Chrysler Group LLC plans to introduce three new Dodge vehicles and is considering building a midsized pickup truck as it looks to rejuvenate its product portfolio and attract customers.

The details are the first to emerge from Wednesday’s five-year business plan meeting at Chrysler’s headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne intends to spell out how Chrysler will drive sales under his leadership. Marchionne, CEO of Fiat SpA (FIATY, F.MI), took over Chrysler in June after the company filed for bankruptcy protection.

The new Dodge vehicles will include an all new compact model along with a sub-compact hatchback and a midsized sedan. These cars will be introduced from 2012 through 2013.

The midsized truck is under consideration for assembly and introduction in 2011.

Chrysler also intends to refocus its Dodge NASCAR promotion to the Penske team only. The complete motorsports program is under review.

From allpar.com:

The Chrysler 200C concept is not actually based on the LX platform, but it is rear wheel drive and somewhat smaller than the 300C. The car appears to be a short-wheelbase version of the next generation LX; the people we spoke with could not provide details, as one would expect.

Designer Ryan Patrick Joyce, who worked on the interior, said that the interior was not created with production restraints in mind, but was “blue sky — we can push our aesthetics so we can pull back later.” The idea was to have an impression of open space, so everything is low and down; thin seat technology was used, with curves for more interior room. The car was set up for four seats, but it can accommodate five; four were chosen, according to interior design head Cecile Giroux, because it makes the interior look more spacious. Both Joyce and Giroux said the seats (developed with Lear) were very comfortable, a theory tested and supported by our testers.

2009 Detroit Auto Show / North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) - 2009 Coverage

Chrysler 200C EV Concept - jalopnik.com

With the Detroit Auto Show fast approaching, I believe the bailout doom and gloom will be eclipsed by the glitz and glamour of Chrysler’s concept designs and new model unveils. I wanted to start the speculation what models and concept will be unveiled to the public in early January. Please post your predictions as a comment.

Here is my list:

Ram Hybrid – New Model
Grand Cherokee – New Design
Dodge Charger –Facelift
Chrysler 300 –Facelift
ENVI-based Small Sedan– Concept
ENVI-based SUV – Concept

“In the pipeline for 2010: A brand new 300, a brand new Charger … a brand new Jeep, the pipeline is full, plus we have these smaller vehicles coming through partnerships and alliances,” Nardelli said. “I think the product cadence at Chrysler is coming back strong.”

As the Free Press first reported, Chrysler is planning a “product renaissance” for 2010 when it will launch seven — perhaps eight or nine — new vehicles.

Chrysler has said that it plans to offer a new Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Nissan-made small car in 2010. The automaker also has announced plans to begin selling a hybrid version of its Dodge Ram in 2010.

Chrysler to debut new Charger, 300 - freep.com

Chrysler LLC, in a bid to cheer up its dealers, next week plans to offer them a glimpse of an electric car it is scrambling to develop, people familiar with the matter said.

The compact car is supposed to be able to travel about 40 miles on battery power alone, these people said. For longer trips, a small gasoline engine would generate power and keep the battery charged, they said.

Chrysler has already showed many of its future vehicles to members of its dealer council. Reached by phone, Sid DeBoer, a council member and chief executive of Lithia Motors Inc., a large dealership chain, declined to discuss Chrysler’s future vehicles. He acknowledged Chrysler dealers are facing a tough market, but added that Chrysler has “a lot of stuff coming in 2010 that will surprise people.”

Chrysler to Show Dealers Electric Car - wsj.com

Probably very unlikely but always fun to discuss and debate… hte 2010 Plymouth Road Runner Concept.

Will Chrysler bring back Plymouth?
Will Chrysler keep builidng muscle cars variants on the Challenger platform?
Will Chrysler bring the Road Runner back as a Dodge?

Thanks to Autoblog for the heads-up.

2010 Road Runner Concept !!!! - chargerforumz.com

Chrysler is caught in a perfect storm of a soft consumer market, high gas prices, and high mix of trucks and SUVs with poor gas mileage. Give the current situation, Jim Press is out to talking to the media proclaiming that all future Chrysler products will by hybrids. Even the 2008 Chrysler concepts featured three electric concept cars. Finally, Chrysler is investing millions into an internal electric vehicle division for future product development. Why are they so late to the party?

