Posted by Bob Aldons – Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Face of the future: Jeep has transformed the Cherokee from a boxy four-wheel drive into a sleek and modern SUV.

Jeep’s management insist radical Cherokee design necessary for model's survival

JEEP has defended the new Cherokee’s controversial front-end styling, calling it progressive, long-lasting and crucial to luring buyers away from rival compact SUVs that were eroding away market share.

Speaking at the New York motor show last week, chief designer Mark Allen revealed that Fiat and Chrysler management under leader Sergio Marchionne insisted on nothing less than visual boldness.

“Trust me,” he said. “We offered up to our management – and you've got to give them full credit – ‘mild to wild’ for this exterior look, and they all picked wild.

“The mood was to move aggressively with this vehicle.

“If you look at the face of the vehicle, there is no corner on it. Splitting the lights, and moving the lights around there, allowed us to really rake back the front of the vehicle.

“It’s got to stand on its own, it’s got to be modern. It’s got to go on a while.”

Significantly larger than the preceding Patriot and Compass, but smaller than the old Cherokee (which was sold as the Liberty everywhere but Australia due to Subaru’s hold on the name), the newcomer finally falls in line with the compact SUV norm.

It does so by employing a monocoque body instead of a separate ladder-frame chassis, transverse engine installation and front-wheel drive for at least part of the time – the largest Jeep in history to do so.

Using the (US) best-selling Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 as the benchmarks, Mr Allen acknowledged that Jeep is finally in with a chance to succeed where it has previously failed.

“We were out of the market with the old Liberty,” he admitted.

“That just wasn’t competitive with the set that’s out there right now. Management didn’t just want us to ease into that segment. They wanted everybody to know that we are here.”

Taking about two and a half years to complete, Jeep’s design studio in North America was given the freedom to be expressive with their proposals.

“It just came out of the pen,” is how Mr Allen described the process.

“Everybody just kept gravitating towards this (look). It was just the most modern thing we had up on the board.

“We did not want a box. A box looks very inefficient. This vehicle is very efficient, and we wanted to communicate that with the shape.”

Mr Allen believes that even the more cutting-edge elements still possess enough traditional Jeep styling cues to connect with past models, including the squared-off wheel arches and seven-bar grille motifs.

“The front grille is very wind splitting and the windscreen is very swept back,” he said.

“(But) it’s got a lot of what’s in the Grand Cherokee – a lot of muscular-type sheetmetal lines.

“I get a lot of questions about ‘why is the grille bent back like that?’ Well, if you do look back, there actually is a lot of Jeep in this thing.

“The first Cherokee – the full-sized one – had a kink in the grille. But it wasn’t as pronounced. The XJ (’84 Cherokee), the TJ (’96 Wrangler), the WJ (’99 Grand Cherokee), they all had a kink. Here we’ve amplified it a lot more.”

Mr Allen also wants to remind people that Jeep has had controversial designs in the not-too-distant past.

“If you think about the beloved XJ Cherokee, that was radically different from the vehicle that it replaced,” he said.

“They weren’t looking back when they were doing that vehicle back then. I don’t know what the reviews were back in 1984, but to go from a full-sized body-in-frame monstrosity down to this little thing, that was pretty radical too.”

Another Jeep insider added that lacklustre Patriot sales – released in 2007 to look like a modernised XJ Cherokee – further drove management to be more daring with the KL Cherokee.

Call into Northstar Jeep at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarjeep.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au .

Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge is Fiat Chrysler Groups Northern Metro Dealer Of The Year for 2012 - all the more reason to discuss your Jeep needs with us. Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 BNE JEEP or 1300 263 533

Source: www.goauto.com.au

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep Brisbane

Don't even think about it. The image below was a concept Jeep vehicle from 1998. It was probably way ahead of its time then, but would be sensational if it was for sale today.

