Chrysler Introduces The Jeep(R) Jeepster Concept - The Best of Both Worlds
4 January 1998
Chrysler Introduces The Jeep(R) Jeepster Concept - The Best of Both Worlds
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 4 -- A V-8 powered sports car that
can cover the Rubicon Trail, the granddaddy of off-road excursions? Chrysler
has a design that might just pull it off.
The Rubicon has long been the exclusive domain of Jeep(R) Wrangler,
Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and other Jeep vehicles rich with heritage. The
newest concept -- the Jeep Jeepster -- deserves consideration for that list.
"The project began as a Jeep studio designer initiative to create a
crossover vehicle," said Mike Moore, Chrysler's chief designer for the
interior and exterior of Jeep products. "It was a 'what if' exercise. What
if you could have the power and excitement of a sports car coupled with the
capability and rugged go-anywhere nature of a Jeep Wrangler.
"As we developed the concept of the 'Jeepster,' we envisioned a life-style
vehicle that was as competent and fun to drive on fast, twisty black top roads
as it would be on the Rubicon Trail," he said. The unique, adjustable
suspension became an essential feature which enabled this extraordinary
capability.
"We originally codenamed the vehicle, 'Project Grizzly.' But we decided to
search Jeep heritage and settled on Jeepster, from the rare and now quite
collectible 1950 Willys Convertible," Moore added.
The Jeepster's electronic four-wheel-independent, adjustable suspension
raises or lowers the vehicle four inches and adjusts the attitude for a more
aerodynamic on-road ride. On-road, the vehicle has a ground clearance of
5 and 3/4 inches, which improves ride and handling by lowering the center of
gravity and better managing the air flow. Off-road, the vehicle can be
adjusted to a 9 and 3/4-inch ground clearance necessary for serious rock
climbing. Two switches on the console raise or lower the vehicle.
"This Jeepster has short overhangs, a four-speed automatic, Quadra-Trac II
transmission and an aluminum skid plate integrated in the side sill," Moore
said. "It's full of interesting, functional details. For example, it's even
equipped with front tow loops integrated into the hinge modules of the
forward-hinging hood."
This Jeepster does not suffer from a lack of power. The two-plus-two
seater comes equipped with the all-new 4.7-liter 16-valve V-8 engine -- the
same engine that will debut on the all-new 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Exterior Design Points
The body, painted an intense red with contrasting deep blue fender flares
and side panels, starts with the traditional Jeep grille. Its seven vertical
intake slots are flanked by uniquely detailed headlamps, placed high on the
steeply raked grille for lighting efficiency. The front of the hood has been
lowered to maximize forward visibility. The result is the development of
distinctive hood forms tapering back from the headlamps.
Like the Plymouth Prowler, the vehicle is gestured lower in the front and
higher at the rear to give forward motion, creating a bold, aggressive, linear
look.
The roll cage and soft top cover work in the same way as the Jeep Icon
concept car shown in Detroit in 1997. The rear tail lamps, like the
headlamps, are round, with similar reflector detailing.
Interior Design Points
The instrument panel has a military radio look that retains images of past
Jeep military products. The compact, multifunction heater controls are
arranged concentrically for a new look. The navigational system is a
reconfigurable colored flat screen technology display, which includes a global
positioning satellite system, an altimeter, a grade and roll indicator and an
exterior temperature sensor.
The seats, cognac in color, are made of the same weather resistant leather
as rugged hiking boots. The front seats are structural -- with integrated
belts -- and feature a four-point belt system with a center clasp; the rear
seats have a conventional three-point belt system and fold for extra cargo
room.
Chassis Design Points
The deeply sculpted, five-spoke, 19-inch wheels, with Goodyear Extended
Mobility Tires (EMT), are capable of maintaining their shape, on and off-road,
even after a flat, at speeds up to 55 miles per hour for 50 miles. This
eliminates the need for a spare, reducing the weight of the vehicle and
creating more useful space for luggage. Goodyear EMT tires first appeared on
the Plymouth Prowler.
The transmission is a four-speed automatic Quadra-Trac II with 4WD high
and low range. A dual exhaust system with three inch diameter pipes shows
that this sports car means business, according to Moore. The curb weight is
3,400 pounds.
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SOURCE Chrysler Corporation