Jeep Willys2

Refining the design language explored on the Jeepster, Icon, and Willys concepts, the Chrysler Group design team presented its radical Jeep Willys2 at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. Looking like a heavy-metal Liberty, the modern presentation of trademark Jeep design cues (including the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches) makes the Willys2 stand out from among the herd of show vehicles. And as much as we like this the Willys2, rumors tell us to keep our eyes open for another two-door concept spun off the Liberty chassis to make an entry at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show. Jeep is clearly aiming to produce a youth-targeted two-door model with the refinements and off-road ability that the Liberty balances so well. The exotic Willys2 construction uses frame-web technology with a one-piece carbon fiber body on a lightweight aluminum frame similar to that found in today's top performance sports and military equipment. Its removable carbon-fiber 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 many kinds of outdoor gear. Auxiliary fog and search lamps add to the Jeep's characteristic "go-anywhere, do-anything" attitude.

The Jeep Willys2 weighs approximately 3000 pounds, and is powered by a supercharged 1.6-liter, inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 160 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, 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 60 mph in 10 seconds and a top speed of almost 90 mph.

Willys2's chiseled design lends substance and visual weight, suggesting a low center of gravity with a 95-inch-long wheelbase and wide track (58.9-inch front, 59.4-inch rear). Its custom, Liberty-like independent short-and-long-arm front and multilink solid rear axle suspension uses coil springs at all four wheels and rides on P235/65R21 Goodyear tires.

"We call it the pure American," says 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."

Merging Jeep heritage with modern technology, the chiseled, forward-looking Willys2 is also reminiscent of its World War II ancestor, the Willys MB. Although Jeep says this concept vehicle has no imminent production plans, the Jeep Willys2 paints a vivid picture for the future Wrangler replacement, or as a couple insiders have hinted, possibly a model slotted beneath the TJ.