Jeep to Show Off Baby Compass Rallye and Patriot SUV Concepts at IAA
Compass Photos
New Concepts Offer Glimpse of Future Compact Jeep Models
“If youre shackled to the past, youre never going to improve.” These are the words of one Trevor Creed, Chryslers senior vice president of design. This formidable claim is directed towards Jeep, DaimlerChryslers pedigree off-roading brand, which will introduce two concepts of the brands upcoming “baby” sport utility vehicle during this years Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Compass Rallye and the Patriot are examples of a definitive branch in the Jeep lineup, forming whats known internally as “Jeep Modern”, targeting younger, less gender-specific buyers. Destined to slot under the Liberty and in the realm of the CR-V/RAV-4/Tucson band, production versions of the Compass Rallye and Patriot will trod down a new path; one thats urbanized and paved.
Characterized by smaller dimensions, less lofty ground clearances and lighter grade off-roading gear, these Jeeps are more suited to zipping about city streets while running errands than breaking trail alongside TJs, Libertys and Grand Cherokees. Jeep hopes to attract more buyers to the brand with these entry-level car-based models, due to car-like ride and handling characteristics as well as more affordable pricing. These new concepts are proof that Jeep as a brand is evolving, challenging stereotypes with an interest in expanding beyond its current four-model lineup; or almost current being that the new 7-occupant Commander is not quite available yet.
The Patriot concept can be best described as classic Jeep, downsized. Although its four inches shorter than the Liberty, visually it follows tradition with an upright and boxy shape. Major styling cues, including the flat-plate front grille with round headlamps and integrated spot lamps, fall in line with Jeeps classic identity, although a high metal-to-glass ratio and chisel-cut fenders add a touch of individuality. Jeep is targeting younger buyers who prefer a more rugged-looking SUV, with simpler, utilitarian exterior panels; a reminder of the extremely popular second-generation Cherokee, launched in the early 80s.
The Compass, on the other hand, isnt so much a “jeep” as it is a hatchback. Its a path Jeep hasnt trod down since the days of the Varsity and Jeepster concepts, and for that matter the rear-wheel drive convertible model that wore the Jeepster nameplate from 1948 to 73. Currently, theres nothing in the Jeep lineup thats remotely like the Compass, which incorporates the same seven-slat grille and oversized circular headlamps into an edgy Pontiac Vibe-style package. Jeep is hoping to cash in on a new crowd, wooing them with low-profile red-line tires, black-painted wheels and a body kit that wouldnt be out of place on an FIA World Rally Car. With promised versatility and clever packaging, it delivers on the sport and utility aspects of an SUV, without wearing the same SUV wardrobe.
Whichever exterior shell you prefer, the underpinnings will most likely be identical. It has long been suggested that Jeeps upcoming compact model (or models) will use a modified version of DaimlerChryslers new small car architecture, a platform co-developed with Mitsubishi. This is the platform which will be used to underpin the Dodge Caliber, DCXs five-door replacement to the aging SX 2.0 (Neon). For those fearing that the FWD platform would translate into Jeeps “Trail Rated” reputation being flushed down the proverbial toilet, the platform has already shown its potential as an SUV in Mitsubishis second-generation Outlander - not available yet.
As well as sharing the global small car platform the two-utes will draw on DCXs latest global powerplant, which was co-developed with Mitsubishi and Hyundai. The new engine, scheduled to begin production this September, is about 5 percent more economical than its predecessor, and when combined with an optional CVT gearbox, it has been pegged at being between 8 to 10 percent more efficient overall. Actual powertrain specifications for the Compass Rallye and Patriot concepts will be revealed closer to their debut, early this September.
With growing gas-guzzler and anti-SUV sentiments across the globe, DaimlerChryslers decision to move Jeep downstream with car-based products could be a wise move. In addition to providing fuel-saving alternatives such as the Liberty CRD turbodiesel and MDS on HEMI-equipped Grand Cherokees and Commanders, Jeep is showing that it is starting to produce more environmentally conscious products.
The new compact Jeeps should arrive sometime within the next two years, most likely produced at the Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant, home to the Dodge SX 2.0/Neon/SRT-4 and the upcoming 2007 model-year Caliber.
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