SEMA Jeep Patriot

[BrewSwillis]

Yes, even more stuff comes down the pike from the guys and gals of DaimlerChrysler. This time, it's in the form of the Jeep Patriot, as envisioned by the good folks at the Chrysler Design Center. As of yet, it's unnamed, so we'll ask for suggestions in 'comments.'

In the meantime, we'll call it the Partly Pragmatic Patriot and give you the quick and dirty on what's been done. The modifications made were centered on making this mild-mannered people mover into a true off-roader. The majority of the focus came by way of jacking up the suspension two-and-a-half inches and throwing on 16" wheels with BFG Mud Terrain tires. That combination of tire and custom-suspension gives the PPP over 11-inches of ground clearance, which will make it easier to avoid smashing that new, metal front-bumper into large, immovable objects.

Beyond that, the team threw on a new roof rack and lighting system, and did their best to make the PPP as purposeful as it looks.

Trail-rated and designed to maximize the capability of the most off-road worthy vehicle in its class. Custom suspension lift raises the suspension 2.5 inches over stock-ride height and provides over 11 inches of ground clearance – to make way for the 31-inch BFG Mud Terrain tires on 16-inch Jeep Moab rims supplied by Prime Wheel. The front fascia is replaced by a custom steel bumper designed to protect the front end while allowing for as much tire exposure as possible. Custom roof rack ensures there's plenty of storage for any occasion. Auxiliary lighting brightens any dark trails.

For High res pic and story: http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/more-fr...p-jeep-patriot/

[Guest YellowJacket894]

It should wear a sign in it's windshield that reads "When I grow up, I want to be a Cherokee."

Otherwise, I like it. It's worlds better than the Comp-ass and at least tries to fit in the Jeep line.

[Intrepidation]

Could be worse, could be better but it's so much better than the crap-ass

[Flybrian]

Does it strike anyone else as really funny that Jeep dumped the Cherokee only to spend the next four years trying to make two or three vehicles like the Cherokee...but failed?

[Intrepidation]

Does it strike anyone else as really funny that Jeep dumped the Cherokee only to spend the next four years trying to make two or three vehicles like the Cherokee...but failed?

211131[/snapback]

Hah, yeah, I still think the Cherokee looks the best.

[Flybrian]

Me, too. I know four people in my graduating class alone that had Cherokees or Cherokee Sports. We also had one as a field car at the airport I used to work at. Man, it sounded like crap (136k), but it looked so beautiful (forest green over tan) and was so fun to drive. I'm a large car guy through and through, but somewhere inside, I'd like to have a neat-looking SUV, like a Cherokee, old Tahoe Sport, or early-90s Blazer/Jimmy.

[Intrepidation]

Me, too. I know four people in my graduating class alone that had Cherokees or Cherokee Sports. We also had one as a field car at the airport I used to work at. Man, it sounded like crap (136k), but it looked so beautiful (forest green over tan) and was so fun to drive. I'm a large car guy through and through, but somewhere inside, I'd like to have a neat-looking SUV, like a Cherokee, old Tahoe Sport, or early-90s Blazer/Jimmy.

211137[/snapback]

Oh I hear ya, I love being able to drive something that handles well on the road and is fast, but I always wanted something to take offroading and beat up without it falling apart, and look good doing it too!

[Cory Wolfe]

Fly... you dont want a Blazer.

But yes, I agree. I like the Cherokee and this Patiot is the closest thing, styling wise, Jeep has come to it. I like it, too. Sure beats the hell out of the Aztek v2.0.

[ocnblu]

Hey, that's pretty spunky! I like that... but does the 2.4L have any hope of spinning those 31's?