Continuing the momentum of its award-winning Jeep® Willys concept vehicle, the Chrysler Group design team today presented its first Tokyo Motor Show world premiere design study: the radical Jeep Willys2 concept.

"Willys2 embodies the Jeep brand's core values of fun, freedom and legendary capability, generating interest from the young and young at heart," said Jordan Meadows, Product Designer at Chrysler Group's Pacifica Advanced Design Center in Carlsbad, Calif.

As executed in the Jeep Willys concept -- which won the Gold Award in the 2001 Industrial Design Excellence Competition sponsored by Business Week magazine and the Industrial Design Society of America -- Willys2 also was designed with an unsurpassed amount of imagination and adventure.

The ultra-modern interpretation of trademark Jeep design cues, including the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, makes Willys2 stand out at any auto show. The vehicle is finished in Action Green metallic paint.

Yet with this newest concept, the Jeep brand continues to develop products reflecting true Jeep values. A combination of honest heritage and modern technology, Willys2 sports a high-tech machined appearance while still evocative of its World War II ancestor, the Willys MB, a vehicle that quickly earned a reputation as an American hero. Although a concept vehicle with no imminent production plans, Jeep Willys2 embraces its past while looking forward toward its global future.

New Concept Vehicle Technology
Willys2 also continues to lead the industry by using frame-web technology with a one-piece carbon fiber body on an aluminum frame. Found in today's top performance sports and military equipment, Willys2 has a lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fiber hardtop that is removable.

The hard top comes equipped with a roof rack featuring a full-size spare tire holder and an integrated luggage carrier, as well as bindings for multiple kinds of outdoor gear. Three auxiliary fog and search lamps emphasize the 'go-anywhere do-anything' attitude that is characteristic of the Jeep brand.

"We call it the pure American," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design for the Chrysler Group. "The Jeep Willys2's usefulness and versatility were developed to exist in ecological harmony with nature, while being perfectly suited for the rigors of an active lifestyle."

The Jeep Willys2, which weighs approximately 1350 kg (3,000 lb.), is powered by a 1.6-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine that has been supercharged to deliver 120 kW (160 bhp) and 210 Nm (155 lb.-ft.) of torque. Its four-speed automatic transmission is coupled with a shift-on-the-fly transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive and low-range modes. Estimated performance figures include a sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph.) in about 10 seconds and a top speed of almost 140 km/h (90 mph.)

Willys2's chiseled design lends substance and visual weight, suggesting a low center of gravity with a long wheelbase (2413 mm/95 in.) and wide track (1496 mm/58.9 in. front, 1509 mm/59.4 in. rear.) It features a custom, independent short-and-long-arm front and multi-link solid rear axle suspension, with coil springs at all four wheels.

The spacious interior blends colors of aqua and silver, providing an honest and mechanical appearance. Translucent plastics allow for a new approach to Jeep design while remaining true to the brand's legendary versatility.

"You can still take a water hose to this interior and clean it out," said Meadows.

JEEP® WILLYS2 CONCEPT VEHICLE
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Powertrain
Engine: 1.6-liter I-4 supercharged
Estimated Power: 120 kW (160 bhp)
Estimated Torque: 210 Nm (155 lb.-ft.)
Transmission: Four-speed automatic transmission
Drive: Full-time four-wheel drive with low and high ranges

Body & Suspension
Structure: One-piece carbon fiber body webbed to aluminum frame,
with carbon fiber removeable hard top and roof rack
Suspension
Front: Independent short-and-long-arm (SLA) with coil-over-shock setup
Rear: Multi-link solid rear axle with coil-over-shock setup

Wheels & Tires
Wheels: 21" x 7.5"
Tires: P235/65R21 Goodyear

Dimensions & Weight
Length: 3617 mm (142.4 in.)
Width: 1791 mm (70.5 in.)
Height w/Roof Rack: 1778 mm (70 in.)
Wheelbase: 2413 mm (95 in.)
Track
Front: 1496 mm (58.9 in.)
Rear: 1509 mm (59.4 in.)
Ground Clearance: 309 mm (12 in.)
Overhang
Front: 577 mm (22.7 in.)
Rear: 627 mm (24.7 in.)
Weight w/Roof Rack: 1350 kg (3000 lbs.)

Estimated Performance
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph.): 10.5 sec.
Top Speed: 140 km/h (87 mph.)