Post by greenjeep on Aug 16, 2005 23:34:24 GMT -5
Well, another advantage of living in Moab is that it's not too uncommon to see prototype vehicles out here being tested. So today after work I see Dan Mick parked over by some car carrier semis, and I was being nosy, so I drove over to see what was up. He was there with a group of people and 3 vehicles covered in the factory-trying-to-be-sneaky-and-not-let-anybody-see-a-new-vehicle-before-they're-ready fabric skins.
As I get out, Dan walks over and I ask about the vehicles. He says they are the REPLACEMENT for the TJ. Of all the people in Moab, Dan probably has the best "in" with Jeep of anybody, so I'll believe what he says. He had just taken them out for a run up Hells Revenge. They have solid axles and coil springs, but also have 4 doors and it didn't appear to have a removable top!!! According to Dan they will be available as '07 models, replacing BOTH the TJ and LJ!
Unfortunately I didn't get the greatest look at the new Jeeps, I wasn't allowed to get very close and the Jeep engineers kept giving me "stay away" looks, but it does have a TJ style rear tailgate/door and very pronounced fenders.
After looking around on the net, I think this is probably pretty close to what I saw,
It is called the Jeep Patriot, and there is a brief description found here. I really like the new design, but I will be VERY sad if Jeep does away with their classic 2 door, removable top design. I guess only time will tell.
As I get out, Dan walks over and I ask about the vehicles. He says they are the REPLACEMENT for the TJ. Of all the people in Moab, Dan probably has the best "in" with Jeep of anybody, so I'll believe what he says. He had just taken them out for a run up Hells Revenge. They have solid axles and coil springs, but also have 4 doors and it didn't appear to have a removable top!!! According to Dan they will be available as '07 models, replacing BOTH the TJ and LJ!
Unfortunately I didn't get the greatest look at the new Jeeps, I wasn't allowed to get very close and the Jeep engineers kept giving me "stay away" looks, but it does have a TJ style rear tailgate/door and very pronounced fenders.
After looking around on the net, I think this is probably pretty close to what I saw,
It is called the Jeep Patriot, and there is a brief description found here. I really like the new design, but I will be VERY sad if Jeep does away with their classic 2 door, removable top design. I guess only time will tell.