Whilst Mike Manley was in Australia for a round of meetings and dealer visits, he not only discussed the Jeep Cherokee replacement, but also provided some top level 'secret' reveals on the B Class SUV as a new model in the range. And in all the various vehicles available, Manley committed to producing a Trail Rated version of every one.

Trail Rated is our heritage said the Jeep CEO - it's what makes Jeep well Jeep. And that's really great news for all the Jeep fans in Australia.

For more info on all things Jeep, call into Northstar Jeep at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarchrysler.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

Jeep promises to produce ‘Trail Rated’ version of Fiat-based sub-Patriot SUV

JEEP’S promised baby SUV will be fit for the Australian Outback – if not the Rubicon Trail – when it arrives in 2015, despite sharing its underpinnings with an Italian commuter car.

The sub-Patriot B-segment Jeep will count among its rivals the Skoda Yeti, Subaru XV and Holden’s upcoming Trax, but the American SUV specialist is promising a rugged variant with class-leading off-road ability.

At a recent Fiat-Chrysler Australia media event, global Jeep brand president and CEO Mike Manley told journalists there would be at least one variant that would meet Jeep’s traditional ‘Trail Rated’ standard.

“The Jeep brand in terms of its equity around the world is too precious for us to weaken it with a product that is not a Jeep,” he said.

“There has to be one version that is Trail Rated, absolutely.

“If we can’t make it a Jeep, we won’t make it – that is the rule.”

Jeep’s Trail Rated certification system is based on a vehicle’s traction, ground clearance, manoeuvrability, wheel articulation and water-fording abilities. ...read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Motor Group

There's an old saying in the motor industry - it's either product or price.

If you've got a hot product (reference Volkswagen Polo GTI, Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel, Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ) then customers will beat a path to your door to get one. If the product isn't so hot, then you have to have a really sharp price.

The Fiat 500 and most of the Alfa Romeo range is, bluntly, too expensive. Apart from some customers who must have a Fiat at any price, there's just too much choice and competition to even think that a brand will sell because of the brand. Fiat Chrysler Australia worked that out last year, when the price of Compass and Patriot came down to the mid twenty thousands. The brand will have its best year ever in Australia in 2012. Centre stage Clyde Campbell, the Fiat Chrysler CEO in Australia - who is determined to get these iconic Italian brands their little slice of the magic. Forget .5% or 1% - Campbell sets his sights high at 2 or 3% and good on him. We're still got fingers crossed that we'll have a Northstar Fiat and Northstar Alfa Romeo franchise in 2013.

Whilst we can't sell you a Fiat or Alfa yet, call into Northstar Motor Group at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.nsmg.com.au  or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655

Fiat-Chrysler boss desperate to secure sub-$20K Fiat 500, more RHD models for Oz

A FIAT 500 priced at less than $20,000 – at least $3000 less than at present – is a top priority for Fiat-Chrysler Australia.

The factory-owned outfit believes it has more scope to expand the range than previous Fiat and Alfa Romeo distributor Ateco Automotive, which officially handed over the keys on May 1.

Fiat-Chrysler Group Australia managing director Clyde Campbell said expansion of sporty premium marque Alfa Romeo will take longer in the absence of new products, but likens the Alfa brand to Jeep in that it has strong heritage and qualities that just need bringing to life with the right vehicles and marketing.

Despite Mr Campbell’s rallying of right-hand-drive markets to secure production of more right-hook products, there is little progress on the development of an RHD version of Fiat’s Chinese-built Dodge Dart-based Viaggio sedan.

Mike Manley, the global president and CEO of Jeep and COO of Fiat-Chrysler Asia-Pacific, told GoAuto he sees “much bigger potential” with the Alfa Giulietta, from which the Dart/Viaggio platform originates, and “would want the guys to focus on that first”.

