IED Turin Students Envision the Common Future of FIAT and Chrysler

Back in February, well before Fiat and Chrysler worked out the final deal, a group of second-year students at the Turin-based IED (istituto Europeo di Design) were asked to design a vehicle capable of combining to the best advantage the technical know-how, the platforms and the values of the two brands. The students worked individually and among the designs presented, the team that oversaw the project picked out 13 proposals, including those of Vasily Kurkov and Roberto Testolin that were then selected to be produced as 1:4 scale models.

First up is the Biov that is the work of by Roberto Testolin. The idea behind the small pod-like automobile is the creation of an affordable and ecological vehicle positioned in the A segment that's aimed at young and eco-conscious buyers. The vehicle's body panels are made of lightweight plastic materials that are said to reduce the car's "production complexity" and "engineering costs".

The second and comparatively more realistic proposal is the Jeep Pygmy by Vasily Kurkov. The odd-looking three-door SUV is based on the platform of the Fiat Panda Cross 4x4. According to the designer, the exterior styling blends European and American aesthetics while the interior that can seat two, is said to combine retro features with high-tech details.

We thank IED Turin's Valentina G. for sending us the high-res photos

SEMA '09: Mopar Transforms Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon to a Go-Anywhere Campervan

The forth Mopar-prepped concept to be exhibited at the SEMA Show next month is the Jeep Wrangler Overland. Based on the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, the Overland ditches the rear seats in favor of a flat, rubberized utility floor while an ARB two-person Simpson II tent is mounted to the cargo rack on the rooftop. The interior of the Overland features water-resistant front-seat covers, rugged slush mats, a Daystar dash bin and lower switch panel that powers the added accessories.

To further improve the Wrangler's off-road credentials the Mopar team added a an American Expedition Vehicles three-inch suspension lift and a Full Traction rear sway bar while the vehicle now rides on 35-inch tires mounted on 17-inch steel Mopar winter/off-road wheels.

Other modifications include AEV steel bumpers, a Warn 9.5ti winch, heat-reduction hood and snorkel kit plus additional lights mounted on the windshield and front bumper.

Jeep Compass Overland to Debut in Paris

The Jeep brand’s second world premiere at the Paris International Moto Show is the Compass Overland. And just like the Patriot Back Country, the Compass Overland is baptized by Jeep as a prototype –don’t ask why. Following in the footsteps of the already available Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee Overland models, the customized Compass features silver body side moldings, a Mopar mesh grille insert, body-color front and rear bumpers, door handles and license plate bar complemented by 18-inch Rallye alloys. -Continued

Likewise, the 2009 Compass’ revised interior has been enhanced with Mopar bright sill plates incised with the vehicle’s name and leather seats with an embroidered Overland logo on the front seatbacks. Jeep says that if it where to put the Compass Overland in production (make a bet it will?) it would be available with the same 2.4-liter petrol or 2.0-liter turbo diesel engines as the Compass Limited model.

Jeep Patriot Back Country Concept by MOPAR

Making its debut at the 2008 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris, the Jeep Patriot Back Country is a concept study customized with by Chrysler’s MOPAR division. Based on the recently facelifted Patriot that features an updated interior (see details here), the Black Country’s exterior boasts a unique Optic Green color along with a variety of MOPAR accessories including a roof top cargo basket adorned with off-road lights, splash guards, 18-inch alloys and special insignias. The blackened B-pillars, body-color door handles and the platinum chrome light bar at the rear complete the crossover’s exterior looks. -Continued

The exterior color scheme is continued in the Patriot’s interior which has been enhanced with satin chrome detailing on the door locks, door handles, shifter knob, console and air vents. Furthermore, Jeep has used a special material on the top-end of the steering wheel and the seat bolsters and head restraints. The material is inspired by wet suits and scuba equipment and is made from a smooth urethane that can hold up either wet or dry.

Jeep EV: Plug-in Hybrid Study Hints at Production version

The Jeep EV is one of three electric-drive prototype models revealed today (see here) by Chrysler LLC. Unlike the Dodge EV that is equipped with an all-electric drivetrain, Jeep’s proposal that is based on the 5door Wrangler Unlimited features a hybrid system similar to the one used by GM on the Chevrolet Volt. What this means is that the Jeep EV uses an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery system, and a small gasoline engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. -Continued

The electric motor generates an output of 200 kW (268 HP) and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of torque. Chrysler supports that with approximately eight gallons or about 31 liters of gasoline, the Jeep EV has a range of 400 miles, including 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation. As for performance, the Jeep EV sprints from zero to 60 mph (96 mph) in 9.0 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 90 mph or 145 km/h.

Chrysler officials said that along with the Jeep EV’s hybrid drivetrain, the company’s engineers are also exploring an advanced system with in-wheel electric motors that will offer the Wrangler EV a four-wheel-drive configuration.