I agree with Jeff and Wally. Don't be so quick to criticize. These are some bad quality camera phone pictures of a prototype with a full body "Le Bra". There is a reason that L.O.S.T. is featured in a dealer brochure - becuase we are a different kind of club.

It's more than O.K. to talk about things you hope the new model has, or problems the KJ has you hope they fix in the KK.

Bashing an early prototype really gets us nowhere, except into a position that we don't want to be in. Let's continue to be a positive club and retain our positive recognition with DCX. If you have a concern over the new protoype, please try to express it in a positive fashion.

This thread may disappear in the next day or two, depending upon how it continues to play out.

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2008 Unlimited Rubicon - 3.5" AEV/Nth lift - 35" MT/R with Kevlar - AEV Wheels - York OBA
2008 Patriot - Fuel Saver

I know when the liberty came out I thought it was a betrayal to the Cherokee I had. No more straight 6, replaced with a loud, over revving V/6. Then I saw the liberator at the Detroit car show and few of my friends bought them and my dislike faded. When D/C announced the domestic CRD I had to have one and now I would never think of getting rid of it. And the moral of the story is, things tend to grow on people

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'06 CRD Sport, Silver build date 09/05
LoTek 2 pod pillar w/60 psi boost guage & egt
CRD Frankinlift, BFG-AT 31-1050/15 on crager soft 8's
Suncoast converter in a rebuilt trans with new pump and shift kit.
Yeah, It's got a diesel.

SOLD FOR GMC PICKUP

Now that I think about it, they probably have the old style liberty hood on as part of the disguise, hence the curved top part of the light that clashes with the other three squared off sides...

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'05 CRD Sport born on 06/20/05, bought on 9/23/05, L.O.S.T. on 9/27/05 - modding ever since:

Daystar 2.0" Lift, P255/70R16 Revos, Boulder Bars, Reese Front Hitch w/9k Hooks, Poison Spyder Rock Ring, MOPAR Skids/Bug Shield/Roof Rails/Mats, WARN Hitch Shackle(Rear), 10k Hitch Hook(Front), Custom Tilt/Slope Meter, Ammo Box Mod, Rotella T 5W-40.

Thanks for sharing. I like the mystery. Ultimately, the actual production models could look radically different than this. I have a hunch Jeep wants something with more of a Hummer H3 look. I'm guessing the real deal will resemble a smaller Commander. From a marketing standpoint, the new Liberty SHOULD be more squared off to fit the look of the Commander and Patriot, as it will be priced in between the two. You want a common overall look in your product line. For example, when Coca Cola went caffeine free, the cans and bottles still looked like Coke cans and bottles. Range Rover vehicles are a good example.

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2003 Liberty Sport
Bright Silver Metallic
Daystar lift
General Tire Grabber AT2 245/70R16

....of what? j/k

Now about those diesels....I can't imagine why they aren't being offered in the Wrangler.

I can answer that point blank. They have not fitted a transmission that can handle it yet. We are dropping torque converters left and right over in the CRD forum.

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'05 CRD Sport born on 06/20/05, bought on 9/23/05, L.O.S.T. on 9/27/05 - modding ever since:

Daystar 2.0" Lift, P255/70R16 Revos, Boulder Bars, Reese Front Hitch w/9k Hooks, Poison Spyder Rock Ring, MOPAR Skids/Bug Shield/Roof Rails/Mats, WARN Hitch Shackle(Rear), 10k Hitch Hook(Front), Custom Tilt/Slope Meter, Ammo Box Mod, Rotella T 5W-40.

I have seen paper work at a dealer saying 2008 export wrangler has a 2.8 CRD.

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'06 CRD Sport, Silver build date 09/05
LoTek 2 pod pillar w/60 psi boost guage & egt
CRD Frankinlift, BFG-AT 31-1050/15 on crager soft 8's
Suncoast converter in a rebuilt trans with new pump and shift kit.
Yeah, It's got a diesel.

SOLD FOR GMC PICKUP

In regards to the KK and CRD engines, I would not expect to see them anytime soon. In talking with an "in the know" source at a recent unofficial event in the Rockies, it was made clear that the poor diesel fuel quality in the US is a concern. Largely due to how it affects the reliability of the CRD engines (2.8 or 3.0) The lack of reliability causes more warranty claims on an already expensive engine. This makes the CRD a liability (balck hole for money) when DCX is utilmately in business to make money. If they are opperating at a loss as soon as the vehicle hits the shop, and that is a relative certainty due to circumstances out of their control, don't expect to see it unless they can make a profit.