If you go back to the DaimlerChrysler days, the Germans were not sold on the whole electric hybrid concept. They believed diesel was the superior solution. Daimler felt hybrids too cost prohibitive to be a long term solution and only viable during “short term gas price spikes”. So they poured millions into R&D to clean up emissions given off by diesel engines. DaimlerChrylser released the Bluetec engine and proceed to gain state by state approval for its use in vehicles. The Bluetec Cherokee debuted with much fanfare to show the viability of the engine.

Well this past week, Mercedes released the BlueHybrid, a lithium ion battery pack for their new 2009 Mercedes models. The new Mercedes will have an estimated fuel economy of 29.7 mpg and carry a low emission rating. The fuel economy is impressive given the weight of your average Mercedes.

Where is Chrysler’s lithium ion hybrid engine? Or their ultra clean, highly fuel efficient diesel engine? Did Daimler’s indecision on hybrid technology and stubbornness to accept industry trends put Chrysler in their current predicament?

Update from wsj.com

Chrysler LLC Vice Chairman Jim Press said his company has unfettered access to technology developed by its former parent, Daimler AG.

Mr. Press, speaking to reporters at the Geneva Motor Show, said Chrysler can take advantage of technology harnessed by its former German parent as it seeks solutions for meeting stricter fuel-economy regulations and meeting consumer demand for better-mileage vehicles. “We have access to their advanced technology,” Mr. Press said.

Cerberus Capital Management LP bought an 80.1% stake in Chrysler last year after the auto maker’s failed marriage of several years with Daimler. Daimler retained a 19.9% stake in the deal.

Mr. Press’s comments come a few days after Daimler announced it plans to introduce a Mercedes-Benz hybrid sedan that uses lithium-ion batteries by 2009. Auto makers are racing to master the volatile technology – prone to explosions – as a cost-effective solution for developing advanced hybrids, and electric plug-in cars. Other auto makers are also seeking to apply the batteries to future vehicles, including General Motors Corp. with its Chevy Volt electric car by 2010. GM also planned to announce an upgrade to its current hybrid powertrains with lithium-ion batteries during Tuesday’s auto show. Toyota Motor Corp. is also looking to bring a plug-in hybrid using the batteries to market soon.

Chrysler is widely viewed as behind other auto makers in developing advanced technologies, especially hybrids. Mr. Press declined to say whether Chrysler would attempt to capitalize on Daimler’s progress with lithium-ion batteries or any other specific technology. He said Daimler hasn’t ever indicated that Chrysler will be prevented from tapping the German auto maker’s breakthroughs.

Chrysler Retains Access to Daimler Technology - wsj.com

From the article:2008 Charger SRT8 donor chassis with 6.1 Liter HEMI and AutoStick transmission. All carbon fiber body with functional Shaker Hood. Painted Lambo Pearl Orange. Sits on 22″ Zenetti wheels and Pirelli tires. Titled as a 2007 Dodge Charger.

“The “BBP Project ‘Cuda”. This car was designed and built to encourage Chrysler Corp to bring back the ‘Cuda model and the Plymouth brand. “Beefier” and larger overall than the original, there is no mistaking its heritage. It is faithful to its 1970-74 “E” Body ancestors. Although a Concept Car, it was designed to translate into a production version. It was important for the car to look and drive like a car that came off the assembly line.

The BBP ‘Cuda was handcrafted by Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters in Fountain Valley, CA. Metalcrafters is known in the OEM industry for their extreme commitment to quality construction and quick build times. They count Toyota, Nissan, Audi, Hyundai and Chrysler among their list of OEM customers. Interestingly, Metalcrafters built the Concept Challenger for Dodge. Metalcrafters used the same technique to build the ‘Cuda as they used to build Dodge’s Concept Challenger. Starting with an “LX” chassis (in this case a brand new donor 2007 Charger SRT8), they proceeded to remove the body and totally disassemble the car down to the chassis. The bare chassis was cut in half and shortened 4″ and put back together.

