January 2004 Jeep concept cars: Rescue and Treo
These cars were introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January 2004. Photos follow.
The Dodge ME Four Twelve has its own page.
(And the Sling Shot.)
Jeep Rescue
Designed for the most extreme situations and unforgiving conditions, the Jeep Rescue concept is not only the ultimate type of search and rescue vehicle - it's the ultimate execution of a Jeep off-road vehicle. That may be surprising, because it's based on the Dodge Ram chassis, complete with solid front axle and Cummins diesel engine - which means that, like the Sling Shot, it could go into production quickly if DCX so chooses.
Starting with a modern interpretation of the timeliness, classic Jeep, the Rescue hints at a future design direction for a large Jeep.
The Rescue can be configured to run almost totally open - with folding front windshield and a retractable backlite, a sliding glass sunroof in front, a fold-forward canvas roof in the rear, and removable doors (all four).
Featuring all-new body-on-frame construction with hydroformed frame rails and riding on an 80-inch wide chassis with 123-inch wheelbase and 37-inch tires, the Jeep Rescue is built for anything thrown its way. The front hydropneumatic suspension combines with the heavy-duty link-coil rear suspension to give the Rescue its solid footing on all terrain. The suspension has adjustable ride height and an additional 4-inch lift available for fording. The aforementioned 37-inch tires feature an MTR tread and run-flat capability, negating the need for a spare. On-board tire pressure control has the ability to tune tire pressures for maximum traction on all surfaces.
Powered by a Cummins diesel and featuring seating for five, the Jeep Rescue's primary mission is rescue capability, and its list of rescue and safety equipment is impressive:
* AC electric power (10 kW) generation in the field
* 3-D topographical mapping software and topographical navigation system
* Under- chassis, point-of-view cameras for avoiding danger in its path
* Passive, infrared (thermal) cameras for search and rescue
* Satellite telephone; VHF radio, digital video recorder with satellite transmission capability
* Retractable 4-point harnesses for vehicle occupants
* Exterior perimeter lighting
* White LEV lighting for long distance visual search and reduced power use
* Folding seats in rear compartment of vehicle
* Remote control winch - front and back
To read about our test drive and see exclusive Jeep Rescue photos, click here.
The Jeep Treo
The Treo is the next-generation, urban-active Jeep - one that will allow it to thrive in a city or campus environment, yet one that will easily take its owner to the trailhead. All of this adaptable with the ability to use the freedom of fuel cell technology.
Imagined with an efficient, hydrogen fuel cell powering all four wheels via dual electric motors, the Treo is designed to operate in all conditions - while being sensitive and accountable to the environment.
Treo - a name meaning "three" in various languages - comes from the concept's unique 2 + 1 seating configuration, which can be changed to accommodate a 2 + gear scenario. The Treo's "face" presents a bold new Jeep signature - despite the concept's compact dimensions.
The classic Jeep design elements - the seven slot grille, large "eye" headlamps and the prominent windshield presence - are freshly nuanced and then enhanced by a purposeful lower-front bumper with rugged, oversized tow hooks, slightly exposed front suspension componentry and bolt-on fenders.
The Treo's shape narrows front-to-back, and culminates in a dramatically tapered tail, which is augmented by twin, high-mounted spar wings that serve a triple functional role as running, brake and tail lamps, cooling air intakes and as the exterior mounting points for twin Jeep Rubicon bikes.
An advanced drive-by-wire system allows for instant adaptability for either left- or right-hand drive. The steering column, pedals and instrumentation are all contained in one module - a single piece of sculpture that can be easily slid to either side of the car - which mounts to a one-piece structural beam (a second module contains the radio, GPS and HVAC controls in a touch screen that is removable). The Jeep see-through grille and the creative greenhouse design contribute to the Treo's roomy, air interior - allowing it to take full advantage of natural and ambient light sources. Future-tech materials mesh with tactile textures and surfaces, which results in an interior environment that's bright, open and functional. The Treo's rear seat can be folded to store more gear, although the front wheels from the exterior-mounted Jeep Rubicon bikes can be stored in the back without disturbing the rear passanger.
To read about our test drive and see Jeep Rescue photos, click here.