However, he said there is “potential for us to take (Viaggio) to many markets” after its Chinese launch in September or October....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Sensationalism in press, or electronic media annoys me no end. I've just finished watching the riveting interview between Tracey Grimshaw on A Current Affair with Lindy Chamberlain which talk directly to trial by media and now Haitham Razagui takes my brands to task - with headlines which scream - Jeep Compass, Chrysler Voyager to be dropped.

If Haitham had done some more research and even god forbid, asked some questions of  the PR Department from Fiat Chrysler Group, the journalist would have determined that the vehicles weren't being dropped, but simply that the model line was finishing in favour of some very clever and brand new models in the next 2 years.

Chrysler did something similar with 300C a couple of years ago. "300C finished" was the most popular headline back in 2010 - the last of the then current model 300C had finished production in Austria and dealers had to wait almost 2 years to receive the new generation 300 series due to launch in late July.

All I'd ask Haitham to do is to do more research, chat to people who do know what's planned and cease the sensational headlines. I think the motoring press causes more damage to brand, models and re-sale value by shooting from the hip (or should that be lip) than they realize.

Anyway, jumping down off my soapbox, if you're in the market for any of our brands - Chrysler Jeep Dodge vehicles and Mopar Performance parts and accessories, give the team at Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge a call on 07 34808600. Alternatively visit our website at Northstarjeep.com.au and submit any queries  on price or product there.

if you're doing some research on Chrysler Jeep or Dodge vehicles, check out our sister site at mycarreview.com.au. And if all else fails, you'll find Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Mopar at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula just 15 minutes or so from the Brisbane Airport precinct and a short drive down the highway from Maroochydore and Bribie Island - Don't Hold back.

Off the Compass: The recently-face lifted Jeep Compass is one of the Fiat-Chrysler products targeted for termination in a bid to streamline the product line-up.

Sergio Marchionne outlines plan to reduce overlapping Fiat-Chrysler models by 2014

FIAT-CHRYSLER CEO Sergio Marchionne has outlined plans to reduce the number of overlapping models in the company’s line-up by 2014, naming the Jeep Compass SUV and Chrysler Voyager people-mover among those in the firing line.

Speaking at a recent US media event at Chrysler’s Belvedere assembly plant in Illinois, and in a recent interview with Automobile magazine, Mr Marchionne also confirmed a high-performance SRT variant of the Dodge Dart sedan is under development and an electric Fiat 500 will be introduced to North America later this year.

He told employees at Belvedere there are “a number of candidates” to replace the Compass, although it is not clear whether this was in reference to a replacement product or simply that another vehicle will take its place on the production line.

A smaller, upmarket crossover – rumoured to resemble the Mercedes-Benz R-Class – will supersede the Voyager (known in North America as the Town and Country), while the next-generation Dodge Grand Caravan will continue as Fiat-Chrysler’s people-mover entrant.

Removing the Voyager could again reduce the number of Chrysler products sold in Australia to one – it is the brand’s sole product here until the new 300C arrives in July – although Lancia-based premium light and small cars in the shape of the Ypsilon and Delta could arrive to bolster the line-up by 2014.

While the number of re-badged and duplicated models will be reduced across all brands under the Fiat-Chrysler umbrella in order to boost each brand’s identity, the company is also aiming to cut costs by sharing platforms.

For example, an SUV based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta-derived Compact US Wide (CUSW) platform that underpins the Holden Cruze-sized Dart will replace the Jeep Cherokee (known as Liberty in markets outside Australia).

From top: Jeep Compass; Dodge Dart; Chrysler Voyager.

Dodge’s Caliber crossover (based on twins-under-the-skin Jeep Compass and Patriot) and Nitro SUV (based on the Jeep Cherokee) have already ceased production, but Mr Marchionne has not indicated how the Patriot fits into the equation.

The Compass and Patriot will continue to be built alongside the new Dart in Belvidere until August 2014.

Mr Marchionne suggested the SRT Dart is in the advanced stages of development, saying “the only thing we’re fighting over now is to determine how big an engine we stick in it”.

