Saw the new Liberty prototype todayâ€¦Rubicon possible

Marlon_JBT · **Posted:** Sat Jul 22, 2006 10:49 pm

Hey there Tom!

I don't think Jeep can afford to be confused with a Dodge. They may share platforms these days, but there's absolutely no way they can look any way similar.

That would completely destroy the credibility of Jeep.

Look at the Caliber / Compass / Patriot. To the average consumer (98% of the market), nobody would know either of them were related.

If the Liberty / Nitro comes out looking just as dissimilar, I would be satisfied.

corwyyn · **Posted:** Sun Jul 23, 2006 12:20 am

Skyjump136 wrote:

As for the Liberty… Think a cross between the current model and the new Commander and you’re close.

So, are we talking something similar to this?

I just took an image of the Commander, shortened the height and length, and tilted the hood a bit. If this is close then I could see looking at one. 'Course, it would have to be red

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sun Jul 23, 2006 1:25 am

As popular as the Liberty is when you look at sales, it is hard to believe they are going to do such a major change to it. Look how long they kept the Cherokee the same and sales were still great on it.

I still think it is replacing the Grand Cherokee though.

I don't like the idea of a swing up rear door either. I like being able to pop open the window to grab something out and not worry about all of my stuff falling out.

Marlon_JBT · **Posted:** Sun Jul 23, 2006 2:20 am

Windshield isn't as vertical I'm sure.

It's possible to have a lift up tailgate and a rear window that opens!

Raise the "New Liberty"

Hero · **Joined:** Sun Apr 16, 2006 5:32 pm **Posts:** 122

Tokyojoe wrote:

I still think it is replacing the Grand Cherokee though.

From working in the auto industry, I just don't understand what Jeep is trying to accomplish with their new lineup. The Patriot and Liberty seem to be on a near par with each other sizewise and if they up the size of the next generation Liberty it will be imposing on the Grand Cherokee. I think the GC needs to go myself, the newest generation has been a bust in sales, has had horrible open market value/resale, and is generally a poor design compared to the previous generations of GC vehicles.

Don't get me wrong as I'm actually considering buying a GC CRD if I can afford it for MY2007, I just think that Jeep will eventially be dropping it or the Patriot most likely by MY2010. Depending on the future of the Liberty I'd say that one of those two models will be ousted...

Cowcatcher · **Posted:** Sun Jul 23, 2006 8:57 am

I went to the Nitro sight after reading your description and I guess I am seeing a Nitro with a little less buldged body panels and a Jeep grill. Even those air inlets are on the Nitro.

I never really liked the Cherokee looks so I may not like the new Lberty. I like the tire on the back but an extra 10" of space in the back would be nice. Retaining head room and a high seating stance would be too. I have ridden in the back of my Liberty and in the back of my daughters Cherokee and would take the Liberty any day. One of the things I did before buying the Liberty was get in and out of the back. I always found that a pain in the Cherokee, not so in the Liberty. Only way I ever felt comfortable in the back of the Cherokee was alone with legs stretched over to the other side. The high seating stance and head room allow better, less cramped leg and feet space.

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

Quote:

I never really liked the Cherokee looks so I may not like the new Lberty.

I didn't think it looked like a Cherokee. It was beefier and much more substantial. As for the Nitro, I'm sure they share common elements as they are close to the same size, but trust me I thought the Nitro looked cheap while the Liberty looked great.

Mutt · **Posted:** Sun Jul 23, 2006 11:04 am

With the horrible sales of the Commander, you would think they would reconsider that look. I'm in the camp that thinks they missed the mark by a long shot with the Commander. Diamler-Chrysler can add all the bells and whistles they want, I'm not going to purchase a refrigerator box on wheels.

While I really should reserve judgement until I see some actual pictures, this is the internet and I'll start hating it now. :twisted:

chefdab · **Posted:** Sun Jul 23, 2006 12:55 pm

I knew when that guy was asking for the Colorado members to participate in a focus group a few months ago, it would be about the next genration Liberty. Did they give you any idea how long before they would have a fully functional prototype rolling around being tested? Then someone may be able to get some "spy" photos of it rolling down the road (trail ?).

BKH · **Posted:** Sun Jul 23, 2006 12:58 pm

No, it doesn't look like the photoshop posted above. It's much more streamlined and modern looking. When you go to view the new Libery, it was so far away from the Commander that was on the floor that you almost couldn't see the two at the same time. When you posted that photoshop, it made me realize that while there are a lot of similarities, the new Liberty looks VERY contemporary compared to the Commander. The Commander resemblance comes from the boxier look and the front end. The fixed window pillar on the back doors is very narrow - that is what kind of reminded me of a Hummer H3's back doors.

But the Commander photoshop you posted looks old and ready to be put to pasture compared to the Liberty. It's hard to describe how they have so much in common but are so different - so TRUST ME - it doesn't look like the shortened photoshop above. I should try to draw out a sketch (used to be good at that kind of thing) and see if I can come up with something for you all.

