NAIAS Highlights: Production
Jeep adds Liberty to lineup
The 2002 Liberty, a compact SUV that will replace the Cherokee in Jeep's product line, features an all-new, Jeep-engineered coil-spring independent front suspension. Cast-iron lower and forged-steel upper control arms coupled to a cast-iron steering knuckle with permanently lubricated ball joints provide a stable base for the front suspension. A 203-mm (8-in) suspension travel helps with off-road performance. This front-suspension design improves road ride by reducing the Liberty's unsprung weight and adds to the SUV's robustness and durability.
A link-coil rear suspension, similar to that on the Grand Cherokee, provides a roll center closer to the vehicle's center of gravity, which reduces body lean during cornering. The trailing A-shaped upper arm's sturdy, box-section construction helps isolate axle and road noise, and progressive rate springs help maintain controlled handling under varying load conditions.
The Liberty's PowerTech engine features a 90° V6, a cast-iron block and bedplate, aluminum cylinder heads, and a gear-driven balance shaft that minimizes engine vibration. Output is 157 kW (210 hp) at 5200 rpm and 305 N•m (225 lb•ft) at 4000 rpm. The engine also includes chain-driven single overhead cams, a tubular camshaft fabricated with powder metal lobes for reduced engine weight, a composite intake manifold with individual tuned runners on each cylinder, and an active knock system to improve engine performance and reliability. The 3.7-L engine, equipped with a multi-speed automatic transmission, provides a 22-kN (5000-lb) towing capacity.
A 2.4-L Powertech I4 engine is also available, as is a five-speed manual transmission.
Building on themes illustrated by the Dakar and Jeepster concept vehicles, revealed in 1997 and 1998, respectively, the Liberty features short front and rear overhangs and an upright profile to provide efficient space utilization and good headroom for occupants. The SUV's headlamps are placed high on the raked grille for maximum lighting efficiency, and the front of the hood is lowered to maximize forward visibility. The flares and fenders were carefully designed using CATIA to ensure a continuous design.
Additional exterior features include a patented single-action swing gate/flipper glass system, jeweled lamp lenses, a lack of moldings around the rear quarter glass, an externally mounted spare tire, and 16-in wheels. The interior includes a 65/35-split rear seat with one-handed folding operation that maximizes passenger and cargo flexibility. The rear cargo area also features Jeep cargo tie-downs and grocery bag hooks.
The Liberty will come in two models, a Sport model with a two-tone exterior and a Limited Edition model whose exterior is monochromatic. Production of the SUV is scheduled to begin this spring at DaimlerChrysler's newest assembly plant, the Toledo North Assembly Plant, in Toledo, OH.
- Ryan Gehm