A full scale foam model of the car was machined on a 5-Axis milling machine complete with stub axles, wheels and tires for critical review. After numerous cosmetic changes, a mold was made from the foam model for the carbon fiber body. The one piece, carbon fiber body was fit to the chassis. Once the fitment was confirmed, the glass areas were removed and the doors, trunk and hood were cut out. The glass for the windshield, rear window and side windows was manufactured by Metalcrafters at their facility. This glass is DOT approved, tempered safety glass, just like the glass in any production car. New door panels were made and the interior modified to convert from a 4 door sedan to a 2 door coupe. The stock instrument panel was retained for the production look and feel.

The stock drivetrain and electrical system were also retained with the addition of a functional Shaker Hood scoop and Flowmaster mufflers. Stock wheels and tires were replaced with chrome 22″ Zenetti “Fives” shod with 265/35/22 Pirelli P Zeros in front and 305/35/22 Pirelli P Zeros in the rear. The finish is highlighted by the clear coated exposed carbon fiber on the hood, deck lid spoiler and rear tail light panel. The remainder of the body is shot with Lamborghini Pearl Orange. In September when the car was nearly complete, MOPAR execs happened to be at Metalcrafters.

After seeing the Concept ‘Cuda, the executives asked if they could take the car to the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas where it made its official debut. MOPAR used this opportunity to gauge public opinion for potential future re-introduction by placing it front and center in their display. **TITLED AS A 2007 DODGE CHARGER**”

2008 NAIAS Chrysler Concepts - Lou Rhodes Interview

2009 Dodge Ram Reveal

2009 Dodge Ram Reveal

Elegant luxury design coupled with advanced hydrogen fuel cell Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology

Chrysler’s concept for 2008 – the ecoVoyager – marries an elegant American design with fuel cell Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology.

“The 2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager concept vehicle celebrates the romance of automobile travel embodied in a four-door, four-passenger, distinctively American automobile of spirited design,” said Greg Howell, principal ecoVoyager concept exterior designer. “While the ecoVoyager’s supple, flowing one-box shape is purposely designed to achieve aerodynamic efficiencies, it also pushes the Chrysler brand language in a new direction of ‘elegant simplicity,’ by taking full advantage of the space normally occupied by a bulky conventional powertrain setup to drastically reduce the front overhang.”

Featuring crisscrossing forms defined by hard lines with fluid intersections, the style vocabulary of the ecoVoyager embodies Chrysler’s harmonization of functional technology with beautifully-styled exteriors and interiors.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager concept was developed for customers wanting a travel experience on par with a private jet, but without a lot of fancy gadgetry. These customers seek three critical attributes: elegance, simplicity and serenity.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Technology

The all-new Chrysler ecoVoyager’s wheels are driven by an electric motor, with power primarily supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack capable of satisfying a consumer’s typical daily commute of less than 40 miles.

The electric motor develops 200 kilowatts (268 horsepower), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. A regenerative braking system captures energy that would normally be lost and returns it to the battery, making the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept a very efficient and spacious vehicle.

The ecoVoyager takes advantage of a range extender – in this case, a small, advanced hydrogen fuel cell — to extend the vehicle range for occasional long trips. With this advanced technology, the Chrysler ecoVoyager’s total range is greater than 300 miles, while no emissions – besides water vapor — come from the tailpipe along the way.

With the entire propulsion system located below the ecoVoyager’s floor, space is maximized for utility of passenger and cargo.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Exterior

Expressive details of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept include panoramic roof glass bisected by a center spine, tight body overhangs and a dramatic boat-tail back end. The sinuous shapes of the window graphics, headlamps, taillamps and grille openings are inspired by Chrysler’s storied winged badge.

The curving trapezoidal shape of the ecoVoyager’s grille is echoed by the clear lens-covered shadow box that houses the rear license plate. The sloping backlight features a similar shape, emphasizing the repeating harmony of the ecoVoyager’s design elements.

Other exterior touches on the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept include the elongated, flaring “light catchers” on the lower doors and the front and rear fascias, enhanced by the Polar Ice exterior color.

Finally, side doors open a wide 90 degrees. Since the rear doors are hinged at the rear and there is no center B-pillar, entrance into the ecoVoyager is virtually unimpeded.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Interior

By placing the front wheels of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept farther forward than usual, designers were able to create greater interior roominess and increased legroom, especially in the rear seats.