And though it supposedly shares the Nitro's platorm, it looks nothing like it. Nothing. I'm sure if you put the Nitro and the new Liberty side by side, you'd see something in common. But without doing that, you'd never know those two are related. They did a hell of a job hiding any platform similarities. Oh - and the Nitro's side air vents that are almost under the A-pillar are HUGE and ugly. The Liberty's are small and very classy. Unless you had a light colored car (the prototype was silver), you'd hardly notice them.

SethX9 · **Posted:** Sun Jul 23, 2006 1:01 pm

Quote:

a refrigerator box on wheels

HERE HERE!! I know taste is subjective but....the Commander looks like someting Volvo would've released in about 1989. Yuckk!

BKH · **Posted:** Sun Jul 23, 2006 1:12 pm

Too funny. No, no one will be mistaking the new Liberty for anything coming from Sweden (or I guess it's now Sweden via Dearborn - is Volvo the only thing keeping Ford going?). The Liberty was designed during that period where every manufacturer except Volvo was building rolling eggs. I always thought the KJ looked so cool for successfully combining that rounded trend into a 4x4. Did any other 4x4 do that? If one did, I can't recall it - and if it did, it certainly didn't have the KJ's success.

Yesterday's research focus group really lamented the loss of the KJ's one-of-a-kind design, but everyone agreed the new one was a "LOOKER." Definitely will be the best looking in the lineup.

Jeger · **Posted:** Sun Jul 23, 2006 6:32 pm

BKH wrote:

I should try to draw out a sketch (used to be good at that kind of thing) and see if I can come up with something for you all.

So is the sketch a GO? I would like to see your rendition of it if you are willing to give it a try.

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

Okay, some of the Colorado folks (12 KJs and 15+ people) just got back from a trail ride / meeting with the Liberty product developer. There was a sketch passed around and pretty much everyone agreed that the new Liberty looks sweet...not like the shortened Commander posted earlier. Wish we had pics or a sketch to post, but guys don't worry too much. I think most of you will be pleasantly surprised when you finally get to see it.

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

Oh learned a couple other things tonight...the rear gate has flipper glass integrated in to it. Also, the seats fold completely flat including the front passenger seat. You could haul some serious gear in this baby.

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

chefdab wrote:

Did they give you any idea how long before they would have a fully functional prototype rolling around being tested? Then someone may be able to get some "spy" photos of it rolling down the road (trail ?).

Sounds like there are some being tested already. He mentioned that the testers have been taking them off road and liking the results.

Fouros · **Posted:** Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:15 am

i am SOOOOOOOO ;ooking forward to seeing this even if it is only a sketch,

we will have to wait untill feb of 08 to get one downunder ,

looking at someof the stats does this mean the 08 Libby the KK????? will be available in Ausgust 07 ????????

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:28 am

I wish they would make the Compass AWD. It would appeal to more people in my opinion. AWD Compass with a 2.0L Trubo Diesel. That would appeal to more people IMHO. They could really compete with the AWD Subarus/Audis/Ect. Would be a big seller in the snowy country. Seems like they are missing a big market.

I wonder why the Grand Cherokee will even be made with the Extended Liberty and Commander. I think an extended Liberty will be good for some buyers...personally I like the wheelbase/body size of the current KJ. I also like the headroom in the current KJ. I looked at the Commander and with the Hemi is was tempting, but the front end looks a little strange to me and the expanse of the space from the driver to the winshield felt funny...guess I like the traditional Jeep setup...shallow dash and more upright windshield.

The Patriot basically looks like a Ford Escape and I would take the Escape Hybrid over the Patriot for the mileage benefits.

When I purchased my new CRD, I looked around at almost everything but the CRD had no competion...won hands down. Funny, I would probably not buy a 3.7L KJ again but the Diesel added the only thing that would make me not buy a KJ again...Miles Per Gallon and Torque!!!

Drop the Patriot...add AWD to the Compass...Run both models of KJ's...make the Commander the new GC and keep improving the Wrangler.

My idea on the Jeep Lineup

Compass CRD AWD/2x4

Jeep Liberty CRD 4x4/2x4

Jeep Liberty XL...find a new name or call it the GC

Commander...do something about the akward front end look...redesign the headlights or something

Drop the GC and build the DAKAR (Rubicon Version only) :idea:

Bring back a true Jeep Truck w/ Diesel :idea:

Incorporate the "Willys" name if possible

Marlon_JBT · **Posted:** Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:43 pm

Um.....

The Compass does come with AWD.

hallb4 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:36 pm

Aww, man! I just bought an '06 KJ and now they are redesigning the whole thing

!

I am sure I will like it as long as it doesn't resemble the Commander too much. I can't wait to see some pics.

Saw the new Liberty prototype todayâ€¦Rubicon possible

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