2007 JEEP COMPASS
By Michael Cohn

We will post more photos from the debut as soon as we can get them edited and uploaded from the press room at Cobo Hall. Check back around noon 1/9/2006 for these photos.

Detroit, Jan 9, 2006  -  The Jeep® brand is expanding into new territory with the all-new 2007 Jeep Compass — a modern-styled Jeep vehicle that delivers fun, freedom, utility and Jeep 4x4 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’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,” said Jeff Bell, Vice President — 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 4x4 confidence, brand cachet and the inspiring sense of excitement and adventure that only Jeep can offer,” 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.

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.

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.

“The Jeep Compass is an all-new design statement for Jeep,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President — Design. “Compass fulfills the demands of customers who want a Jeep that is modern, stylish and refined, but still offers the credibility and characteristics associated with the Jeep brand name,” Creed added.

The Jeep Compass features the brand’s signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings. However, there also are several modern design twists that distinguish Compass from traditionally styled Jeep vehicles. The all-new silhouette, with a steeply raked windshield, expressive hood and deep fascia, gives the Jeep Compass its modern, yet capable appearance. The Jeep Compass’ side profile features uniquely sculptured fender forms delivering a fresh, athletic interpretation of traditional Jeep trapezoidal wheel flares. Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and available 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels explore Compass’ dual nature: off-road capable and on-road sophistication.

Jeep Utility Built Inside and Out
Jeep Compass’ flexible interior gives buyers the capability to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear. A command-of-the road seating position gives drivers an added feeling of control. Compass has 39.3 inches of rear seat leg room, 52.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat and 60.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded flat.

In addition to interior spaciousness and flexibility, Jeep Compass has many clever and unique interior features available that add functionality not typically found in a compact SUV, including:

World-class Engineering
The 2007 Jeep Compass’ powertrain is designed to deliver world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement.

Compass features a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds. This World Engine produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT. Dual VVT is a technology typically not available on vehicles sold in the United States in this price class.

Jeep Compass also features a standard five-speed manual transaxle and an available Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an available AutoStick® feature on the Compass Limited model that allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6–8 percent compared with a traditional 4-speed automatic.

A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine will be available for markets outside North America.

Jeep 4x4 Capability and Safety
Jeep Compass will offer customers the confidence and assurance that comes with Jeep 4x4 capability.

Compass’ available active, full-time 4x4 system is recommended for daily use, including driving in snow and rain. The four-wheel-drive “Lock” mode is recommended for deep snow, deep sand and other low-traction surfaces.

Jeep Compass also shows that capability and safety go hand in hand. Both the standard full-time and “Lock” modes include many standard safety features including: Brake Traction Control, driver-controlled three-mode Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation and anti-lock brakes with rough-road detection. Compass’ standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes provide an excellent 60–0 mph dry pavement stopping distance of 125 ft.

Added Jeep capability is evident from Compass’ 8-inches of ground clearance, 21.1-degree approach angle, 32-degree departure angle and 21-degree breakover angle. Compass features standard 17-inch wheels and all-season touring tires and available 18-inch wheels and all-season performance tires.

Jeep Compass Model Line-up
The newest Jeep will be available in both Compass and Compass Limited models. Both are available with front-wheel and four-wheel-drive capability.

The Jeep Compass includes a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle. Other standard equipment includes: standard side-curtain air bags, ESP, traction control, ABS, a fold-flat vinyl load floor, AM/FM CD radio with an auxiliary audio input jack, cloth seats, 12-volt power outlet, manual windows, locks, and foldaway mirrors, silver interior bezels and door arm rests, tilt steering wheel, dome and cargo lights, floor mats and a center console sliding armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid features a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player.

Additional exterior standard features include fog lamps, body-color grille and fascias, body-color bodyside molding, black door handles, accent-color liftgate appliqué and 17-inch aluminum wheels and touring tires.

Optional features on Jeep Compass include four-wheel-drive capability, a second-generation CVT2, seat-mounted side air bags, heated cloth or leather seats, AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player and MP3 CD play capability, flexible 60/40 split-fold rear seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, air conditioning, power group (which includes driver one-touch power windows, power locks, Remote Keyless Entry and power mirrors), deep-tinted glass, security alarm, trailer tow prep package, daytime running lamps, 17-inch all-terrain OWL tires, a full-size spare tire, engine block heater, 110-volt outlet in the center console, a removable, rechargeable interior lamp, fold-flat passenger seat, tonneau cover, speed control, full-size spare tire, map lights, manual seat height adjuster, 60/40 rear seats that both fold flat and recline, passenger assist handles and illuminated entry, YES Essentials® fabric — an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration, a Driver Convenience Group (which includes tire pressure monitor and electrochromic mirror), Leather Interior Group (which includes leather seats, manual lumbar, leather steering wheel with radio controls, heated seats and floor mats), UConnect™ hands-free communication system and a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system that features two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgating and other activities.

The Jeep Compass Limited also is available in both front-wheel and four-wheel drive and features a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle or an optional CVT2. In addition to the standard features on the Jeep Compass model, the Limited model features bright front and rear fascia overlays, bright side moldings, 18-inch aluminum wheels and tires, Leather Interior Group and heated seats.

Beyond those offered on the Jeep Compass model, available options on the Jeep Compass Limited model include: 18-inch chrome clad wheels, sunroof, Driver Convenience Group (which includes compass and temperature gauge, tire pressure monitor and electrochromic mirror), AutoStick and body-color bodyside molding.

All 2007 Jeep Compass models will be available in Jeep Green Metallic Clear Coat, Khaki Metallic Clear Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.

All models feature a two-tone interior color theme of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige.

2007 Jeep Compass Production
Production of the 2007 Jeep Compass begins in the second quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant. The new 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine that powers the Compass is built in the state-of-the art Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich.

Jeep Brand
The heroic heritage of Jeep and its dominance of the sport-utility market stretch back more than 65 years. Jeep is known worldwide for its core attributes of mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure. The Jeep Compass, with excellent fuel efficiency, an affordable price and proven Jeep capability, provides an opportunity to expand the brand and attract new buyers around the world.

Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA)
The World Engine is a family of world-class four-cylinder engines produced by GEMA in Dundee, Michigan, delivering an exceptional combination of quality, fuel efficiency, refinement and performance. GEMA is owned equally by DaimlerChrysler Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Company. By optimizing the three joint venture partners’ strengths, global economies of scale and the latest practices in flexible teams and machines, GEMA aims to set a new benchmark in engine plant productivity.

Jeep® Compass Concept Preliminary Specifications

Design dimensions
Wheelbase: 103.7 inches (2635 mm)
Overall length: 173.4 inches (4405 mm)
Overall width: 69.3 inches (1761 mm)
Overall height: 63.3 inches (1607 mm)
Front overhang: 34.5 inches (877 mm)
Rear overhang: 35.1 inches (893 mm)
Front track: 59.8 inches (1520 mm)
Rear track: 59.8 inches (1520 mm)
Couple (1-2): 32.5 inches (825 mm)
Tire/wheel sizes
Front: 255/50R19, 19 x 7.5 inches
Rear: 255/50R19, 19 x 7.5 inches
Exterior color
G-Force Liquid Green