Two models of Jeeps to debut in Detroit
1/8/2006Jeeps defying gravity while perched on soaring rock structures with an occasional climber traversing among them.
A waterfall two times bigger than in the past, forming the brand's name, distinctive seven-slot grille, and other symbols.
A huge faux fireplace helping to highlight Jeep's more refined side.
DaimlerChrysler AG will gladly talk about how it enlarged the Jeep exhibit at the North American International Auto Show in downtown Detroit this year. Chrysler even confirmed it will reveal there the car-based Jeep Compass, to be built in Belvidere, Ill.
But while Chrysler has remained mum about the second Jeep it plans to unveil this week for the Cobo Center show, it undoubtedly is the redesigned Jeep Wrangler.
The Wrangler is the icon of the brand that will come out in two-door and four-door versions this year from a $900 million multifactory Toledo plant.
Media previews start today for the show, and journalists will be greeted by an outdoor mountain display for Jeep across from Cobo, another signal of Chrysler's intent to make a big splash with the Toledo-born brand.
The Detroit show will open to the public Saturday and run through Jan. 22, with about 20 production and 10 concept ve-ler's intent to make a big splash with the Toledo-born brand.
The Detroit show will open to the public Saturday and run through Jan. 22, with about 20 production and 10 concept vehicles making their worldwide debuts.
More information about the show featuring more than 700 vehicles overall is available on the Web site www.naias.com.
Although the timing for the Wrangler's debut remains shrouded in mystery, Chrysler today will continue drawing on its past and unveil the Dodge Challenger concept. The rear-wheel-drive muscle car, which features a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 engine with 425 horsepower, has created buzz among auto enthusiasts.
For more practical buyers, Chrysler is introducing the Dodge Caliber compact car, which is replacing the Neon and will be built alongside the Jeep Compass and the upcoming Jeep Patriot in Belvidere.
Toyota Motor Corp. will take the wraps off the redesigned Toyota Camry and the model's much-anticipated hybrid version.
New concepts expected to explore different body styles and powertrains, meanwhile, include the Mini Traveller, the BMW X3 Active Hybrid, and the Mitsubishi Concept CT MIEV.
Contact Julie M. McKinnon at: jmckinnon@theblade.com or 419-724-6087.