New Jeep vehicles to debut at 2010 North American International Auto Show

• Liberty Renegade boasts classic Jeep® design, a premium, rugged appearance and numerous standard features that deliver renowned Jeep capability

• Liberty Renegade positioned between Sport and Limited models; available in

Jeep showrooms first quarter 2010

• Jeep Wrangler Islander theme returns after 20-year hiatus, delivering unique

fun-and-freedom package; available in Jeep showrooms first quarter 2010

• Available second quarter 2010, Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition boasts rugged outdoor theme, with 32-inch tires and unique wheel, grille and bumper appliqués

• Limited-edition Islander and Mountain packages available on two-door Jeep Wrangler and four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 models

The Jeep® brand is broadening its vehicle lineup with the introduction of three new rugged, versatile and innovative vehicles that deliver classic Jeep design and capability.

The new 2010 Jeep Liberty Renegade boasts a new premium, rugged appearance with standard class-leading capability features, while the Jeep Wrangler lineup is expanded with unique limited-edition models – Jeep Wrangler Islander and Jeep Wrangler Mountain – that deliver high-impact visual appeal with outdoor fun-and-freedom themes.

'While clearly appealing to our core customers, these three new Jeep models will attract new customers to the Jeep dealer showroom,' said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. 'The new Liberty Renegade delivers renowned Jeep capability and an array of standard features in a stunning new rugged, premium design, while both Wrangler models expand the iconic anchor of the Jeep brand with unique, limited-edition versions that consumers have told us they want.'

The new Jeep Liberty Renegade and Jeep Wrangler Islander edition will be available in Jeep showrooms in the first quarter of 2010. The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition will follow in the second quarter.

Jeep Liberty Renegade

The 'Renegade' name returns to the Jeep® lineup for 2010. First used in 1964 on the inside door opening of the Jeep Wagoneer, the Renegade has always represented the rebellious heart and soul of the Jeep brand.

Positioned between Liberty's Sport and Limited models, the new Jeep Liberty Renegade expands the Jeep Liberty lineup, delivering renowned capability – highlighted by Jeep's Selec-Trac® II full-time, shift-on-the-fly, active four-wheel-drive system – in a unique, premium and rugged new design.

Jeep Liberty Renegade is offered in a new, Renegade-exclusive Salsa Red Pearl Coat exterior, as well as Natural Green Pearl Coat, Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.

Standard Liberty Renegade exterior features include painted Mineral Gray Keystone 16-inch wheels that wear new, rugged all-terrain P235/70R16 outline white letter (OWL); dark neutral metallic wheel flares, lower side sills, front and rear fascia, body side moldings and rear license plate bar; black headlamp bezel; Argent Silver accent on the lower fascia appliqué and roof rack; Satin Black vinyl hood graphics; deep-tint glass; fog lamps; skid plates and tow hooks.

Inside, standard appointments include new premium cloth seats; leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, instrument panel grab handle and park-brake boot; new driftwood accent bezels; leather-wrapped center console and soft-door armrests; premium Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC); cruise control; security alarm; rear cargo cover and steering-wheel-mounted radio controls.

Jeep Liberty Renegade's standard Selec-Trac II active four-wheel-drive system offers customers the benefit of a fully electronic two-speed active transfer case and Brake-traction Control System (BTCS). It instantly anticipates wheel slip and redirects torque accordingly, which is ideal for off-roading or when driving in inclement weather.

This premium system offers a '4WD Auto' mode that is ideal for full-time driving. When in 4WD Auto mode, the system uses vehicle sensors to adjust and redirect torque between front and rear axles based on real-time driving conditions, providing the vehicle with responsive tractive performance.

For added capability when traversing steep grades, rough terrain or extremely poor traction surfaces, the transfer case includes a '4WD Low' mode. This second-speed gear multiplies engine torque 2.72 times and locks the clutch pack for maximum traction.

