Time to Get Pissed!?

New Fiat Jeep?

Posted September 1 2010 11:08 AM by John Cappa
Filed under: Editorials, Jeep Enthusiast Culture, John Cappa

At the last several new Jeep vehicle launches I've attended I've heard the following key message worded in different ways.

"Designers took the traditional design cues from the Jeep brand’s nearly 70-year heritage – the seven-slot grille, short front and rear overhangs, trapezoidal wheel arches..."

The problem is that the designers at Jeep seem to think all you need to do is slap a seven-slot grille and some trapezoidal wheel arches on any chassis and you got yourself a Jeep vehicle. This isn't the stuff that makes a Jeep.

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A buddy recently sent me THIS link. Now I know a new small Jeep is in the works for 2013 as well as one Jeep that will replace both the Compass and Patriot in 2013 based on the Jeep plans handed out when Chrysler was given government bailout money. But this isn't what I was expecting. If this is actually a planed production Jeep it will be based on the C-Evo chassis. That's the same chassis found on the Fiat 500 and Fiat Bravo among others. Go ahead and Google those vehicles. These "cars" look more like a Honda Civic than a 4x4. I don't care what body you put on them, they will never perform well off-road and they are not Jeeps.

I sure hope autoblog.com is wrong. I'm really hoping it's just a concept Green Jeep built by some wet-behind-the-ear interns that will show up at the 2011 Detroit auto show. Then after the show it'll hopefully be pushed into the crusher or some dusty warehouse where it can become infested with rats and their droppings.

I think what is more likely to find a home under a mini Jeep is the Fiat Panda 4x4 chassis. But that doesn't make me all warm an fuzzy inside either.

UPDATE:

Interestingly, less than an hour after I posted this blog I received a letter from Chrysler:

We would appreciate it if you could update the autoblog.com post with the following statement, which you may attribute to Chrysler Group Communications:

"While we certainly appreciate the interest, the clay model and sketches in the YouTube video represent past design studies, not the future of Jeep design. This and similar videos are targeted toward college students and the youth market in general, to build excitement about the Jeep brand, and to provide a glimpse into some of the processes we go through to create iconic Jeep vehicles."

thanks in advance,

Scott Anderson
Editorial Director - Online Media
Chrysler Group LLC

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Reader Comments:

1. Why get Pissed? Surely, you guys don't think Jeep/Fiat would ever do away with the Wrangler line. They may be crazy....but, they're not stupid! They know where their money is made. They also know that there is CULT following of the Original Jeep line WORLDWIDE! But, they also know that they need to widen their customer base...AND, what would be better than a high end, REAL Jeep that could compete with the BMW's and Lexus' out there? The Wrangler is safe.....and for us LOYAL Jeep owners...we know that's all that matters!

stvnlo - Posted September 1 2010 11:52 AM

2. I'd rather have other capable Jeep models available that could expand the "Cult" following. Simply stamping a Jeep logo on a non-Jeep vehicle isn't cutting it for me and it's damaging to the brand. Why not just sell it under the Fiat name?

John Cappa - Posted September 1 2010 12:07 PM

3. My she-cousin had a XJ cherokee & traded it in on a Patriot(dumb move). She couldn't afford the new Wrangler that she wanted & is biding her time with the Patriot until she can.
At least she stayed with the Jeep brand....

06unlimitedrubicon - Posted September 1 2010 05:37 PM

4. I have news on this. I have spoke with a representative from Jeep/Chyrsler as I submitted a letter outlining an idea for the new small Jeep several months ago. They read my idea and called me.

My idea is to restore the "CJ" line to the Jeep brand. Slot it under the Wrangler and build a modern version of the CJ-2. Lets face it although nice the Wrangler is a gas guzzler and is quickly costing well over $30k with any options, especially the four door. A small wheel base CJ that is respectful of its heritage; rugged, utilitarian and fun to own will be exactly what Jeep needs. I hope they take me up on this idea.

jeepinterest - Posted September 3 2010 04:58 AM

5. Uhhh, you ain't gonna see the CJ come back. There is no way it would pass today's crash standards. Nice try though except it ain't even close to April.

There is a small Jeep in the works as per the Jeep plans but its likely not what you describe.

John Cappa - Posted September 3 2010 04:26 PM

6. Uhhh, I respectfully disagree as you (JP Editor) misunderstand the concept. I am not saying to literally bring back the CJ2. You cannot tell me that considering all the small cars out there, SMART cars, Mini's, etc. that a crash compliant small SUV in the heritage of the CJ cannot comply with crash test standards. That, in my opinion, is the least concern. The primary concern is convincing the new management at Jeep that a new CJ concept is saleable and profitable. What I described to the representative that called me is a modern version of the CJ that is rugged true to the Jeep "trail-rated" heritage yet attractive to young, first-time buyers who could become life-long customers providing that a positive, entry level experience is had. I believe a new CJ could be that positive product.

So I disagree with yo. The rep. I talked to you got it, now I hope you do as well.

jeepinterest - Posted September 7 2010 07:37 AM

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