In the ecoVoyager’s spacious interior, the size, design and location of all controls have been rethought to provide its four pampered passengers the luxury of having every feature within effortless reach.

“In some ways, true luxury is in not having to reach or search around for controls,” said Ty Stump, principal interior designer of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept. “With the new ecoVoyager concept, we carefully placed the gauges and controls in order to reduce head and eye movement. We also achieved simplicity in the interior forms, both for visual elegance and to avoid distracting surfaces.”

The ecoVoyager’s windshield defroster and cabin air-conditioning outlets in the instrument panels and doors, for example, are invisible beneath a recessed perforated mesh. This avoids visually-disruptive array sliding vanes and protruding knobs. Even the color of the interior — soft Dove Gray with warm cherry wood accents - is designed to promote a relaxed ambiance.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager’s unconventional instrument panel features a broad, leather-covered angled surface, slightly V-shaped in plan view and fronted by a full-width display screen set just below the windshield. The left and right outer ends of this non-glare screen contain the side-view mirror image, while a third camera image in front of the driver serves as the rearview mirror.

Unlike most instrument clusters, only currently-needed information is displayed, designed to be viewed above the steering wheel rim rather than through it (and requiring less up-down eye movement and refocusing). The front-seat passenger can view a movie without its moving images disturbing the driver. A slick, slide-out/retractable center console – fitted with hot-key buttons and a mouse pad – replaces the functions contained in a conventional vertical center stack.

The ecoVoyager’s four individual chairs are contoured for personalized comfort. The seat framing is exposed, with under-seat storage drawers. Front seats have individual cantilevered, adjustable armrests containing the window controls and heat/massage switches, while individual rear-seat armrests fold into the cabin back panel. With the ability to store six 20-ounce bottles, the floor console dividing the rear seats accommodates hot or cold beverages.

A recessed area in the headliner between the two longitudinal skylights contains the “Direct Sound” function. With this feature, the musical entertainment choice of each individual occupant can be directed to him or her without the use of headphones, and without disturbing others in the car.

Sleek, refined, efficient and superbly comfortable, the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept vehicle offers a new experience in stress-free travel.

2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager concept car - allpar.com

Chrysler ecoVoyager Gallery - chryslerweblog.com

From the press release: “The 2008 Dodge ZEO — Zero Emissions Operation – concept vehicle is a four-passenger, all-electric, “2+2″ sport wagon that embraces the bold, emotional characteristic of the Dodge brand. With its 23-inch wheels-to-the corners, heroic proportions and muscular forms, the ZEO exhibits a new youthful breed of muscle-machine interface.

Dodge owners and those who will desire the ZEO concept are unquestionably driving enthusiasts. They are less family-oriented, with a desire for things that are high-tech, and place less emphasis on pure practicality. While they boast environmental and overall responsibility, they also exhibit a “need for speed.”

“The Dodge ZEO concept is designed to break the paradigm of what an electric car should look like,” said Bill Zheng, Dodge ZEO principal exterior designer. “An electric car can be as expressive as any gasoline-powered vehicle. The Dodge ZEO concept proves that point – and then some.”

To this end, the ZEO’s body has been given an active, three-dimensional form, with the fenders boldly offset to the body.

Dodge ZEO Concept Technology

The advanced propulsion system powering the Dodge ZEO concept is electric-only with a 64 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 250 miles.

Resting in a rear-wheel drive layout, Dodge ZEO’s 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) single-electric motor contributes to a 0-60 mph time in less than six seconds — which rivals Chrysler’s famed HEMI powerplant.

Unlike other such vehicles, ZEO is a four-door, four-passenger vehicle that delivers function as well as environmental responsibility.

Dodge ZEO Concept Exterior

Nestled between the robust circular wheel arches, ZEO’s taut, elongated beltline ends with the signature Dodge kick-up at the rear, where the reverse-angle C-pillar is planted directly over the rear wheel arch.

Inspired in part by the architecture of a Möbius strip, Dodge ZEO’s rakish A-pillars curve into extended roof rails that twist and converge as they race rearward. The windshield glass continues in an unbroken, curving plane nearly to the rear of the car, giving both front and rear passengers an unimpeded, all-around view while showcasing ZEO’s inventive interior.

