Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Jeep Liberty replacement takes shape

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/jeep-...photo-5578028/

Now that the Liberty has left us for greener pastures and the Compass and Patriot are entering their final model year, it's time to start looking into the future of Jeep. The next all-new vehicle for the off-road brand will be the midsize SUV you see here, effectively replacing the Liberty, and not necessarily carrying on with that name.

From the sides, the prototype you see here sort of looks like a miniature version of the handsome Grand Cherokee, albeit with a bit more in the way of body sculpting. Up front, the seven-slat grille will be front and center, with completely revised headlamp designs that are reportedly angular and sweep well into the front fenders (you can sort of see what we're talking about in the side profile). That doesn't sound very Jeep-like, but we'll reserve judgment until we, you know, see the thing.

The bigger question with the Liberty replacement will be whether or not its off-road chops will be up to snuff. After all, the two previous generations of Liberty models were body-on-frame traditional SUVs, whereas this new Jeep rides on a larger version of the Dodge Dart platform.

We'll likely see the new Jeep debut at the New York Auto Show this spring, though we'll no doubt spot some less-camouflaged testers before then.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/j...t-takes-shape/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Good, Jeep needs to scale back all these small models.

Personally I want to see the line-up as follows:

- Cherokee (Liberty, Patriot, Compass packed into one) - small
- Grand Cherokee - medium
- Grand Wagoneer (7-seater improved Commander) - large
- Wrangler

mmarshall

For that matter, LOTS of things going on recently at Jeep aren't very Jeep-like.

Agreed. We saw Jeep do both the Compass and Patriot on unibody compact-car (Dodge-Caliber)-based platforms. The Compass ended up as a mere suburban grocery-getter, and never did get an off-road Trail Rating....the platform just couldn't handle it. The Patriot did get a (limited) off-road Trail Rating, but only in certain versions with a lot of added chassis and drivetrain work.

Now, of course, unibody vehicles with independent suspensions, if enough attention is given to them, can be good off-roaders.......the Range Rover, one of the best and most sophisticated mountain-goats on the planet, clearly proves that. But look at what a Range Rover costs....you clearly are not going to buy a new one at a typical Liberty's price.


D.C. and Baltimore both have their shows before the NY show in April. Hopefully, we'll see it before then. D.C., though, desite an occasional new-model introduction, doesn't have anywhere near as many as Detroit (and sometimes L.A.), and Baltimore almost never does....the Baltimore show is just too small.

TangoRed

They're all on the same platform, so it could handle it. The Compass was just supposed to be mall rated from the start. Here are the changes needed to make the Patriot go off road:

1. Hill Descent Control- Uses the vehicle brakes to maintain descent speeds of 4-6 MPH in low gear and 3 mph in reverse.
2. Off-Road Brake Traction Control- When required, the traction control system will use the brakes to slow or stop a spinning wheel and send power to the axle with greater traction.
3. 19:1 Crawl Ratio- Being a Continuously Variable Transmission, the ratio is as low as 2.3:1 with a 8.1:1 final drive ratio
4. Off-Road mode engine and transmission calibration- In low, with the 4wd Lock mode engaged, the system raises the CVT rpm to maximize compression braking and provide maximum spark advance to the motor (monitored by the active spark knock sensor).
5. 4WD Lock Mode- Commands maximum torque to the rear axle (electromagnetically controlled coupling)
6. Additional ground clearance- 1" Taller springs and improved dampening
7. P215/65 R17 All-Terrain Tires (28x8.5")
8. Front and Rear tow hooks
9. Engine and transmission skid plates
10. Fuel tank skid plates
11. Cabin air filtration
12. Fog Lamps
13. Seat height adjust
14. Three Mode Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
15. Heavy-duty Cooling (CVT cooler, Engine cooler and high-cap cooling fans)
16. HD Alternator
17. Improved body sealing and relocated driveline vents
18. Reinforced Rear Lateral Links (control arms).

Also, I think this car is too important to debut at D.C. I think we'll see leaked pictures by then though.