Electric shifting between 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Low is accomplished with a console-mounted switch. A push-pin button is used to shift to Neutral mode.

A 3.7-liter V-6 engine is standard on all Jeep Liberty models, including the new Renegade. The 3.7-liter engine produces 210 horsepower (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm.

All Jeep Liberty models offer customers an 'only-in-a-Jeep' open-air experience, courtesy of Jeep's industry-exclusive Sky Slider™ full-length open-canvas roof.

Jeep Wrangler Islander

After more than 20 years, the unique Islander theme returns to Jeep.

The limited-edition Jeep Wrangler Islander is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 models. Based on the Wrangler Sport model, the Islander's unique beach theme conveys open-air fun at first and every glance.

Jeep Wrangler Islander is featured in unique Surf Blue Pearl Coat, and is also available in Stone White Clear Coat, Bright Sliver Metallic Clear Coat and Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat.

Other exterior features include an Islander 'Tiki Bob' decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the 'Islander' theme of the vehicle, blackside steps and popular Moab 17-inch wheels shod with 32-inch tires.

Inside, Islander's seats are Dark Gray with Surf Blue inserts, blue stitching and an embroidered Islander 'Tiki Bob' logo adorning the seat back. Blue stitching also has been added to the leather-wrapped steering wheel, with Mopar® rubber floor mats completing the beach theme.

The Jeep Wrangler Islander option package is available at a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,120.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain

Further expanding the iconic Wrangler brand's reach, Jeep delivers another high-impact, limited-edition model with the Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition is based on the Wrangler Sport S package, and is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 models.

Exterior features include a unique 'Mountain' decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the 'Mountain' theme of the vehicle; painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, grille and bumper appliqués; tubular side steps; 32-inch tires; black tail lamp guards; and a fuel-filler door from Mopar.

Available exterior colors include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat.

Interior features include an embossed seat insert with embroidered 'Mountain logo,' and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain option package will be available at a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $1,820.

About the Jeep Brand

Built on nearly 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup includes Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all seven Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

by Jeep

In 2002 the first generation of the Jeep Liberty was unveiled to the public as a compact sports utility vehicle produced by the Jeep marque of Chrysler. The Liberty was a four-door car that was available in two different models, the Sport and the Limited. The sport was powered with a 150 horsepower engine with four cylinders, while the Limited featured a 210 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine. The Liberty was nicely appointed with 16-inch tires, heated front seats and a split rear seats could be folded down for more space. The Liberty was priced between the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee.

The Liberty was the smallest of the 4-door Jeep SUVs until the car based 4-door Compass and Patriot arrived in 2007. The Liberty featured a uni-body-on-ladder-frame construction that added stiffness to its ride and handling, and enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Liberty was constructed at the Toledo North Assembly Plant in the U.S., and also in Egypt and Venezuela.

The Liberty wasn't the first Jeep to use an independent front suspension, it was actually the Jeep Wagoneer to first use it in the 1960s. The Wagoner was never actually put into production, due to how fast the bushings would wear out. During its first calendar year of production, Jeep exceeded their expectations by selling 10,000 Liberty CRD models. For 2002, the Jeep Liberty was nominated for the North American Truck of the year award.

The Liberty was intended as a replacement for the discontinued Jeep Cherokee and it was inspired by styling from the Dakar and Jeepster concept cars. At first three trim levels were offered, the top end Limited, a more rugged looking Renegade, and the base Sport and were available with either 2WD or 4WD.

A Renegade model of the Liberty was introduced in 2003. While the Limited model received 17-inch tires the Renegade featured a V6 engine with 210 horsepower. A system that monitored tire pressure was installed in 2004, along with a hands free cell phone. The Sport model received a CD player this year. A diesel-turbocharged engine was added to the lineup in 2005. All of the models received a fresh new look this year, and added to the list of options were satellite radio and navigation systems. The Renegade trim level was replaced with the Latitude in 2007.