Other expressive details include “scissor” doors, front and rear lamps treated as separate sculptural forms, and the “ZEO Orange” and dark silver exterior.

“The lit crossbar grille,” says Zheng, “is designed to communicate the use of electricity as the ZEO’s power source.”

Dodge ZEO Concept Interior

Inspired by organic forms and wireless technology, Dodge ZEO’s interior is loaded with attitude and intelligence expected by youthful buyers.

“The Dodge ZEO concept is an example of designing for people who are used to a dynamic lifestyle and who are surrounded with information and virtual friends at all times,” says Lou Gasevski, principal interior designer of the Dodge ZEO concept.

The entire cabin is treated as if it were a single piece of sculpture.

A broad sloping fabric-wrapped surface in front of the driver curves dramatically into the door and quarter panel. It then sweeps around the back panel to the opposite side quarter and door, ending in a sloping surface in front of the passenger.

This design approach blends the usually separate-looking parts of the interior into a unified whole. A narrow strip of blue LED accent lighting on the doors and quarters lead to the back panel, adding to the sweeping effect. Most of the interior surfaces of the ZEO concept are colored in Super White, adding to the sculptural impression.

A slim center console slopes down from the windshield of the Dodge ZEO, creating a dual-cockpit effect. It then levels off to divide the cabin by continuing clear to the back panel. To avoid visual clutter, customary controls and a viewing screen are set flush with the surface.

Instead of a conventional instrument panel, the steering wheel, column and instruments are treated as a single freestanding design element. The Dodge ZEO concept’s steering wheel has two vertical spokes, set closely together, leaving 80 percent of the rim “open” for maximum visibility. The laid-back center hub, containing the driver air bag and auxiliary switches, is stationary, with the wheel rim revolving around it. Left and right horizontal paddle-levers just behind the wheel rim activate the remote radio functions.

The sloping plane of the center hub, which cantilevers forward above the steering column, houses the instruments which are displayed on a thin blue acrylic viewing screen set directly in front of the driver. The entire elegant multi-piece ensemble adjusts with the wheel rim to the driver’s needs.

Doors and quarters are bisected by a flaring, wide-to-narrow dark gray panel separating the upper and lower surfaces – with the lower portion of the door and quarter curving inboard to provide an armrest surface. Milled aluminum door pull handles, placed diagonally, act as accents.

Contrasting colored Copperhead stitching follows the forms of the ZEO’s Super White leather seats. For maximum comfort, the four bucket seats sport highly-contoured bolsters on the seat cushions and backs. When in the down position, the slim sculpted headrests nestle neatly into the tops of the upper seatbacks. The seat shells are constructed from milled aluminum, with video screens integrated into the front seatbacks.

With its bold exterior and curving, sculptural interior, the ZEO concept appeals to Dodge brand customers who want value, expressive design and useful technology.”

Dodge Zeo concept car (2008 NAIAS) - allpar.com

Dodge Zeo Concept Gallery - chryslerweblog.com

From the press release: “A B-segment Jeep® concept vehicle, the Renegade is a sporty, “minimized” two-seater ideally suited for the all-weather fun of dune-surfing or rock-crawling.

“With an electric motor powering each axle, the Jeep Renegade concept is designed for a ‘hang on and have fun experience,’” said Tony Shamenkov, Jeep Renegade concept principal exterior designer.

Constructed of environmentally responsible materials, sustainability is a key theme of the Jeep Renegade concept.

Renegade is targeted at customers in the “Stylish Green” segment of the marketplace – those who are extremely environmentally oriented, appreciate high-tech and innovation, and enjoy performance combined with style in keeping with their “green” attitude.

Jeep Renegade Concept Technology

The advanced propulsion system in the Jeep Renegade concept starts with a 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack. A range extender – in Renegade’s case, a small-displacement (1.5-liter, 3-cylinder) BLUETEC diesel engine – allows for journeys beyond 40 miles. In fact, the Jeep Renegade concept boasts a 400-mile range.

Renegade’s BLUETEC diesel engine generates an additional 115 horsepower when needed, while greatly reducing exhaust emissions when compared to standard gasoline engines. Renegade is capable of achieving an equivalent petroleum fuel economy of 110 miles per gallon, which is four-to-five times greater than an equivalent gasoline-only vehicle.

