<%@LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT"%> ROCKCRAWLER.com - News Shorts: Jeep® Liberty

News Shorts
Back to the News Shorts Page

ROCKCRAWLER
Back to the Features Page

Jeep Unpaved
All-New 2002 Jeep® Liberty Delivers Brand's Hallmark Off-Highway Capability and Superior On-road Ride and Handling



Click Photos for Larger Versions
Jeep Liberty1/8/01, Auburn Hills, MI - The Jeep® brand once again moves to the forefront of engineering and design with the introduction of the 2002 Jeep® Liberty - delivering a unique combination of ruggedness, capability and superior on-road refinement that sets this all-new vehicle apart from the pack in true Jeep tradition.

The Liberty joins the already formidable Jeep lineup as the newest member of the legendary brand that defined sport-utility vehicles during its 60-year history. The all-new Jeep Liberty was created to expand the breadth of the Jeep lineup and broaden the brand's global appeal. Not only for traditional Jeep buyers, this vehicle is also for a new generation of SUV buyers who value on-road refinement and ruggedness.

Building on themes illustrated by the Dakar and Jeepster concept vehicles, Liberty features short front and rear overhangs and a very upright profile to deliver efficient space utilization, command of the road seating and excellent road presence. The Jeep Liberty stands apart from the new generation of less capable compact SUVs.

Jeep Liberty"The all-new Jeep Liberty stands alone in the world market because it combines legendary Jeep capability that our customers have come to expect with superior on-road refinement to broaden our buyer base even further," said Rich Schaum, Executive Vice President - Product Development and Quality & General Manager Passenger Car Operations, DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

The 2002 Jeep Liberty was engineered with a wide array of new features that make it as capable off-highway as it is competent on any interstate. Major features include:

All-new 3.7-liter PowerTech V-6

The 3.7-liter V-6 engine is designed with similar architecture to the highly acclaimed 4.7-liter V-8 engine which powers the Grand Cherokee. This engine features a 90-degree even-firing V-6, a cast iron block and bedplate, aluminum cylinder heads and a balance shaft. Output is 210 hp @ 5200 rpm (157 kW @ 5200 rpm) and 225-ft. lbs. @ 4000 rpm (305 kW @ 4000 rpm). This all-new V-6 shares many technology features with the 4.7-liter V-8 including:


Chain-driven single overhead cams for superior performance and long- term durability
Fabricated tubular camshaft with powder metal lobes for reduced engine weight
Zero-leaks engine sealing system proven successful on the 4.7-liter engine
Direct mount accessories with a single belt drive for reduced vibration, harshness and weight

Features unique to the 3.7-liter:


Jeep LibertyGear driven balance shaft to minimize engine vibration
Composite intake manifold with individual tuned runners on each cylinder to improve overall performance o Active knock sensor system to improve engine performance and reliability

The 3.7-liter equipped with a multi-speed automatic transmission provides 5,000 pound towing capability that can't be beat. Both this engine and the 2.4-liter PowerTech I-4 are available with a 5-speed manual transmission.

New 2.5-liter Direct Injection 4-cylinder Turbodiesel (for international markets)

The new 2.5-liter direct injection turbodiesel engine features a cast-iron cylinder block and a one-piece aluminum cylinder head with 16-valves. It provides 140 hp @ 4000 rpm (105 kW @ 4000 rpm) and 253-ft. lbs. @ 1800 rpm (343 kW @ 1800 rpm). For improved performance and fuel efficiency this engine features belt driven overhead cams, state-of-the-art direct fuel injection and counter rotating balance shafts. Vehicles equipped with this engine also have a viscous heater system to supplement passenger compartment heat.

All-new Jeep Independent Front Suspension

An all-new Jeep-engineered coil sprung independent front suspension combines excellent overall ride and handling and precise steering control with Rubicon-tested capabilities. The generous eight-inch suspension travel ensures hallmark Jeep off-highway performance. Sturdy, cast iron lower and forged steel upper control arms coupled to a cast iron steering knuckle with permanently lubricated ball joints provide a stable base for the front suspension. This design not only gives consumers confidence about the vehicle's robustness and durability, but improves rough road ride by reducing the vehicle's unsprung weight.

Link-Coil Rear Suspension from Grand Cherokee

Jeep LibertyA link-coil rear suspension, similar to that on the Grand Cherokee, provides a smooth, comfortable ride. This system provides a more comfortable ride than leaf springs because coil springs have less static and dynamic friction. This configuration also provides a roll center closer to the vehicle's center of gravity to reduce body lean during cornering. The trailing A-shaped upper arm's sturdy, box section construction, tuned to provide extremely high stiffness, helps isolate axle and road noise. Box section lower control arms provide exceptional durability. Progressive rate springs in the standard suspension system provide a consistently comfortable ride and help maintain controlled handling under varying load conditions.

All-new Rack and Pinion Steering

Engineered to maintain Jeep off-highway ruggedness, a precise rack and pinion steering system provides on-road steering control. Effort, feel and response are tuned to give the driver accurate control and positive feedback. Steering response is precise and consistent with steering wheel input, while retaining the fun-to-drive quality Jeep owners have come to expect.

Innovative Swing Gate / Flipper Glass Design

For quick and easy access to the cargo area, Liberty features a patented single-action swing gate / flipper glass system. The swing gate opens from the curb-side of the vehicle for safe, convenient loading. A unique pull-type latch mechanism makes the opening of the flipper glass window and swing gate an intuitive, one-motion operation versus competitive multiple step operation. Pulling the release handle performs both operations, as the latch includes a detent to separate the functions. Pressing the cargo door button on the keyless entry transmitter or turning the key in the swing gate lock also opens the flipper glass window.

For further information, contact:
DaimlerChrysler
1000 Chrysler Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2766

www.jeepunpaved.com

 

©2000 ROCKCRAWLER.com