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Detroit Auto Show 2001 - Day 3 Highlights |
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Debuting today with the Dodge Super Hemi 8 and Chrysler Crossfire, the back-to-basics, composite-bodied Jeep Willys concept vehicle pays homage to Jeep vehicles of the past while showcasing the design and technology of the 21st century. "We designed this concept vehicle with the self-expressive, free-thinker in mind,'' said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "The Jeep Willys' usefulness and versatility were developed to exist in ecological harmony with nature while being perfectly suited for the rigors of an active lifestyle". The Willys features plastic body-technology, allowing for a radical approach to Jeep design while remaining true to the brand's legendary capability. Shown in several concept vehicles designed by the Chrysler Group, injection-molded plastic bodies save up to 50 percent in weight and manufacturing costs and are nearly 100 percent recyclable. The molded-in-color plastic allows designers to create shapes not permitted with stamped metal, such as the crisp, rigid lines that give the Willys its high-tech, machined appearance. One then wonders why you would want to achieve a machined look and finish with a injection-molded plastic part? The Jeep Willys' lightweight aluminum frame-web is similar to technologies found in today's top performance sports and military equipment. While its battle-proven, World War II ancestor was made of sheet metal, this concept was built in carbon fiber to simulate the weight savings that could be achieved with injection-molded plastics. Frame-web technology molds the one-piece carbon fiber body to an aluminum frame, giving the Jeep Willys industry- leading rigidity. Designed with a sense of adventure, the Willys creates a fresh, ultra- modern interpretation of the legendary Jeep brand. Confidence-inspiring shapes such as the seven-slot grille, the uniquely executed wheel arches, the extremely short rear and the vehicle's athletic stance maintain true Jeep character. "The Jeep Willys' design was inspired by American culture,'' said Jordan Meadows, Product Designer at DaimlerChrysler's Pacifica Design Center in Carlsbad, Calif. "Individualism and free thinking are pure American values as well as Jeep brand elements. The vehicle exterior design features precise machine-like aesthetics while still showing traditional Jeep design cues, such as the trademark grille and wheel arches and its commanding feel on the road, as well as off the beaten path.'' This visual character is carried on in the interior. Willys' spacious interior sports a light palette in colors and materials. Featured are brushed aluminum and aqua and grey leather with "Starbrite Silver'' accents. "In keeping with the philosophy of purity, the Willys' interior is very honest. The aluminum and plastics used in the vehicle's structure and body detail the interior,'' said Meadows. "The Jeep Willys is a prime example of a vehicle embracing its past while looking to its future.'' Emphasizing the combination of heritage and modern technology, the concept comes equipped with a Sirius Satellite Radio. It offers digital quality audio with crystal clear reception coast to coast from more than 100 news, sports and entertainment channels, of which 50 music channels are commercial free.
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| Copyright © 2001 Car Design News, Inc. |
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