Jeep Treo
The Jeep – the original one, that is – was born during World War II and over the decades, it has evolved into an icon in the motoring world. Its ‘DNA’ is clearly evident in the current Wrangler model and Chrysler intends to make sure that DNA will continue into the future.
Of course, like the original Jeep, the Wrangler will eventually be retired and a successor introduced. But what will it be like as new styling trends emerge along with new and more advanced technology? This is the challenge the designers were given and their proposal is called the Treo.
This concept Jeep, unveiled in Tokyo last week, offers a fresh new look at classic Jeep design themes such as the 7-bar grille and prominent windscreen presence. It is intended to be an urban mobility vehicle with a clean and compact package which will appeal to younger customers of tomorrow, meeting their mobility demands whatever they may be.
“The Jeep Treo has a form and a presence that challenge the brand’s traditional dimensions but in the end, it can still be viewed as being authentically Jeep,” said Trevor Creed, Chrysler Group’s Senior Vice-President of Design.
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The front end will immediately identify the Treo as a Jeep but instead of a chunky profile, there is a tapered tear-drop shape terminating with two high-mounted spar wings that house rear lamps and serve as mounts for two high-tech Jeep Rubicon mountain bikes. There’s a rear hatch with a large cut-out notch for easy access to the cargo storage area.
Though looking a bit like another variant of the smart car, the 816-kg Treo presents a rugged look with open fenders that expose the over-sized tyres (185/65 x19). There is an emphasis on giving a ‘precision tool look’ with the exposed tow hooks at the front and the design of the headlamps and mirrors.
The aggressive tyre tread pattern, exposed front suspension, fender-to-body bolt-on look and even a hiking boot tread detail on the sill plate further contribute to the adventurous image.
“The Treo’s look is rugged and purposeful – a truly imaginative evolution of the Jeep ‘face’ with packaging that belies its compact dimensions,” said Mr Creed. “It has a real presence in the flesh, one that grows more interesting every time you look at it – from every angle.”
Its compact dimensions – 3235 mm long and 1680 mm wide – allow for a cabin that accommodates three persons or ‘two-plus-gear’. The interior design has the functional Jeep feel with the steering wheel and column, pedals and meters all housed in a single sculpted module. The entire module slides through a slot in the dashboard for quick adaptation to LHD or RHD, enabling the Treo to be sold globally without further engineering work to convert dashboard layouts.
A second module, also removable, contains a GPS receiver, audio system and climate controls which are operated using a touch-screen.
The lightweight seats have a translucent material over a strong carbonfibre frame. The rear seat folds flat for storage of additional gear and there is some flexibility in the interior layout. A glass roof extends over the rear passenger space to provide protection from the elements.
On the powertrain, Mr Creed said that the Treo ‘is a vivid new interpretation of where the Jeep brand could go in the future using the freedom of fuel cell technology. “It truly exemplifies the idea of ‘fluid imagination’ thinking in a stunning, unexpected package,” he declared.
The fuel cell powers two electric motors, one for each axle, providing full-time 4WD capability. Presumably the designers expect fuel cell technology to have advanced substantially within the next 15 years (the period which their proposal covers) that the various components will be small enough for a vehicle the Treo’s size. Additionally, they have also made provisions for the Treo to use drive-by-wire systems and other advanced powertrains and systems.
“The Treo’s visionary vehicle packaging with its basic 3-seat configuration and built-in versatility lends itself to future Jeep activity seekers – at an entry-level price. It is rugged and functional in genuine Jeep fashion, but its adaptability is taken to the next level,” said Mr Creed.
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