A prime candidate would be the Alfa Romeo-developed 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine announced in 2011, which the brand claims has a power output of 224kW and is set to enter production next year.

This would make the Dart the first four-cylinder SRT model since the Caliber SRT4, which debuted in 2006 with a 223kW/353Nm turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol engine and was discontinued in 2009.

But Australia is unlikely to see the SRT Dart as the Dodge brand is set to disappear when stocks of the Caliber and Nitro run out, with the Journey coming back as the Fiat Freemont – although there is a chance for the Dart-based, Chinese-built Fiat Viaggio to be imported.

Regarding the electric version of the Fiat 500, Mr Marchionne said the company will “lose money on every car we make” and admitted it is only being built to comply with requirements in some US states for electrified vehicles, and to familiarise engineers with electric drive trains.

However, by 2017 the company plans to introduce alternative drive trains such as hybrids and compressed natural gas combustion engines, the first of which will emerge later this year in the form of a CNG-powered Ram truck.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler

When I first saw the new 300C in the styling dome in Detroit 2 years ago, I was a little concerned that the car had lost it's mojo.

3 years down the track and pictures and video of the 2012 Chrysler 300C emerging from the USA says that I was wrong. It's funny how time changes your opinions on updated designs and lines. The old 300C was the gangster car, the car that you wanted to be seen in (and heard) that made a statement on who you were.

The MY12 300C is more refined but still manages to encompass that 'look at me' aura that 300C officianados will be happy about, but the more refined of us (LOL) will want to drive just because it looks good. The new 300C will offer 2 engines in the 'entry' model - a 3.6 litre V6 Pentastar engine and a 3.0 litre diesel engine both with an 8 speed automatic transmission. If you want the muscle along with the looks, you'll need to specify the SRT8 which matches the 6.4 litre V8 engine with the same 8 speed transmission.

Rumour has it that the 300C will launch on national television on the evening of July 4th (US Independence day) during the 3rd State of Origin Clash (Rugby League). And even more the launch ad apparently will be very memorable indeed

In the meantime, you can pre-order 300C from Northstar Chrysler at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula or visit their web site at www.nsmg.com.au Any questions you have can be sent to them via their website If it's more information you're after, then check out www.lovemychrsyler.com.au or www.mycarreview.com.au .

300 not out: The second-generation 300C sedan will re-launch Chrysler in Australia in July.

Having almost disappeared, Chrysler will be back mid-year with new 300C

13 April 2012
By DAVID HASSALL

CHRYSLER as a brand may have almost disappeared from Australian sales charts – it sold just three vehicles nationally last month – but it will return “very strongly” in July when the next-generation 300C in launched.

With the 300C and Sebring Cabrio having been discontinued last year and the Grand Voyager slowing to a trickle – it accounted for Chrysler’s only 17 sales in the first quarter of this year – virtually no fresh Chrysler-badged product will be available for three months.

However, Chrysler Australia corporate affairs director Lenore Fletcher told GoAuto that “there could be a lot of new product” coming after the new 300C make its debut here July.

“We will be back absolutely – and very strongly – with the new 300C in July, and there are other models that we are shopping for,” said Ms Fletcher.

She said a replacement for the slow-selling Grand Voyager large people-mover was unlikely to be one of them.

Coming so long after the 300C was launched in the US late last year, the second-generation large car will be launched with a full range of variants, including a new diesel and the high-performance SRT8.

Left: Chrysler Grand Voyager; Chrysler Sebring Cabrio; Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The new 6.4-litre SRT8 V8 engine, which replaces the outgoing 6.1-litre unit, was first seen in the Dodge Challenger and produces 347kW of power and 630Nm of torque, which represents increases of 30kW and 61Nm, pushing the big sedan from 0-100km/h in less than five seconds.

