2000 Jeep® Varsity

The Jeep Varsity is built for performance. A 300 horsepower V6 sends this Jeep off the line in sports car time. Crisp handling and the independent front and rear suspension give the Varsity a great ride both on and off the paved road.

The independent suspension is teamed with Jeep's Selec-Trac® 4WD system. As with any Jeep vehicle, aggressive approach and departure angles and over-sized tires give this vehicle the off road chops to "go anywhere" and "do anything."

Varsity sports a more vertical interpretation of the trademark Jeep grille. The A-pillar resolution is reminiscent of Wrangler, while separate side markers and turn indicators echo Jeep Cherokee. The exterior sheet metal, where full surfaces transition with facets and hard intersections, show a direct lineage from the Grand Cherokee. Varsity's exterior design of substantial shapes and strong lines is evident inside as well. Heavy-duty materials suggest a rugged mountaineering readiness.

The "go anywhere" attribute of this Jeep vehicle is further enhanced by an independent front and rear suspension. This custom suspension provides a sports sedan like ride on the highway while preserving Jeep's legendary terrain capabilities.

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2000 Jeep® Commander 2

Jeep® Commander 2 merges dynamic design with an advanced fuel cell powertrain in a luxury sport-utility vehicle that is virtually pollution-free while achieving double the fuel efficiency of a conventional SUV.

While Commander 2 duplicates the shape and design of the first Commander, the new-generation vehicle is powered by a completely reengineered fuel cell system. The fuel cell is now combined with dual front and rear electric motors and advanced batteries into a hybrid-electric fuel cell powertrain that represents further advancement in the development of ultra-clean, ultra- efficient transportation for the 21st century. Commander 2 has near-zero tailpipe emissions and improves the average fuel efficiency by up to 12 mpg (gasoline equivalent).

Commander 2 runs on electricity generated by the fuel cell, which is fueled by hydrogen from an on-board methanol reformer. Methanol was chosen because it is easy to dispense, simpler to reform while producing lower emissions than a gasoline powered fuel cell, and eliminates the need for large hydrogen storage tanks in the vehicle.

Two AC induction motors, one for each axle, provide full-time, four-wheel drive. A nickel-metal-hydride battery provides supplemental energy during acceleration; while towing heavy payloads; and for cold starts, since fuel cell systems require warm up time. The battery captures energy normally lost during braking and also helps improve fuel efficiency.

To compensate for the additional weight and cost of the fuel cell system, Jeep designers incorporated DaimlerChrysler's unique injection-molded thermoplastic body technology, demonstrating the weight savings that could be achieved with injection molded plastic.
The plastic body technology, first shown in the fall of 1997 in the Composite Concept Vehicle (CCV) and more recently in the Dodge ESX3, saves up to 50 percent in body weight, 10 to 50 percent in manufacturing costs and provides near 100 percent recyclability. Using molded-in-color plastic allowed designers to embody a very machined, high-tech feel to the surface appearance, unlike the design restrictions with stamped metal.

Because of its lightweight body, Commander 2 weighs 5700 pounds, slightly more than typical full-size SUVs. The 180 degree convex side view mirrors eliminate blind spots and have wipers for better visibility during inclement weather. In addition, the tow hitch cover folds down and doubles as a step for ease in reaching the roof.

Functionality is a key component not only in Commander 2's exterior design, but also in its roomy interior. The driver "Infotronic" system performs as a mobile office with a removable toaster-style pop-up "plug and play" laptop computer docked in the center console. The system provides global positioning system (GPS) data and Internet for real-time weather and traffic information and directions, along with e-mail phone and vehicle diagnostic information. A liquid crystal display (LCD) screen in the instrument panel connects to the driver's laptop. The steering column houses a small microphone that allows the driver to access the mobile office via a "user independent" voice recognition system.

The instrument panel contains another unique feature that provides extra security: a tiny camera positioned to take a picture of the driver. If the vehicle is stolen, a picture of the thief is electronically sent to the authorities. The instrument panel is further enhanced with chrome details and a brushed aluminum surface accented with light burl wood on both the panel and steering wheel. Sophisticated navy blue is the primary color of the interior and seats, complemented by cognac leather trim inserts.

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1999 Jeep® Journey

Jeep introduced the Jeep Journey, an experimental vehicle, at the Chicago Auto Show on February 11, 1999. The fully-functional Journey was based on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, combining "The Most Capable Sport-Utility Ever" with cutting-edge Magellan® communication and navigation equipment.

The Jeep team was given the task of designing a luxury 4x4 true to the Jeep heritage of legendary on- and off-road capability, equipped with extraordinary technological innovations and enough storage for an extended off-road trek.

