Press Kit: 2007 Chrysler Group Product Information, What's New for '07

All-new 2007 Jeep® Patriot Delivers Traditional Jeep Styling, Best-in-class Capability

Auburn Hills, Mich. August 31, 2006 -

The Jeep® brand continues its expansion into untraveled territory with the 2007 Jeep Patriot. This all-new compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) delivers fun, freedom, utility and best-in-class Jeep 4x4 capability, as well as a new entry-level price point for the Jeep brand. Jeep Patriot will be the gateway to the Jeep brand with a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) below Jeep Compass, which starts at $15,985 (including destination charges).

A modern interpretation of traditional Jeep styling, the 2007 Jeep Patriot combines the packaging and interior flexibility of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup. Safety features, such as standard side-curtain air bags and standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), add to Jeep Patriot’s tremendous value.

All-new Jeep technology gives Patriot more capability than any other vehicle in its class. Jeep Patriot will be available in three drive configurations: front-wheel drive, Freedom Drive I™ (a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode) and Freedom Drive II™ Off-Road Package (a full-time, active 4x4 system with low range that provides true Jeep 4x4 Trail Rated® capability).

All Jeep Patriot models include standard Brake Traction Control, driver-controlled three-mode ESP, Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with rough-road detection.

DESIGN

“Simple yet distinctive geometric forms and planar surfaces define Jeep Patriot’s timeless proportions,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President—Design, Chrysler Group. “Combined, these features give Jeep Patriot its robust, strong, capable off-road image, matching its 4x4 capability.”

Strong and capable, Patriot is unmistakably Jeep, designed to appeal to compact SUV buyers who want traditional Jeep styling with best-in-class off-road capability. Jeep Patriot is rugged, exuding the brand’s key attributes of mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure, while also offering excellent fuel economy, interior flexibility and utility at a great value.

Jeep Patriot is built for maximum cargo volume, rugged driving conditions and excellent utility. Patriot’s face is classic Jeep, featuring the brand’s signature seven-slot grille, a robust bumper and round headlamps.

A stiffer windshield and upright backlight combine to create Patriot’s easily identifiable side view. Classic Jeep design cues include available 17-inch aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires housed inside signature Jeep trapezoidal wheel openings. Jeep Patriot’s high beltline completes the vehicle’s protective side profile.

The rear of the vehicle features an upright backlight and a bold bumper that further illustrate the Jeep Patriot’s interior spaciousness and add to its rugged appearance and capability. Four doors and a rear liftgate provide easy access to Jeep Patriot’s spacious and functional interior.

ENGINEERING

“The Jeep Patriot’s available Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package uses all-new Jeep 4x4 technology to achieve Trail Rated capability” said Larry Lyons, Vice President—Front-wheel-drive Product Team. “This innovative four-wheel-drive technology, developed by Jeep engineers, provides many of the benefits of a traditional transfer case without the additional weight.”

Jeep Patriot will be available in three drive configurations: front-wheel drive, Freedom Drive I (a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode) and Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package (a full-time, active 4x4 system with low range that provides true Jeep 4x4 Trail Rated capability).

Freedom Drive I is designed to give drivers year-round assurance, as well as the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use, including driving in snow and rain. Freedom Drive I features a lockable center coupling, giving drivers the ability to handle deeper snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.

The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is an available four-wheel-drive system that makes the Jeep Patriot a Trail Rated 4x4, creating the most capable vehicle in the crowded compact SUV class. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package includes a second-generation continuously variable transaxle with a low range (CVT2L) that engages when the off-road mode is activated, 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire, air-filtration system, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and seat-height adjuster. The available Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is recommended for true off-road situations that include steep grades, wheel lift and rock or log climbing.

The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package includes the CVT2L’s best-in-class 19:1 low ratio, which is ideal for crawling over obstacles. Off-Road Brake Traction Control maintains forward mobility during heavy articulation or on split-friction surfaces where one wheel loses traction. Hill Descent Control modulates brake hydraulic pressure without driver intervention for downhill assistance at a safe and controlled rate of speed. Three-mode ESP and off-road anti-lock brakes (ABS) also add to the Patriot’s off-road capability.