The quality of diesel in the US will improve this year. At that point, you will probably see the new CRD in the Grand and Commander models. I know they've promised a fall release, but I doubt you will see any in the showrooms until there is 15ppm fuel available at the pumps. Only if that proves to be reliable with 15ppm fuel, the engine itself become less expensive to manufacture, the engine proves popular/sells enough, and DCX feels secure that they can offer the option at a profit, will we see it in the US versions of KK or other Liberty platforms that follow. Europe will continue to get all the good diesel stuff in the meantime because their stuff was together already (fuel wise)

....oh yes, and thanks for the photos. I hate square headlights, but we'll have to see it without the camo. The design may have to grow on me, like the KJ did.

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LOST#065178
2005 KJ Sport CRD
2.5" Daystar(F) Skyjacker(R) hybrid lift
245/75/16 MTRs on Moab rims
JKS Supernerf Rockrails/MOPAR skids
Aeroturbine 2525

i bought a spanish offroad magazine, they talk about the new Wrangler '07, two engines will be available Power Tech 3.7 and CRD 2.8 the first statement on the report is: Wrangler '07 Finally Diesel , but i think its only export version

Claudio

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Liberty - Cherokee CRD 2004 Silver
Garmin GPS - IPOD
Warn M8000 INSTALLED
Daystar Lift
Rancho 9000X
ARB Rear Locker & OBA
Thule Aero
Santiago-Chile

Constructive criticism is a must. Bashing is negative. If we can not give our input, then there is no purpose to our existence (in terms of being KJ owners). DC can learn a lot from our inputs but not from just plain old bashing. For those of us that have seen the newer model, whether at the Jeep survey in Denver or by another means, we were able to give input. The pictures here do not do the vehicle justice. What is known is limited to a small group of people in the Denver area. We were asked not to give too much away.

Give DC a chance to fully unveil their future. If they do not listen to the current KJ owners or those Jeep owners they surveyed, then it would be their loss. Who buys Jeeps? Previous Jeep owners first and foremost. I happen to be a NEW Jeep owner (first time ever for an American vehicle) and I am one of those delicate owners that could be turned away quickly with bad decisions on changes to a line of vehicles. It was hard to break away from Toyota after owning three straight Toyotas but I had no choice at the time (no other company made an off-road capable SUV in my price range at the time - that had a good reputation and that the SUV looked and felt good when driving it also).

I do worry that the vehicles Jeep/Chrysler are making are being diluted into a similar look. No individuality, which is what the KJ had all to itself. No other vehicle looked similar to it. I like(d) that. I don't want the world to have a similar line of Libertys (Ford Maverick-Mercury Comet, Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird were close, Mercury Bobcat-Ford Pinto, Nissan Maxima - Toyota Camry (older models), late model Chevy Malibu, Nova, Monte Carlo, Chevelle, etc). These vehicles all looked far too close to one another. The Liberty has an individual look over all other SUV's. I like that and would love to see it kept. I hope the Compass, Patriot, Liberty, and Dodge lines all don't merge into a similar look.

What made the Liberty the best selling Jeep? Individuality? Its multi-purpose capability? It's ability to get to the mall no matter what terrain? Not sure but you don't get rid of a winning formula. Look at how long the Jeep Cherokee line lasted with only small changes. The current Liberty is only coming up on its sixth year yet is a massive seller for Jeep. Don't lose that fan base with large changes in looks, DC.

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New KJ Gear - Desert Armor Flak

2004 Renegade Light Khaki - 4" JBA Lift - Rock Lizard Products: Komodo Dragon Rear Bumper, Prototype Winch-mount Front Bumper, Super Skink Sliders - All J's Super Tranny Skid II - 31" Firestone Destination AT's on Moab wheels - Cobra 75W CB w/ stock Antenna mod

[b]Retired, US Military

I totally agree with this:


And this is just hilarious:



I think that the shrouding is doing a very good job of not showing us what the New Liberty really looks like. If anything, it's probably making it look worse than it really is. I too was hoping it wouldn't look just like the intermediate between the Patriot and the Commander, but most of the guys that actually saw it in Colorado said it looked good. Let's not roast it just yet.