The Jeep team based its design on the award-winning 1999 Grand Cherokee with the 235 horsepower 4.7-liter PowerTech V-8 engine and Quadra-Drive(TM) four-wheel drive system. On the exterior the design team applied Patriot Blue Pearl Coat high gloss paint over low gloss paint on fascias and bodyside cladding and added a custom brush guard and rally mesh covers for the grille and head, fog and tail lamps.

Front and rear skid plates, tubular rock rails and integrated front and rear Warn winches prepare the Jeep Journey for extreme off-road use. Seventeen inch high gloss chrome wheels with 235/65 R17 Goodyear Wrangler HP Extended Mobility (run-flat all-terrain) tires and a customized roof rack with stylized wind deflector and integrated front and rear high-intensity spotlights round off the exterior treatment.

On the inside, the Jeep design team used two-tone Deep Royal Blue and Taupe trim, brushed aluminum inlays on the instrument panel and doors, and seats covered with Deep Royal Blue leather with Royal Blue woven cloth accents. Journey-embroidered floor mats complete the interior appearance.

Enhancing the interior is cutting-edge navigation and communication equipment provided by Magellan. Not for sale until May of 1999, but already fully functional in the Jeep Journey is Magellan's state-of-the-art 750NAV® vehicle navigation system. With the 750NAV, the driver simply enters a street address, or selects from a menu of destinations that includes hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and more. No CDs are needed. The system provides turn-by-turn visual and audio directions to the destination. A special feature allows the driver to navigate even where there are just off-road tracks by using GPS-waypoints to position the vehicle.

In addition, Magellan's 750NAV system in the Jeep Journey is a true mobile multi-media center, coupled to a laptop computer in the luggage area, a remote keyboard on the passenger side and a color printer/fax machine in the rear center armrest. The system has a high-resolution, ultra-bright full-color touch screen display on top of the dashboard. To make Jeep Journey even more versatile for its driver and passengers, the vehicle comes equipped with two Magellan ColorTRAK® handheld GPS systems for hiking and boating, an integrated cellular phone with hands-free operation, a satellite-based world phone, Travel Note voice messaging and an interface with the ORBCOMM® network for mobile e-mail capability.

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1998 Jeep® Jeepster

A V8-powered sports car that can cover the Rubicon Trail, the ultimate test of off-road prowess. It could only be called the Jeepster.

The original 1948 Jeep Jeepster was an interesting adaptation of a military vehicle for civilian life, said Micheal Moore, DaimlerChrysler’s chief designer for the interior and exterior of Jeep products. It looked like it was tough, but it was really only a car. It left out some of the characteristics that make Jeep products unique today features such as four-wheel drive and true off-road capability. So when we revisited the idea, we made sure this vehicle could cover the Rubicon Trail and still thrive on-road with unique, adjustable suspension.

The Jeepster’s electronic, four-wheel independent suspension raises and lowers via two console switches. On-road, the Jeepster has a ground clearance of 5.75 inches. Off-road, the Jeepster can be raised to a rock-climbing 9.75-inch ground clearance. Equipped with short overhangs, a 4.7-litre 32-valve V8 engine, monster dual exhaust pipes, a Quadra-Trac II® transfer case with on-demand 4WD high and low, a four-speed automatic and an integrated aluminum skid plate, Moore says the Jeepster is not a sport-ute ‘wanna-be.’ It’s the real deal. It’s even equipped with a tow hook designed into the hood hinge.

The Jeepster’s traditional seven-slat grille is flanked by open fenders cantilevered over the front tires. Round headlamps are slightly exposed above the hood surface, and an elegant character line in the center of the hood is in keeping with the original Jeepster. The entire vehicle angles forward in the on-road position to create an aggressive, linear look. A roll cage stands at attention under the Jeepster’s soft convertible top. And the deeply sculpted, 19-inch aluminum wheels are mated with Goodyear extended-mobility tires, designed to run for 50 miles after a flat.

Inside, the Jeepster’s instrument panel has a military radio look. Compact controls are arranged concentrically, and the navigational system features a global positioning satellite system, an altimeter and a grade and roll indicator. The Jeepster’s seats are crafted of the same weather-resistant leather used for hiking boots.

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1997 Jeep® Icon

Jeep Icon is a creative exploration for a next-generation Jeep Wrangler.

Chrysler designers achieved Icon's compact, muscular look by increasing the size of its bumper, tires and wheel arches.

Traditional Jeep Wrangler design cues, including its long dash-to-axle proportions, classic grille face, exposed hinges, folding windshield, and roll cage were re-defined and updated for the next century.