Base models will be powered by Chrysler’s new 3.6-litre Pentastar petrol V6, which produces 215kW and 350Nm of torque – 32kW and 10Nm more than the old V6 – or the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel that produces 177kW and 550Nm in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, while the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 carries over from the old model and produces 265kW and 528Nm.

In the absence of the 300C and Sebring for most of 2011, Chrysler brand sales dropped 60.4 per cent to just 580 units last year, but the Chrysler Group was saved by its Jeep and Dodge brands, which were up 44.7 per cent and 41 per cent respectively, bringing the group’s sales total close to 12,000 units.

With the Nitro having gone out of production, Dodge sales have slipped 22.9 per cent this year, but Jeep has more than compensated by more than doubling, with a 136.9 per cent increase in the first quarter to 4105 sales.

Chrysler group sales are therefore well on track for a record year, at least since the company built cars locally.

“Jeep is going gangbusters for us, and we can maintain that momentum,” said Ms Fletcher.

“The dealers are very happy because they’re very busy. We’ve just had our best quarter on record and we’ve been setting records all over the place – best January, best February, best March and best sales months for Compass, Patriot and Grand Cherokee.”

Ms Fletcher said the reasons for Jeep’s recent success included the latest “I bought a Jeep” TV commercial, which cleverly and subtly sets out to attract more women buyers to what has traditionally been a male-dominated brand.

“Jeep sales have always been male-dominated, but the ‘I bought a Jeep’ program really appeals to women and has resulted in a turnaround in attitude, so that’s pushing people into dealerships,” she said.

by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

River Deep - Mountain High? There's probably nowhere a Jeep can't take you. The new edition released in the USA recently certainly packs looks and punch with the choice of the 2.8 litre diesel or 3.6 Pentastar V6 engine. The new paint colour pictured - Gecho - certainly enhances the rugged outdoor look of the iconic Jeep. Cameron Semark and the guys at Northstar Jeep are no strangers to enhanced Jeep Wrangler packages - their exclusive Trail Rated Edition is now in it's third iteration and as Cameron says, they don't have any intent in backing off. A recent special buy of 2 door Wranglers at $29000 sold out in weeks. Customers were able to use the money they saved to equip their vehicles with very special off road gear.

We're hopeful of seeing the COD Edition (Call of Duty) edition soon as well as this version. Call into Northstar Jeep at Redcliffe - there's always something special on display.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain special edition 20.2.2012.

Jeep® Wrangler Mountain: new special edition-model with authentic 'outdoor' style

The new Jeep Wrangler Mountain special-edition model: nature and adventure combine with the capability, reliability and security offered by the iconic Wrangler. The new Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition will be powered by the efficient 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine and the recently introduced 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar. New limited edition model will arrive in European dealerships at the end of the second quarter of 2012 in both two- and four-door versions.

Building on the success of the recent special-edition Wrangler vehicles, Jeep introduces in Geneva another high-impact, limited-edition model: the new Jeep Wrangler Mountain.

With a unique exterior and interior design enhanced by exclusive styling cues, 17-inch wheels and authentic accessories by Mopar®, the new special edition model is the vehicle for those who want to stand out in the open spaces. In expressing the endless possibilities of customization of the iconic Wrangler, the new Mountain edition pays tribute those who actively practice the outdoors. With the 'Mountain' theme recalled by the name of the vehicle, the brand also wants to underline that thanks to benchmark technology and unmatched off-road expertise the iconic Wrangler is capable of overcoming the most demanding trails and the most challenging driving conditions.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain is based on the Wrangler Sport model and it will be available on both two-and four-door versions. Exterior features include a unique Black decal on the hood, front Mineral Gray grille and painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch wheels. Additional features are the 'Mountain' decal over part of the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates familiar to outdoor enthusiasts, side steps and black fuel-filler door from Mopar.