The Liberty was the first Jeep to utilize two new PowerTech engines, the 150 hp 2.4 L I4 which was dropped in 2006 and the 210 hp 3.7 L V6. For the 2005-2006 Sport and Limited models, the VM Motori 2.8 L I4 common rail turbodiesel became available in CRD branded models. Generating 160 horsepower, the diesel used a variable geometry turbocharger and 295 pound-feet of torque. The diesel powerplant's overbuilt nature added nearly 200 lbs to the CRD's curb weight versus the gasoline model. The CRD was introduced by DaimlerChrysler to gauge the marketability of diesel engines in North America. The first Jeep to use rack and pinion steering was the Liberty. Due to stricter 2007 U.S. diesel emission standards, the 2.8L VM Motori CRD which had only been available in 2005 and 2006 for the Sport and Limited models was discontinued.

The Jeep Liberty was available with either a part time Command-Trac or full time Selec-Trac transfer case. The transfer case had four position; 2-HI, 4-HI, Neutral and 4-LO. For regular driving the lever is placed in 2WD HI, which allowed for the two rear tires to receive power. When driving on slippery or loose pavement one used the second position, 4WD HI. This position locked both the front and rear drive shafts together splitting engine power equally between all four tires. Neutral, the third position, disengages both drive shafts from the transfer case which allowed the car to roll freely, and this was also used for towing behind another vehicle. The final position, 4WD LO is also used when there is little traction. This final position much like 4WD HI locks both the front and rear drive shafts together, and when using a lower gear ratio, allows for 2.72 times more torque.

The second generation of the Jeep Liberty was debuted in 2007 and it was similar to the Dodge Nitro in its more ‘boxy' styling. Receiving a complete redesign for this new generation, the Liberty was built on the same platform as the Dodge Nitro. The Liberty was debuted at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. This new version came in two models, the Sport and the Limited, and a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 210 horsepower was the power for both of them.

The Sport had a manual transmission with six gears while an automatic transmission with four gears was optional. Automatic transmission came with the Limited. The Sport version was equipped with 16 inch tires, and a system that can be switched either on or off with the touch of a button, and a stereo system with six speakers and CD player. The Limited model came with 17-inch tires, adjustable driver seats with six different settings and a cruise control system. Both models offered a sunroof, CD player that can store up to six CDs and leather seats as optional. All of the Liberty models were equipped with anti-lock disc brakes and a stability control system.

Since the Patriot and Compass crossover SUVs took its place as Jeep's four-cylinder vehicles, the Liberty dropped its four-cylinder option. The only engine available for 2008 was the iron-block, aluminum-head V6. The '08 Liberty also had a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. At this time there is no diesel mode for the U.S. Jeep. Because it couldn't meet tougher 2007 emission standards Jeep stopped building the Liberty CRD for the American market. The transmission selections are both carry-overs from previous year, a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

The Jeep Liberty's standard equipment includes electronic stability control with roll mitigation, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and traction control. New features include standard side airbags. Optional features on the Jeep Liberty included the MyGig entertainment system, complete with a 30 GB hard drive, rain-sensing wipers, Sirius Satellite Radio and Bluetooth.

Two models, the Sport and the Limited were offered with wheel choices of 16-, 17- and 18-inches. The Sky Slider is the most innovative feature this year, a power roof constructed of 'reinforced acrylic cloth' that opens over the front and rear seats. With the largest opening in its class, the Sky Slider opens up to 60 inches by 30 inches. Jeep claims the concept behind this innovative design was from trying to maintain the ‘open-air feeling' from previous Jeep models, while still maintaining ‘the rigidity and safety of a sturdy frame'.

Basically the same from the previous year, the 2009 Liberty did featured stiffer rear axle shafts and retuned springs, shocks, anti-roll bars, low rollback brake calipers, steering gear valve and a revised brake pedal ratio. The six-speed manual transmission is no longer available, and the four-speed automatic is now standard.

by Jessican Donaldson