
Resource for Auto News and Information
September 4, 2005
Jeep Compass to enter Rally car market
The rally car segment has never really caught the imagination of American auto companies. The Europeans have long held this segment in high esteem with ferocious cars coming from both Renault with the 240 horsepower Clio Sport and British Ford with the 220 horsepower Focus ST automobile. The Japanese currently produce both the Mitsubishi Evolution and the Subaru WRX STI need we say more. The new Jeep Compass will be priced under $18,000 to make it one of the least expensive all wheel drive vehicles on the planet. Jeep is not building this car just to widen their product line. They are terrified that cars like the New Toyota FJ Cruiser will erode their extremely loyal customer base.
The Jeep Compass will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September as a concept vehicle, but make no mistake; this car will be out in production as soon as the 2008 model year. The car may come with as many as three different engine choices ranging from 1.8 to 2.4 liters. The engines are being developed in collaboration with both Hyundai and Mitsubishi. The new goal of parent Chrysler is power with fuel economy. The engines will range in power from 140 to 175 horsepower which should give the car at least enough power to appear aggressive.
As more cars are being developed as four wheeled drive vehicles Jeep felt it had to produce a more diverse group of vehicle offerings. Jeep was use to being able to differentiate their vehicles from other manufactures by theirs being four wheeled drive and trail rated. Jeep has become aware that fuel economy could become an issue at car purchasing time like it did back in the mid Seventies. Jeep realized the success that specialty manufacturers could achieve when they cross over to a new market when Porsche, the sports car maker built a SUV. Jeep feels it is now their turn to enter the car market.
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For Jeep to be successful they must find new customers, the problem with the rally car market is that for a niche with a small number of buyers there are many loyalists. VW buyers are holding their breath for the next R32 while Japanese car buyers have been spoiled by the many all wheel drive 275 horsepower models. Jeep should consider either turbo charging or supercharging this new model as a limited edition sports version. This would capitalize on those Jeep fans that don’t mind spending $30,000 but are getting tired of climbing into a Jeep vehicle. top of page |
- Automotive Insider
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