The interior features fabric seats with Slate Grey stitching and embroidered 'Mountain logo'. Mopar treatment in the cabin consists of tread-pattern slush mats.
Exterior colors for the new Mountain special edition model are in addition to the all-new Gecko that enhances the vehicle displayed in Geneva, the Black, Bright White, Dozer and Black Forrest Green colors already available in the Wrangler lineup.

The new Mountain special-edition model will be powered by the 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine producing 200 hp at 3,600 rpm and 460 Nm of torque at 1,600-2,600 rpm paired to a five-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Range Select (ERS). The diesel engine can be also equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. Also available on the new special edition model is the new 3.6-litre V-6 petrol engine delivering 284 horsepower DIN (209 kW) and 347 Nm (256 lb-ft) of torque. The 3.6-litre petrol engine is matched to the automatic five-speed transaxle with ERS.
Engineered to master the most challenging off-road tracks, Jeep Wrangler Mountain features an enhanced Dana 30 front axle and enhanced Dana 44 rear axle. Legendary Jeep off-road capability is achieved through the standard Command-Trac® NV241 part-time, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio.

The equipment for driver's and passengers' on-board comfort offers leather-wrapped steering-wheel with integrated controls, Dual Top configuration (i.e. the possibility to have both the soft and hardtop options), Uconnect® multimedia infotainment and new Winter & Sound Group package, including front heated seats and 368-watt, 6-speaker Infinity audio system.
Jeep Wrangler is the original and authentic 4x4 that expresses the unconventional soul of the American brand by combining exceptional off-road capabilities with the driving enjoyment offered by a unique vehicle in the automotive industry.

Undisputed off-road champion, Jeep Wrangler is appreciated worldwide for its outstanding off-road capabilities and its unique personality.

Comments by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

It's great to travel around the world as guests of my manufacturers - we get to see concept cars, design studio cars, clay models and even preliminary sketches of cars coming even years ahead. Whislt confidentiality is always paramount, you can smile quietly to yourself when you see a new model born - Jeep Compass Black Edition is a case in point.

I saw the precursor to this vehicle in the styling dome in Detroit back in 2010 - and here it is. Hopefully we'll see an Australian version sooner rather than later, but if you want to get ahead of the pack, I suggest you talk to the guys at Northstar Jeep. Justin Ryan and Cameron Semark must be the best Jeep enhancement designers on the planet - unique creations that not only look good, they go hard as well.

Jeep Compass black look concept initial photo 20.02.2012
 

Jeep® Compass production-intent concept: all-new Black look for the compact SUV of the Jeep family

All-new Black exterior treatment, black-gloss step pad and new 18-inch black-gloss aluminium wheels create the sporty look of the Jeep Compass production-intent concept revealed in Geneva. Efficient 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque and active Full-time Freedom Drive I® four-wheel-drive system. UConnect® multimedia navigation and infotainment system with Bluetooth UConnect® Phone and 9-speaker premium Boston Acoustics sound system deliver maximum comfort, information and entertainment on board.

In Geneva, Jeep reveals to the European public a new production-intent concept of the compact SUV Compass featuring a unique exterior treatment and exclusive Black look. The Compass production-intent concept displayed in Geneva is in fact a design study that adds to Jeep Compass a number of styling cues and functional elements including exclusive black-gloss front-end accents, step pad and 18-inch aluminium wheels. All this provides to the compact SUV of the Jeep family a more distinctive appearance and personality.

The iconic, seven-slot Jeep front grille boasts black-gloss inserts that combine to black-gloss headlamp and fog lamp surrounds. A black-gloss treatment characterizes also the roof rails and step pads. Special 18-inch black-gloss aluminium wheels reinforce the look of the vehicle.

Upon entry, leather seats deliver a touch of exclusiveness to the cabin. New front and rear bright sill covers complete the unique interior of the Jeep Compass concept.

The four-wheel-drive configuration of the Jeep Compass production-intent concept is matched to a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine delivering 163 hp of power and 320 Nm of torque. Benchmark all weather capability in its category is provided by the full-time, active Freedom Drive I four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode. The system is designed to give drivers year-round assurance with the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions as well as slick roads that come with rain and light snow.

