|
DaimlerChrysler 2001 Jeep® Willys Concept Vehicle
"Pure American" Jeep® Design Incorporates Cutting-Edge
Plastic Technology
|
Click Photos for Larger Versions
1/9/01,
Auburn Hills, MI - The
back-to-basics, composite-bodied Jeep® Willys concept vehicle
pays homage to Jeep vehicles of the past while showcasing the design
and technology of the 21st century.
"We
designed this concept vehicle with the self- expressive, free-thinker
in mind," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Product
Design, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "The Jeep Willys' usefulness
and versatility were developed to exist in ecological harmony with
nature while being perfectly suited for the rigors of an active
lifestyle. Call it the pure American."
The
Willys, unveiled at the 2001 North American International Auto Show
in Detroit, features plastic body-technology, allowing for a radical
approach to Jeep design while remaining true to the brand's legendary
capability.
Shown
in several concept vehicles designed by the Chrysler Group, injection-molded
plastic bodies save up to 50 percent in weight and manufacturing
costs and are nearly 100 percent recyclable. The molded-in-color
plastic allows designers to create shapes not permitted with stamped
metal, such as the crisp, rigid lines that give the Willys its high-tech,
machined appearance.
The
Jeep Willys' lightweight aluminum frame-web is similar to technologies
found in today's top performance sports and military equipment.
While
its battle-proven, World War II ancestor was made of sheet metal,
this concept was built in carbon fiber to simulate the weight savings
that could be achieved with injection-molded plastics. Frame-web
technology molds the one-piece carbon fiber body to an aluminum
frame, giving the Jeep Willys industry-leading rigidity.
Designed
with a sense of adventure, the Willys creates a fresh, ultra-modern
interpretation of the legendary Jeep brand. Confidence-inspiring
shapes such as the seven-slot grille, the uniquely executed wheel
arches, the extremely short rear and the vehicle's athletic stance
maintain true Jeep character.
Willys'
chiseled body lends substance and visual weight, suggesting a low
center of gravity with a long wheelbase (95 inches/2413 mm) and
wide track (58.9 inches/1496 mm front, 59.4 inches/1509 mm rear).
The
2,900-pound (1315 kg) curb weight of the Jeep Willys allows a 15:1
weight-to-horsepower ratio.
"My
'pure American' design philosophy for the Jeep Willys led me to
the very clean, precise and mechanical appearance," said Jordan
Meadows, Product Designer at DaimlerChrysler's Pacifica Design Center
in Carlsbad, Calif. "However, it still shows traditional Jeep
design cues, such as the trademark grille and wheel arches and its
commanding feel on the road, as well as off the beaten path."
This
visual character is carried on in the interior. Willys' spacious
interior sports a light palette in colors and materials. Featured
are brushed aluminum and aqua and grey leather with Starbrite Silver
accents.
"In
detailing Willys' interior with an honest look and feel, we reinforced
the versatile Jeep lineage," said Meadows. "The Jeep Willys
is a prime example of a vehicle embracing its past while looking
to its future."
Emphasizing
the combination of heritage and modern technology, the concept comes
equipped with a Sirius Satellite Radio. It offers digital quality
audio with crystal clear reception coast-to-coast from more than
100 news, sports and entertainment channels, of which 50 music channels
are commercial-free.
The
Jeep Willys is powered by DaimlerChrysler's 1.6-liter, in-line four-cylinder
engine that has been supercharged to deliver 160 horsepower (120
kW) and 155 lb.-ft. of torque (210 Nom). Its four-speed automatic
transmission is coupled with a shift-on-the-fly transfer case with
full-time four-wheel drive and low-range modes.
Custom,
independent short-and-long-arm front and multi-link solid rear axle
suspension with coil-over-shock set-up and sizeable 22-inch wheels
with P235/840R560 PAX tires embraces the "go anywhere"
attitude synonymous with the Jeep brand.
Estimated
performance figures include a sprint to 60 mph. (97 kph) in 10.2
seconds and a top speed of almost 90 mph. (140 kph).
"The
custom suspension and supercharged powertrain were engineered to
preserve the rugged capabilities that the Jeep brand is known for,"
added Creed. "We wanted the DNA of the Willys to speak to the
heritage of its ancestors. We were looking for the most efficient
yet stylish way to capture the spirit of classic Jeep vehicles enhanced
with modern technology. Marrying 21st century technology with 20th
century tradition, the pure American Willys captures the bare essence
of the Jeep brand."
Specs
--->
For
further information, contact:
DaimlerChrysler
1000 Chrysler Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2766
www.jeepunpaved.com
©2001
DaimlerChrysler. All rights reserved.
|