What is it?
Jeep Compass
What's special about it?
The Compass represents an all-new design philosophy from Jeep. This car will not climb the Rubicon trail, in fact, it doesn't even have low-range off-road gears. Instead, all-wheel-drive traction gives the Compass rally car-like capability to fulfill the Jeep tradition of outdoor adventure. A 3.7-lite, 210-horsepower V6 gives it plenty of road-shredding power, while the short wheelbase assures quick handling reflexes.
The interior is a futuristic, but not overly complicated. "Even as the instrument panel looks like the cockpit of a fighter jet with technical dials and gauges — and, of course, a compass — we have kept the interior styling simple, uncluttered and functional," said designer Michael Castiglone. The four-passenger vehicle has bucket seats front and back, with folding rear seatbacks that create a flat, steel-covered load floor.
Why should you care?
Jeep is trying to explore ways to expand its popular brand name beyond traditional sport-utilities. The Compass looks like a good way to do this without completely leaving behind the off-road tradition. With its Liberty chassis and engine, the Compass has definite production possibilities. Factor in the fact that it is a DaimlerChrysler concept vehicle, and you could be looking at the next Jeep. — Ed Hellwig
Jeep Compass
What's special about it?
The Compass represents an all-new design philosophy from Jeep. This car will not climb the Rubicon trail, in fact, it doesn't even have low-range off-road gears. Instead, all-wheel-drive traction gives the Compass rally car-like capability to fulfill the Jeep tradition of outdoor adventure. A 3.7-lite, 210-horsepower V6 gives it plenty of road-shredding power, while the short wheelbase assures quick handling reflexes.
The interior is a futuristic, but not overly complicated. "Even as the instrument panel looks like the cockpit of a fighter jet with technical dials and gauges — and, of course, a compass — we have kept the interior styling simple, uncluttered and functional," said designer Michael Castiglone. The four-passenger vehicle has bucket seats front and back, with folding rear seatbacks that create a flat, steel-covered load floor.
Why should you care?
Jeep is trying to explore ways to expand its popular brand name beyond traditional sport-utilities. The Compass looks like a good way to do this without completely leaving behind the off-road tradition. With its Liberty chassis and engine, the Compass has definite production possibilities. Factor in the fact that it is a DaimlerChrysler concept vehicle, and you could be looking at the next Jeep. — Ed Hellwig
Add A Comment »