Jeep Patriot SUVs equipped with the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package sit 1 inch higher than non-Trail Rated versions and meet Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance, including 9 inches of ground clearance, a 29-degree approach angle, a 33-degree departure angle and a 23-degree breakover angle. This version of the Patriot also has additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents to support 19-inch water fording capability. The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot’s body and chassis were developed and tested over numerous rugged off-road terrains to meet the requirements of the enthusiast Jeep customer.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Rugged, classic Jeep styling at an affordable entry-level price — immediately recognizable as a Jeep, Patriot expands the brand by providing a new entry-level price point for the Jeep brand
  • More capability than any other vehicle in the compact SUV class – best-in-class 4x4 off-road capability (Trail Rated when equipped with Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, features include: low-range mode generating best-in-class 19:1 crawl ratio, Brake Traction Control, Hill Descent Control and19-inch water fording capability)
  • Fun, cool innovations abound
  • Standard side-curtain air bags
  • Flexible 60/40 split, fold-flat rear seats with available recline feature
  • Available front passenger seat that folds forward to create a table-like surface for versatility
  • Available 115-volt power outlet in the center console that can power small electronics
  • Ultra Floor™ durable vinyl load floor is both removable and washable
  • An available dual purpose, self-recharging removable interior cargo lamp that’s mounted in the headliner above the cargo area can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
  • Available navigation system uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite technology and an onboard computer to direct drivers to their destination. The system offers turn-by-turn route guidance with voice instruction, automatic reroute calculation and enough memory to store 100 personal addresses. Unit includes a geographic DVD with routing directions for the entire mapped United States and parts of Canada
  • Available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group with subwoofer includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities
  • Auxiliary audio input jack on standard radio for MP3 connectivity
  • Sliding center armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
  • YES Essentials® Stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric
  • Available heated cloth or leather seats
  • Available all-season floor mats
  • Confidence, safety, value — excellent fuel economy, along with standard ESP, Brake Traction Control, ABS, side-curtain airbags, Electronic Roll Mitigation and Brake Assist

SAFETY & SECURITY
Please refer to the Safety Glossary for descriptions of the following available features:

  • Advanced multi-stage air bags
  • Anti-lock brakes
  • Automatic locking retractors
  • Belt Alert system
  • Brake Assist
  • Brake Traction Control
  • Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • Energy-absorbing steering wheel and steering column
  • Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
  • Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat anchor system
  • Pretensioners and load-limiting retractors for front seat belts
  • Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
  • Side guard door beams, front and rear doors
  • Standard side-curtain air bags
  • Structural safety cage
  • Three-point seat belts
  • Vehicle theft security alarm

COLOR AVAILABILITY

  • Jeep Green Metallic Clear Coat
  • Khaki Metallic Clear Coat
  • Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat
  • Marine Blue Pearl Coat
  • Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat
  • Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
  • Black Clear Coat
  • Stone White Clear Coat

MANUFACTURING INFORMATION

  • 2007 model year production start: Fall 2006
  • Production location: Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill.
  • 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine: Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich.
  • Five-speed manual transaxle: New Venture Gear in Syracuse, N.Y.
  • CVT2 and CVT2L: Jatco, Mexico

MARKET POSITION
Jeep Patriot is an all-new compact SUV for the Jeep brand that will provide affordable Trail Rated capability. Patriot is targeted at customers seeking a modern interpretation of classic Jeep styling combined with the latest in technology and feature offerings. Patriot offers Jeep Trail Rated capability at a price previously seen only on small cars and pickups.

Demographics

  • Gender: 50 percent male/50 percent female
  • Median Age: 45
  • Median Annual Household Income: $65,000
  • Household: 60 percent married
  • Education: 55 percent college graduates

MARKET ADVANTAGES

  • Jeep Patriot offers more capability and performance than any other vehicle in the compact SUV class through the Trail Rated Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package. Freedom Drive II provides a low-range mode that generates best-in-class 19:1 crawl ratio, Brake Traction Control, 19-inch water-fording capability and Hill Decent Control
  • Jeep Patriot provides classic Jeep styling at an affordable, entry-level price, giving new compact SUV buyers a nostalgic link to Jeep though its traditional “boxy” style. Priced below Jeep Compass, Wrangler and Liberty, Jeep Patriot provides a new entry-price point to the Jeep brand
  • With standard ESP, Brake Traction Control, ABS, front- and side-curtain airbags; Electronic Roll Mitigation and Brake Assist, Jeep Patriot provides drivers confidence in both on-road and off-road driving conditions
  • Jeep Patriot’s independent front and rear suspension and front-wheel drive configuration give Jeep Patriot on-road performance and handling characteristics, as well as the fuel economy, that normally are found only in small cars
  • Jeep Patriot’s standard 2.4-liter World Engine with dual VVT provides best-in-class four-cylinder horsepower (172)
  • Jeep Patriot offers clever, cool and functional interior innovations, including:
    • Standard side-curtain air bags
    • Flexible 60/40 split, fold-flat rear seats with available recline feature
    • Available front passenger seat that folds forward to create a table-like surface for versatility
    • Available 115-volt power outlet in the center console that can power small electronics
    • UltraFloor™ durable vinyl load floor is both removable and washable
    • An available dual purpose, self-recharging removable interior cargo lamp that’s mounted in the headliner above the cargo area can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
    • Available navigation system
    • Nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group with subwoofer includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities
    • Auxiliary audio input jack on standard radio for MP3 connectivity
    • Sliding center armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
    • YES Essentials® Stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric
    • Available heated cloth or leather seats



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