Icon is painted Steel Blue Metallic. Its interior is deliberately simple and rugged with the same exposed aluminum fittings and painted steel. One of Icon's most notable interior design elements are its seats. Inspired by the design of a camper's backpack, Icon's seats are light-weight and made of exposed aluminum tubes which support durable waterproofed olive-gray leather upholstery. Icon Designer Robert Laster says his overall design concept was inspired by the design elements found on today's high-end mountain bikes.

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1997 Jeep® Dakar

Jeep designers made room for two additional doors by stretching Dakar's wheelbase to 108.5 inches (2756 mm), almost 15 inches (381mm) longer than the 1997 Jeep Wrangler. "With a longer wheelbase, we are able to offer additional space for passengers and their gear," said Trevor M. Creed, Chrysler Corporation's Design Director. "We are also able to further improve the ride by positioning backseat passengers in front of the rear axle as opposed to directly on top of it."

To enhance the sense of being outdoors and further build on the adventuresome spirit of Jeep Wrangler, Dakar was given a new windshield, side glass and all-new steel roof. The roof offers a variety of features including a full-length built-in tubular roof rack, as well as a manual canvas sliding sunroof, front-mounted rally lamps, spare tire storage, and strategically-placed access handrails that run the length of the D-pillar. The spare tire is clamped on to the roof bars and features a special sliding mechanism which allows for easy, quick, no-hassle removal.

Other multi-purpose features include a folding shovel integrated into Dakar's front fender, jerricans built onto the rear tailgate, and an adventure module designed to fit inside of the rear door that features a night vision scope, binoculars, flashlight and compass. "Always be prepared," said Creed. "You never know where Dakar's spirit of adventure may take you."

Dakar's earth-toned interior shares the same rugged characteristics of a 1997 Jeep Wrangler but features wood trim, woven leather seats and Berber carpeting. "We utilized wood and leather to give the interior of the vehicle more of a civilized, European-style flavor," said Creed.
"At a time when many sport utility vehicles look the same, Dakar is in a class by itself," said Creed. "No one will mistake the identity of Jeep Dakar as it is an authentic, instantly recognizable design execution that opens up new opportunities for one of the world's most recognized brands."

Whether it's on a safari, on the trail, at the beach, or even stargazing, the combination of the Wrangler's spacious new 4-door body and thoughtful features make Jeep Dakar a rewarding experience.

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1997 Jeep® Casablanca

Inspired by the Jeep Cherokee, the Casablanca had round-headlights and a 2.5L turbodiesel. It also had a roll cage that doubled as a roof rack - with built-in driving lights, a canvas sunroof that slid back to open up the entire vehicle,a tubular bumper and side steps, an integrated winch, a 2-inch suspension lift to make for 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and 31-inch tires.

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1993 Jeep® Ecco

The Jeep ECCO, presented at the 1994 British International Motor Show is a modern mix of sports car and off-roader. Designed to be in harmony with the 21st Century,ECCO is lightweight yet strong, versatile and durable. It is fully recyclable and is powered by the engine of the future - an advanced, lean burn two-stroke which is mounted amidships.

But ECCO hasn't lost sight of Jeep's original 'go anywhere, doanything' principles. With a permanent four-wheel-drive system, high-ground clearance and a wide track for optimum stability, the two-door, four-seater ECCO continues Jeep's established excellence on and off the beaten track.

The Jeep ECCO concept features extensive use of recyclable aluminium and plastic body components. The design includes rugged lower 'rafts' made from tough plastics, which are designed to support and protect the upper body ofthe vehicle for maximum durability. To make the recycling process even more efficient and cost effective, ECCO has been produced with disassembly in mind.

ECCO's power unit is a version of Chrysler's SeriesThree engine. Developed by the company's Alternative Engine Task Force - a 15-strong group of young engineers exploring future power technologies - the unit is an all-aluminium1.5-litre three cylinder direct injection two stroke. It develops 85bhp while peak torque of 120 lb ft is reached at a mere 2700rpm. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a six speed manual gearbox and a viscous center differential.

The Alternative Engine Task Force is leading a world-wide race to produce the first two-stroke engine that meets all 1994 emissions regulations and still provides acceptable levels of power and economy. The Series Three engine, thanks to the development of a unique fuel injection system, moves several steps closer to that goal. This lightweight engine and body allied to a slippery aero-dynamic shape helps to give ECCO lively performance coupled with impressive fuel economy. A large glass area, thin roof pillars and low hood help to make for excellent all-round visibility,another safety feature.

ECCO has a longer wheelbase than the current (1994) Wrangler,but is shorter overall. Its wider track and lower center of gravity makes it even more comfortable on road, but without losing any of the Wrangler's sure-footed off-road ability.

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