The Jeep?ǬÆ brand is expanding into new territory with the all-new 2007 Jeep Compass ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù a modern-styled Jeep vehicle that delivers fun, freedom, utility and Jeep 4×4 capability. Jeep Compass also provides exceptional fuel economy, a long list of safety features and interior flexibility, all at a great value.
Based on the Jeep Compass concept first introduced at the 2005 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the 2007 Jeep Compass is an all-new product that combines the packaging and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup. Compass is the Jeep brand?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s first front-wheel-drive-based product with a fully independent suspension for comfortable on-road ride and handling and fun-to-drive characteristics. Jeep Compass will be available in both front- and four-wheel drive.
“Compact and nimble, Jeep Compass brings a new sense of adventure, performance, fuel-economy and value not expected in a compact SUV,?¢‚Ǩ¬ù said Jeff Bell, Vice President ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù Jeep, Chrysler Group. “With Compass, Jeep continues to grow by offering a modern-styled Jeep designed to reach consumers who may not have previously considered the brand. Jeep Compass provides 4×4 confidence, brand cachet and the inspiring sense of excitement and adventure that only Jeep can offer,?¢‚Ǩ¬ù Bell added.
The 2007 Jeep Compass and Jeep Compass Limited models will be available in U.S. dealerships and global volume markets in the third quarter of 2006.
h3. Conquering New Territory
Jeep Compass will compete in the compact SUV segment, which is expected to grow considerably in the next decade, giving the Jeep brand the opportunity to grow with it. Annual compact SUV volume in the United States for the 2004 calendar year was 297,000 units or 1.7 percent of the market. The compact SUV segment is expected to almost double to 568,000 units by 2010 and almost triple to 814,000 units by 2016.
With the all-new Jeep Compass, Jeep is targeting single or recently married educated professionals in their early 20s to early 40s, who are independent and family-oriented. These buyers skew female and earn a median income of $60,000. Fifty percent are college educated. Upscale, fashionable and refined items fit their lifestyle. They want a sophisticated and modern vehicle that allows them to break from the routine, and Jeep Compass is designed and engineered to exceed those needs.
h3. A Modern Interpretation of Traditional Jeep Styling
Sleek and sophisticated, the Jeep Compass broadens the global appeal of the Jeep brand by attracting new buyers who may not have previously considered the brand.
Jeep?Ç¬Æ introduces the all-new 2007 Wrangler, the most capable off-road vehicle in the world ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú and more.
A direct descendent of the original Jeep ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù the 1941 Willys MB ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler evolves from more than 65 years of legendary 4×4 leadership. Building on the successful, original Jeep formula with an all-new frame, exterior and interior design, engine, and safety and convenience features, Jeep Wrangler delivers more capability, interior space and comfort, refinement, power and open-air fun.
“The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler blazes a trail no other vehicle can follow,” said Jeff Bell, Vice President ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú Jeep, Chrysler Group. “Just as it did when it first debuted in 1941, Jeep Wrangler sets a new benchmark in off-road capability.
“With more off-road capability, more versatility, more power, more on-road refinement, and more comfort and space, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler continues its legacy as the Jeep brand icon. Simply put, it is the best Jeep Wrangler ever,” added Bell.
Offered in three models ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù Wrangler X, Sahara and Rubicon ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is lean, rugged and simple, achieving best-in-class off-road capability while delivering a true open-air driving experience. With solid axles, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable and convertible tops, Jeep Wrangler retains the brand’s coveted core values of freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity.
With dozens of different top, door and windshield combinations, nine unique exterior colors and available 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler provides a customized appearance for a variety of customers.
h3. More Legendary Off-road Capability
From ground clearance to articulation to traction, Jeep engineers focused on more than 50 functional objectives during development of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler. The result is the ultimate “out-of-the-box” off-road vehicle with all the necessary features to “go anywhere and do anything.”
“Re-engineered and redesigned from the ground up, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is the most capable Wrangler in its 65-year history,” said Mike Donoughe, Vice President ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú Body-on-frame Product Team. “With more ground clearance, better wheel articulation and advanced off-road hardware, Jeep Wrangler is designed to tackle the toughest off-road obstacles.”
Improved ground clearance, combined with short front and rear overhangs, enables the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler to navigate the world’s most challenging off-road trails, especially severe inclines. A boulder-friendly approach angle of 44.3 degrees and breakover angle of 25.4 degrees, along with a 40.4 degree departure angle, once again make the 2007 Jeep Wrangler the most formidable off-roader.
