Chrysler-Fiat 5 year plan "and" Jeep

rockchalk · 11-18-2009, 06:16 PM

Interesting read... 2010 & 2011 (70th Anniversary) will include major refresh of Jeep Wrangler.

Key takeaways (as they relate to Jeep brand)...

- Jeep Wrangler will continue, and get a diesel (Q4 2010) in the US and Europe.
- Start-stop (engine shutoff at idle), a Fiat technology, will be applied to the Jeep Wrangler (diesel first, other engines later).
- Compass and Patriot are having new exteriors for 2010.
- Wrangler will “retain its rightful spot as the icon for this legendary brand.” Exterior styling will be modified and a dramatic new interior will be put in; a new powertrain will go in for 2011.
- 2011 is Jeep’s 70th anniversary and special editions will be made for each model.
- In 2013 Patriot, Compass, and Liberty will be replaced by vehicles “developed from Fiat platforms” which we are promised will still have the Jeep DNA — small SUV, C-size SUV, Liberty replacement.

Jeep future...

Core Jeep customers were truck-based, wanting capability and 4WD. Expanded SUV customers want unibody vehicles, fuel efficient, with on-road dynamics. The shift from truck to car based SUVs is growing. All Jeeps must have certain aspects (grille, short overhang, trapezoid wheel-arches, functional interior, open-air concepts, visibility, durable materails, handling in bad weather, advanced four wheel drive, and towing capacity.) Jeep Wrangler must also have excellent off-road characteristics but it appears that off-roadworthiness will not be demanded of all Jeeps.

The Chrysler Five Year Plan (November 2009)

**0blcktj6** · 11-18-2009, 06:46 PM

I don't like that start-stop thing but the diesel option does sound nice. Should be interesting to see that dramatic new interior, just sounds like one more thing to hate about it, haha.

**Polecat** · 11-18-2009, 07:06 PM

crank windows are pretty dramatic.

Axl Jack · 11-18-2009, 07:26 PM

The start-stop feature sounds HORRIBLE. Yeah, I'm sure it'll work fantastic when the vehicle is new. But what happens when the vehicle is 15 years old and taken a lifetime of abuse?

A few years ago the starter on my friend's turbo-diesel Chevy pickup went bad. He let the thing run for two days straight. If he hadn't been able to do that, he wouldn't have been able to work. It was during a good two day snow storm and he made a lot of money plowing.

I am excited to hear of a diesel, and also to see what they do with the Phoenix/Pentastar engine.

**grogie** · 11-18-2009, 07:47 PM

I'll believe the diesel when I see it (or hear it's loveliness

).

**99TJSahara** · 11-18-2009, 08:29 PM

I thought that diesel's are better off Idling?

**yoda13** · 11-18-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grogie

I'll believe the diesel when I see it (or hear it's loveliness

).

x2....

**waterboarder** · 11-18-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0blcktj6

I don't like that start-stop thing but the diesel option does sound nice.

I just don't understand that is viable. Maybe I just don't know much about it - but ENGINE SHUTS OFF???? How is this possibly a good thing??? When it is ****ing -40˚F outside, I do not want my engine shutting off.

Mitchness · 11-18-2009, 11:47 PM

Given the concern about the "start/stop" function I'm sure there will be aftermarket as well as shade-tree bypasses for this when it is actually implemented. For those complaining, be happy you have the Jeep you have now I guess.

It's good to hear that Fiat will at least bother to try to keep the Wrangler "root-bound". At least they respect the history of it. They could just as easily kill it if they wanted. Thank you so much greedy, inept, lazy American auto industry!

IDK · 11-19-2009, 12:24 AM

End of a American legend, the Jeep perhaps the most American of any car manufacture has ended as production in America is/will be done, goodbye Jeep you have turned 4x4 upside down and produced some of the most unique models in 4x4 history. Hopefully the Wrangler will keep it's tradition, but other models will be built off of Fiat platforms. The era of American Jeeps has come to an end. Thank you Jeep, it has been a good ride!

**RogueSpear2023** · 11-19-2009, 01:51 AM

That start stop feature will work great on on trail, let the clutch jeep stalls you go rolling down the hill fun. I hope they make a way to override that for off road use. Does this mean there will be a unibody wrangler, that's going to makes some people real happy.

**Unlimited04** · 11-19-2009, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grogie

I'll believe the diesel when I see it (or hear it's loveliness

).

x3. Next Wrangler I get will be a Rubicon diesel, long wheel base. If that doesn't exist, I ain't buying a new Jeep.

**N2rock** · 11-19-2009, 09:32 AM

Wrangler - Exterior styling will be modified and a dramatic new interior will be put in; a new powertrain will go in for 2011.

Wow- so that means us JK owners will have a new model to bash on

**mouse** · 11-19-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2rock

Wrangler - Exterior styling will be modified and a dramatic new interior will be put in; a new powertrain will go in for 2011.

Wow- so that means us JK owners will have a new model to bash on

black05tj · 11-19-2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2rock

Wrangler - Exterior styling will be modified and a dramatic new interior will be put in; a new powertrain will go in for 2011.

Wow- so that means us JK owners will have a new model to bash on

Yeah, but you've got another 18 months of being the whipping child before then, so ya'll best not let yer guard down!!