Tokyo,
Japan - Chrysler Group designers took a look into the
future and created a concept vehicle that explores the
limits of the Jeep® brand,
combining innovative design and environmentally friendly
advanced technology in an activity vehicle aimed at young
consumers.
Premiering
at the 37th Tokyo Motor Show, Jeep Treo offers a fresh
new look at classic Jeep design themes, such as the seven-bar
grille and prominent windshield presence. Inside, the
Jeep Treo provides space for three passengers or ‘two-plus-gear' in a cabin that creates an open feel
in what is a truly compact vehicle. Underneath, Treo is
based on an all-new platform designed to utilize drive-by-wire
technology and a zero-emission fuel cell – or other advanced
powerplant of the future – along with an electric drive
powertrain that gives Treo full-time four-wheel drive capability.
Treo's
designers were challenged to look a decade or more into
the future and extend the Jeep brand's customer base.
The result is an urban mobility vehicle that provides
Jeep style and freedom in a clean, compact package – one
that can adapt to youthful lifestyle demands, both in
an urban environment and at the trailhead.
“The
Treo is a vivid new interpretation of where the Jeep
brand could go in the future using the freedom of fuel
cell technology. It truly exemplifies the idea of ‘fluid
imagination' thinking in a stunning, unexpected package,” said
Trevor Creed, Chrysler Group's Senior Vice President of
Design.
“Jeep
Treo has a form and a presence that challenge the brand's
traditional dimensions, but in the end, can still be
viewed as being authentically Jeep.”
A Bold New Jeep Signature
The Treo's front end presents a bold new Jeep signature and provides fresh
insights on the classic Jeep ‘face'. Treo then tapers front-to-back in a
tear-drop shape, to end with two high-mounted spar wings that house rear
lamps and serve as mounts for twin high-tech Jeep Rubicon mountain bikes – the
perfect equipment for tomorrow's active young consumers. The rear hatch with
a large cutout notch provides easy access to rear storage.
Jeep
ruggedness is signaled by the open fenders that give
the over-sized tires plenty of play, tow hooks exposed
on the front end, and the ‘precision
tool' look of the headlamps and mirrors. The military-style
tire tread, exposed front suspension, fender-to-body
bolt-on look, and the hiking boot tread detail on the
sill plate all enhance the vehicle's adventurous image.
“The
Treo's look is rugged and purposeful – a truly imaginative
evolution of the Jeep ‘face' with packaging that belies
its compact dimensions,” said Creed. “It has a real presence
in the flesh, one that grows more interesting every time
you look at it – from every angle.”
Flexible Interior and Propulsion Possibilities
Jeep Treo's interior continues the simple, honest Jeep look. The steering wheel
and column, pedals, speedometer and other instruments are housed in a single,
sculptured module. The entire module slides through a slot in the dash for
quick adaptation to right- or left-hand driving, extending Treo's reach to
world markets. The radio, global positioning satellite locator and climate
controls with touch-screen operation are housed in a second, removable module.
Lightweight seats are made of translucent material over
a strong carbon fiber frame. The rear seat folds flat for
storage of additional gear. Another configuration allows
for the front wheels from the Rubicon bikes to be removed
and mounted in the rear of the interior, while still allowing
a third passenger to ride along.
Despite
the vehicle's compactness, a feeling of openness is maintained
in the interior by the large windshield, a ‘see-through',
seven-slotted Jeep front grille, and a glass roof that
extends over the rear passenger space.
Jeep Treo is powered by two electric motors driving the
front and rear wheels, giving the vehicle full-time four-wheel
drive capability. For the future, Treo is designed to adapt
to new technologies, such as drive-by-wire, fuel cells
or other advanced powertrains.
“Treo's
visionary vehicle packaging with its basic three-seat
configuration and built-in versatility lends itself to
future Jeep activity seekers – at entry-level price positioning.
It is rugged and functional in genuine Jeep fashion, but
its adaptability is taken to the next level,” Creed said.
Original Animation for a Unique Vehicle
Chrysler Group's introduction of the Jeep Treo concept vehicle will feature
an original animation sequence produced especially for the Tokyo Motor Show.
The animation is influenced by the style known as ‘anime', which is popular
in Asia and other parts of the world. This adventurous, high tech animation
is the perfect style for introducing the Jeep Treo concept.
Jeep Treo Preliminary Specifications
Wheels and Tires
Wheels: 19” x 6”
Tires: 185/65R19
Dimensions & Weight
Length: 3235 mm (127.4 inches)
Width: 1680 mm (66.1 inches)
Height: 1585 mm (62.4 inches)
Wheelbase: 2450 mm (96.4 inches)
Track:
Front: 1499 mm (59.0 inches)
Rear: 1499 mm (59.0 inches)
Ground clearance: 200 mm (7.8 inches)
Overhang:
Front: 350 mm (13.8 inches)
Rear: 430 mm (16.9 inches)
Weight: 816 kg (1800 pounds) (estimated)