Providing unmatched wheel articulation and durability, Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara models feature an enhanced Dana 30 front axle and Dana 35 rear axle. For the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model, heavy-duty front and rear axles are both Dana 44s, which feature numerous improvements. With the optional trailer tow package, a Dana 44 rear axle is standard on all media. Providing significant underbody protection are three skid plates ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù protecting the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan.
For the first time, Jeep Wrangler offers an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù Active Sway Bar System (ASBS) ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù delivering additional wheel travel for traversing the toughest trails. As a result, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler boasts a 652 Ramp Travel Index (RTI ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù a measurement of a vehicle’s suspension articulation) with the front stabilizer bar engaged and an 832 RTI with the front stabilizer bar disconnected ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù a 28 percent increase.
Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara models feature the second-generation Command-Trac?Ç¬Æ NV241, part-time, two-speed transfer case, featuring a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. In addition, a Trac-Lok?Ç¬Æ limited-slip rear differential provides extra torque and grip during low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model features an Off-Road Rock-Trac?¢‚Äû¬¢ NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, as well as electric front- and rear-axle lockers and 32-inch B.F. Goodrich Off-Road tires.
h3. More On-road Refinement
While improving its legendary 4×4 Jeep capability, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler offers enhanced on-road comfort due to an all-new 100 percent stiffer frame in bending, 50 percent stiffer body, refined five-link coil suspension, improved shock tuning, 2-inch longer wheelbase and 3.5-inch wider track. In addition, new steering and suspension geometry provides precise ride and handling characteristics, and new sound-deadening techniques reduce cabin noise by more than 20 percent.
“The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler reaches new levels of on-road ride, handling and refinement ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú an achievement realized while also boosting its off-road capability,” said Donoughe. “The new suspension enables the Wrangler to corner flatter with less lateral motion, provide better on-center steering feel, and even more effectively absorb on-road bumps and cracks.”
Ride balance in the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is more refined, achieving less body lean when cornering and braking. In addition, lower suspension spring rates provide a softer, more comfortable on-road ride. Standard on the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe driving maneuvers on any type of surface. ESP features three modes ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù “full on,” “full off” and “partial on.”
Standard on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler X model, low-pressure twin-tube shock absorbers are tuned to provide improved balance between jounce and rebound motions, achieving an extremely responsive suspension. Jeep Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon models feature standard high-pressure monotube shocks, utilizing Low Speed Tunable (LST) valve technology.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s new recirculating-ball steering configuration features a robust cross-car steering linkage system, providing the stiffest possible steering linkage in a solid-axle vehicle, for a precise “rack-and-pinion” feel.
Apple and the Chrysler group announced today at the North American Auto Show that dealers will be offering an iPod integration kit for $125. This makes iPod integration available in your next Jeep.
Speaking of the North American Auto Show, the new Wrangler should be unveiled come this Tuesday.
A new Jeep magazine has launched called Jrations. You can order a copy of the first “edition”:http://store.jrations.com/product_info.php?products_id=28 online at their site.
bq. J Rations Standard Issue 1 is the Jeep?Ç¬Æ publication enthusiasts have been waiting for! The premiere issue includes a full-color magazine filled from cover to cover with the kind of editorial you?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢d expect from people who ?¢‚Ǩ?ìunderstand.?¢‚Ǩ¬ù The magazine comes with an exciting rich-media CD-ROM. Get involved with hands-on, interactive video adventures and technical presentations. Enjoy the portability of detailed tech articles in printer-friendly PDFs that go with you to the garage or driveway?¢‚Ǩ‚Äùwith a fresh copy as close as your home printer. The CD also contains a mix of live Web links that take you to contributors?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ and sponsors?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ Web sites, and to even more feature material on the J Rations Web site?¢‚Ǩ‚Äùall available exclusively to readers. Standard Issue 1 is a one-of-a-kind entertainment and information experience for Jeep enthusiasts who appreciate a dynamic off-trail encounter!
It looks as if January 10th could be the day for the unveiling of the Wrangler JK. According to the “schedule”:http://autoshow.msn.com/as/article.aspx?xml=datestimestix&shw=autoshow2006&src=AutoShow2006LeftNav for the North American International Auto Show, the Chrysler Group will be holding a press conference on January 10th.