The Jeep Icon - "a creative exploration for a next-generation Jeep Wrangler." Built by Metalcrafters Inc. from designs made by Chrysler's Pacifica Studios, the Icon uses near-standard Wrangler running gear but with a few significant alterations - it's tracks are wider, wheelbase and overhangs shorter, and turning the engine and re-siting the transmission has given a substantial increase in ground clearance and wheel travel. There's an integral alloy roll cage and folding windscreen (electrically operated), although the familiar Wrangler bonnet line remains. Exposed hinges and bonnet latches continue the Wrangler utilitarian theme.
The Jeep Dakar could almost be a Jeep of today and indeed it is rumoured to be ready for production in 2000. Apart from the longer wheelbase, steel roof and extra doors, the Dakar is visually very similar to the current Wrangler. There's a luxury feel to the interior with leather and walnut, but still a purposeful approach to the design of the exterior featues - roof-mounted spot lamps, roof-rails, a sliding spare wheel mount and rear handrails are standard, along with a shovel built into the front wing and jerry cans mounted on the tailgate.
The Jeep Jeepster - a 4.7 lire, 32-valve V8-powered sportcar that can also compete on the Rubicon Trail. The Jeepster was revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January 1998 as a design initiative to create a "crossover" vehicle. The Jeepster has electronic, four-wheel-independent, adjustable suspension that can raise or lower the vehicle by four inches and adjust the attitude for a more aerodynamic on-road ride. Recent rumours suggest that the Jeepster may go into production as early as 2000. Chrysler USA have already released an estimated price tag of $30,000 for the 4.7 V8 and $25,000 for the 4.0 litre.
Get your ownFree Home Page
