1998 Jeep Jeepster Concept
A V-8 powered sports car that can cover the Rubicon Trail, the granddaddy of off-road excursions? Chrysler has a design that might just pull it off.
The Rubicon has long been the exclusive domain of Jeep® Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and other Jeep vehicles rich wîth heritage. The Jeep Jeepster concept deserves consideration for that list.
‘The project began as a Jeep studio designer initiative to create a crossover vehicle,’ said Rick Aneiros, Vice President, Chrysler Group Jeep and Truck Design. ‘It was a ‘what if’ exercise. What if you could have the power and excitement of a sports car coupled wîth the capability and rugged go-anywhere nature of a Jeep Wrangler.
‘As we developed the concept of the ‘Jeepster,’ we envisioned a life-style vehicle that was as competent and fun to drive on fast, twisty black top roads as it would be on the Rubicon Trail,’ he §äid. The unique, adjustable suspension became an essential feature which enabled this extraordinary capability.
‘We originally codenamed the vehicle, ‘Project Grizzly.’ But we decided to search Jeep heritage and settled on Jeepster, from the rare and now quite collectible 1950 Willys Convertible,’ Aneiros added.
The Jeepster’s electronic four-wheel-independent, adjustable suspension raises or lowers the vehicle four inches and adjusts the attitude for a more aerodynamic on-road ride. On-road, the vehicle has a ground clearance of 5 and 3/4 inches, which improves ride and handling by lowering the center of gravity and better managing the air flow. Off-road, the vehicle can be adjusted to a 9 and 3/4-inch ground clearance necessary for serious rock climbing. Two switches on the console raise or lower the vehicle.
‘This Jeepster has short overhangs, a four-speed automatic, Quadra-Trac II transmission and an aluminum skid plate integrated in the side sill,’ Aneiros §äid. ‘It’s full of interesting, functional details. For example, it’s even equipped wîth front tow loops integrated into the hinge modules of the forward-hinging hood.’
This Jeepster does not suffer from a lack of power. The two-plus-two seater comes equipped wîth the all-new 4.7-liter 16-valve V-8 engine – the same engine that debuted on the all-new 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Exterior Design Points
The body, painted an intense red wîth contrasting deep blue fender flares and side panels, starts wîth the traditional Jeep grille. Its seven vertical intake slots are flanked by uniquely detailed headlamps, placed high on the steeply raked grille for lighting efficiency. The front of the hood has been lowered to maximize forward visibility. The result is the development of distinctive hood forms tapering back from the headlamps.
Like the Plymouth Prowler, the vehicle is gestured lower in the front and higher at the rear to give forward motion, creating a bold, aggressive, linear look.
The roll cage and soft top cover work in the same way as the Jeep Icon concept car shown in Detroit in 1997. The rear tail lamps, like the headlamps, are round, wîth similar reflector detailing.
Interior Design Points
The instrument panel has a military radio look that retains images of past Jeep military products. The compact, multifunction heater controls are arranged concentrically for a new look. The navigational system is a reconfigurable colored flat screen technology display, which includes a global positioning satellite system, an altimeter, a grade and roll indicator and an exterior temperature sensor.
The seats, cognac in color, are made of the same weather resistant leather as rugged hiking boots. The front seats are structural — wîth integrated belts — and feature a four-point belt system wîth a center clasp; the rear seats have a conventional three-point belt system and fold for extra cargo room.
Chassis Design Points
The deeply sculpted, five-spoke, 19-inch wheels, wîth Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires (EMT), are capable of maintaining their shape, on and off-road, even after a flat, at speeds up to 55 miles per hour for 50 miles. This eliminates the need for a spare, reducing the weight of the vehicle and creating more useful space for luggage. Goodyear EMT tires first appeared on the Plymouth Prowler.
The transmission is a four-speed automatic Quadra-Trac II wîth 4WD high and low range. A dual exhaust system wîth three inch diameter pipes shows that this sports car means business, according to Moore. The curb weight is 3,400 pounds.
In Detail
| price $ | $ Prototype |
| engine | V8 |
| valvetrain | SOHC |
| displacement | 4700 cc / 286.8 in³ |
| power | 205.1 kw / 275.0 bhp @ 0 rpm |
| specific output | 58.51 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | bhp per tonne |
| torque | Not Available nm / Not Available ft lbs @ 0 rpm |
| body / frame | Steel |
| driven wheels | Front Engine / AWD |
| front tires | F 255/55R-19 |
| rear tires | R 255/55R-19 |
| f brake size | mm / in |
| r brake size | mm / in |
| front wheels | F 48.3 x 45.7 cm / 19.0 x 18.0 in |
| rear wheels | R 48.3 x 45.7 cm / 19.0 x 18.0 in |
| curb weight | 1542 kg / 3400 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2616 mm / 102.9 in |
| front track | 1509 mm / 59.4 in |
| rear track | 1509 mm / 59.4 in |
| length | 3734 mm / 147.0 in |
| width | 1803 mm / 70.9 in |
| height | 1473 mm / 57.9 in |
| transmission | 46RE 4-Speed Auto |
| gear ratios | :1 |
