels and the other in back, allow for low-cost, zero emissions efficiency as well as the traction benefits of permanent all-wheel drive. While electric energy is in charge, Jeep hasnt shut the door on other fueling possibilities; hydrogen fuel cells and drive by wire technology can be easily adapted to the Treos platform.
Much like its extreme exterior, the Treo features an array of innovative technologies and styling normally not found in Jeep products. For starters, the car is set up with a 3-seat configuration, including a split-folding bench up front for two and a single bucket in back. While ideal for multiple passengers the Treo can get even more flexible, displaying the unique ability to switch between left and right hand drive. The instruments, dash-mounted gear shifter, steering wheel, column and pedals are a single unit, which shifts along a center railing on the cockpit. The rudimentary-looking single LCD instrumentation cluster delivers touch-screen access to many of the cars controls. From the stereo system to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, its all controlled and operated by a tiny little screen.
Darkly tinted glass sweeps from rooftop, in an unexpected move, to the front of the car. Despite the windshield surround the glass curves down and rests behind the grille. Yes, thats right. Its possible to see through the grille into the cockpit! Under a minimalist theme, the Treo is finished in warm tones and hues, from the vanilla colored dash and seat trim, to the chocolate leather wrapped steering wheel and pastel binnacles. Each side of the dashboard features a first aid kit or tool set.
When the third rear seat isnt being used, Jeep stresses that it is the ideally suited to transporting two mountain bikes. Twin brackets, in a similar fashion to Saabs 9-3 Sport-Hatch concept, are mounted on the Treos winglets and on the roof. The fork and rear wheel attach directly to the vehicle, as opposed to having a complicated and ugly crossbar system. The extra wheels lock into place in the Treos trunk.
As per the usual concept fare, its extremely unlikely that Jeep will put this mini SUV into production. Rather, the innovative ideas will eventually get filtered down into production vehicles. But who knows? An electric or fuel-cell powered Jeep could be around the corner. Well just have to wait and see.