Rick

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2002 Jeep Liberty Limited 4X4
all the usual suspects

Other than 4 wheels a 7 slot grille, and 4 letters (JEEP) the new Liberty has very little/if anything else in common with Patriot. Patriot is going to be the bottom, then Compass, then Liberty, then Grand, then Commander.
As for the Picture, if you are not convinced yet, that is the new Liberty (I have sat in a real one, so yes, I know) As for looks, I must admit, I like everything but the nose (headlamp units) And the rear seat entry/egress is much better on ours. Other than that, everything on the vehicle is an improvement... Other than no diesel or V-8

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I'm baaaaccckkk...
LOST Member 10
If you can read this you don't need glasses, go Wheel your Jeep!

I wasn't much of a KJ guy at first, just because I was bitter about the whole dropping the XJ and replacing it with a heavy, little interior room, v6, IFS vehicle with big bug eye's. Just a natural die hard XJ guy reaction, you know? Anyways, the KJ has kind of grown on me the more I work on and wheel with them, but I saw one picture of this new KJ, and it really got my attention. I am really looking forward to getting my hands on one and getting to work. Who knows, maybe you'll see a Rock Lizard KK at SEMA.

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WWW.ROCKLIZARDFABRICATIONS.COM

Thanks for clearing that up. I was hoping one of the Rockies guys who went to the Denver exhibit would give a final word on it, but I'm sure we'll see at least one more post claiming that you're wrong and 'ITS A PATRIOT!'

As for the criticism, I'm sure we'll all welcome it into the clan with a bit more class than the KJ was given I have no problem with them chagning the style, I was merely pointing out features that I would miss. And on reflection, it just makes ours all the more unique, since you won't find anymore round-hood bug-eyed Jeeps coming out of the factory

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Kevin
AD5VG
Just another red Jeep in the world...
L.O.S.T. #KB051963

I wonder if they are going to offer a rear gate-mounted fullsize spare as an option. It just doesn't look right without it. Looks too much like and Escape or Element with no wheel on the back

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2002 Jeep Liberty Renegade
3.7L V6 4x4, 5-speed manual
*Draw-tite class IV hitch
*Mopar rock rails
*Clear turn signals
*Mopar mud flaps
*Husky cargo liner
*'Trial Rated' and 'Renegade' emblems
*Bazooka 200 watt subwoofer

I doubt it, since that would probably make the gate too heavy for the pnuematic arms to keep up. I was thinking the other day about a possible rack that could be mounted to the rear bumper or quarter-panel that would allow the spare to swing out of the way (kind of like my old Pathfinder). Not that I plan on buying a new anything anytime soon, but it had the gears in my mind going round and round...

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Kevin
AD5VG
Just another red Jeep in the world...
L.O.S.T. #KB051963

So far for freedom of speech than!!!

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The most repeated sentence I heard from my dealer was "I'm sorry YOU are not happy with our service" so it was still my fault.

I am all for the freedom of speech thing. But I agree that people should reserve a complete and total bashing for some point after they see the whole package. A little criticism is fine..maybe DC will get this and make some last minute changes..maybe. So DC folks, please keep the round look headlights and not the funky round light in a square box thing. Oh and give us the real pics we are waiting for. And locking differentials, winch mount bumpers, and a CRD with a new and improved tranny and CCV system.

Just my Free expression, take it for what you paid for it.

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It may be that your only purpose in life is to serve as a warning to others.

06 CRD Sport
Built 5/11/06
Jeep Green
Rocklizard diff cover
V6 Airbox

that's right. it's ugly, is still IFS and if it's still has a dana30a then fuknut jeep.

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2004 Silver Liberty Sport 4x4 (gone)
1996 Land Rover Disco I
L.O.S.T #000522 Life Time #JH053535

hhahaha....Dutchy if you knew me personally you would have to laugh at what you posted. I get NOTHING from trying to keep this a civil place for all things Jeep(you have no idea how often I have to let some of these post go on without my jumping in)

The KJ got panned in the begining and now the KK is getting it (I hate that it's called the KK..as does just about everyone I've talked to about it). There is a fine line between censorship and keeping things as positve as is possible around here. Face it...our KJ's are going to be old news in a year or so...and many of us will either by KK's or move on. I for one would like to see one of these Jeeps in person before I pass judgement on them.....but then again I like my vehicles kinda quirky looking (why we got the KJ).

I can't tell you how many time I've gotten "that look" when I talk about our KJ club and offroading...You know that look. If the KK can wheel as good as the KJ then im going to be a fan. It will be great if they use the same suspension setup as the Commander and WK ..that way there will already be a 4"lift available for it. It will have more room in the cargo area (the KJ needs more). Hopefully it will have metal bumpers and have the ability to run 33's off the showroom floor...ops....that's an H3... .....sorry my bad.