Jeep tampered with the Jeep brand when it introduced the Liberty, featuring an independent front suspension. The Cherokee it
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| The new Grand Cherokee will have no problem walking away from the current model in a head-to-head slalom, while still keeping up off the beaten path. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
replaced incorporated solid front and rear axles, said to be better for hard-core off-roading by 4x4 purists. The new Liberty, which will also features an Italian-built common-rail diesel engine alternative with 295 lb-ft of torque for 2005, not only goes just about anywhere the old Cherokee could, but has also experienced strong sales among less dedicated 4x4 enthusiasts due to its more nimble nature on pavement.
Due to the Liberty's success, Jeep is bullish about its soon to be released 2005 Grand Cherokee, which also breaks from tradition by offering an independent front suspension. While still maintaining a solid rear axle, the new Grand Cherokee will have no problem walking away from the current model in a head-to-head slalom, while still keeping up off the beaten path.
But while the Liberty and new Grand Cherokee offer improved driving dynamics over their predecessors, it is recent news about a car-based crossover Jeep, only suitable for light duty off-road applications that has purists concerned. In the same way Porschephiles cringed
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| A crossover SUV similar to the Compass concept would attract a new clientele, to the dismay of Jeep purists. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
at the thought of including an off-road capable SUV among the storied sports car manufacturer's models, some Jeep customers aren't buying into the need for Jeep "light". But if Porsche's example is one to go by, moving outside of traditional thought can be good for the bottom line. Currently Porsche's Cayenne model is outpacing sales of its Boxster and 911 sports cars, effectually making the German brand predominantly an SUV-maker, much to the disdain of those that think the 911 is the only true Porsche. A crossover SUV similar to the Compass concept that was introduced at the 2002 Detroit auto show will definitely attract a new kind of clientele, what Jeep purists might consider "posers", when it joins two additional SUVs towards the end of 2006.