The rich equipment for comfort and safety on board includes a sophisticated 368-watt Boston Acoustics premium sound system with 9 speakers, voice-activated Bluetooth UConnect® Phone with UCI interface and UConnect® multimedia infotainment and navigation system with 6.5" touch screen, 30 gigabyte hard disk, USB compatibility, AUX port and DVD player.

Compact flagship of the Jeep brand, the Compass combines SUV features and functionality with performance, handling and fuel efficiency. Completely redesigned in 2011, Jeep Compass boasts a new stylish exterior, an upgraded, high quality interior compartment, improved driving comfort and handling, new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine available in both low-and high output versions and a new 2WD drivetrain option alongside the proven Freedom Drive I four-wheel drive configuration that highlights Jeep Compass' dual nature: 4x4 capability and on-road sophistication.

Two trim levels are available for Jeep Compass: Sport and Limited. Both versions are equipped with the efficient 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine delivering 163 hp and 320 Nm of torque fitted on both two-wheel and four-wheel drive Compass models. Low-output version of the 2.2-litre turbo diesel producing 136 hp is equipped on front-wheel-drive Compass models only. The two-wheel-drive configuration is also available on models powered by the 2.0-litre petrol engine. 2.0-litre completes with the available 2.4-litre engine the Jeep Compass engine lineup offered in Europe.

Jeep Compass features a full line of active and passive safety systems, including advanced multi-stage front airbags, side-curtain front and rear air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist, Brake Traction Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with rough-road detection and the sophisticated Hill Start Assist system.

I had the priviledge to be in the USA last week - Sunday was Super Bowl Sunday and the group spent the Super Bowl at Gilleys Bar in the Treasure Island Casino. Madness? You have to be there to experience it. Luckily I was on the NY Giants, the eventual winners at 2 to 1. As good as the football was - it did take a bit of time to reacquaint myself with the rules of the game, the pre football ads, the half time ads and those in the breaks were magnificent.

My favourite? Chrysler's 2 minute ($12 million US dollars) ad - It's half time in America. Narrated and starring Clint Eastwood, it says that the US builders are back in the market. Clint, a republican by the way, tells the estiamted 750,000,000 viewers that the US auto industry has turned the corner and is regaining it's competitiveness. OORA

'It's Halftime in America' Super Bowl XLVI Commercial [video]

In the United States, the Super Bowl is not only the culmination of American football season, but for many it also represents a time for friends and family to come together. Chrysler knows this and felt it would be an opportune time to address the nation and acknowledge these tough times while underlining the current positive momentum going forward.

The pep talk commercial is narrated by Clint Eastwood, the iconic American actor famous for his cowboy roles in spaghetti westerns and Dirty Harry films. Shown during the Super Bowl XLVI last night, here is the script of the emotional commercial:

It's halftime. Both teams are in their locker room discussing what they can do to win this game in the second half.

It's halftime in America, too. People are out of work and they're hurting. And they're all wondering what they're going to do to make a comeback. And we're all scared, because this isn't a game.

The people of Detroit know a little something about this. They almost lost everything. But we all pulled together, now Motor City is fighting again.

 I've seen a lot of tough eras, a lot of downturns in my life. And, times when we didn't understand each other. It seems like we've lost our heart at times. When the fog of division, discord, and blame made it hard to see what lies ahead.

But after those trials, we all rallied around what was right, and acted as one. Because that's what we do. We find a way through tough times, and if we can't find a way, then we'll make one.

All that matters now is what's ahead. How do we come from behind? How do we come together? And, how do we win?

Detroit's showing us it can be done. And, what's true about them is true about all of us.

This country can't be knocked out with one punch. We get right back up again and when we do the world is going to hear the roar of our engines. Yeah, it's halftime America. And, our second half is about to begin.