The all-new Jeep Renegade concept’s lightweight aluminum architecture and regen-braking system help to improve overall efficiency, while dual electric 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) motors propel a very capable 4×4 system – complete with low range and locking differentials — worthy of carrying the Jeep name.

Jeep Renegade Concept Exterior

The Jeep Renegade concept’s “one-with-nature” personality is emphasized by its large, flaring wheel openings, oversized wheels and tires, and cut-down speedster windshield — all of which combine to deliver on the Renegade’s promise of cross-country fun and agility.

Among the unique exterior details are “deconstructed” rubber-clad headlamps and taillamps, as well as just-for-fun elongated triangular openings in each of the two sculpted doors.

While the Renegade features a roll bar, it has no top. Instead, the cargo deck just behind the cockpit can be fitted with a variety of “lids.” Options include a plain lid, or lids configured to accommodate the gear of a particular outdoor day-trip activity, such as mountain biking or kayaking. Or it can come “as built” — with formations designed to accommodate two matching water scooters with open storage underneath. Fluid-fill caps, a plug-in port and a first-aid kit are also included.

Jeep Renegade Concept Interior

Sustainability – a ratio between the energy needed to build and ship the vehicle as compared with the impact these processes have on the environment – is a key focus of the Jeep Renegade concept’s interior design.

Materials used in constructing the Jeep Renegade concept were deliberately selected to be environmentally responsible, both in manufacture and end-of-vehicle-life recyclability.

Innovative construction includes one-piece molded soy-based foam seats and doors, a one-piece co-molded instrument panel with a urethane skin, a co-molded aluminum/silicone steering wheel, a one-piece molded chassis created without using environmentally-harmful resins, and a one-piece molded interior compartment “tub.” This environmental care in designing the Renegade’s interior is aligned with Jeep’s “harmony with nature” philosophy.

“The Jeep Renegade concept’s interior - actually the entire vehicle - is designed to minimize the number of parts necessary for assembly and function,” said Scott Anderson, principal interior designer of the Renegade concept. “We designed the Renegade with an eye toward simplification of systems, both in parts and processes.”

The HVAC system, for example, is not coolant-based, while the color, grain and gloss of the interior parts are molded in one piece. Even the no-gloss exterior color of the Renegade’s lightweight composite body is molded in to avoid the use of solvents present in automotive paints.

The dual-cockpit instrument panel is symmetrically balanced for easy “plug and play” left-hand drive and right-hand drive applications. There is no conventional wiring. Instead, the instrument panel features wireless electronics in sealed, self-contained units, removable by the customer. The panel is built about an exposed cross-car beam containing an integrated power strip, and on the passenger side, yaw, pitch and roll indicators (also built into the fluid-fill gauges). The instrument panel itself is hollow, allowing ample open storage below the beam. Separately-configured impact-absorbing vinyl-wrapped knee-blockers “float” beneath the cross-car beam.

The thin multi-plane acrylic instrument cluster mounts to the steering column, while the similar but separate center control screen mounts on a swivel base — providing easy access to both occupants.

Located at the intersection of the steering wheel’s T-shaped spokes, the circular LED screen rotates, allowing the driver to select the drive mode, while a flattened rim provides roomier thigh clearance. A driver air bag is concealed beneath the screen. Red or green translucent shift buttons allow Park, Reverse or Drive selections.

The Jeep Renegade concept’s sporty doors incorporate unique canvas-pull remote “handles,” while the rush of the moving landscape visible through the door’s elongated openings enhance the feeling of carefree, open-air mobility.

The Renegade’s contoured, figure-form seats — covered in scuba-like waterproof materials that are both soft-touch and flexible — feature in-seat belts and unusual, hollow, lightweight upside-down “U-shaped” headrests. The seats feature a urethane skin with soy-based foam co-molded with a composite substructure. The integral seatbelts, along with slender accent strips on the seats and instrument panel, repeat the Palm Metallic exterior color.

A “thermal unit” in the center console plugs into the electrical battery pack, permitting food to be either heated or cooled.

“Inspired by the simplicity and functionality of scuba diving gear, we wanted the interior of the Jeep Renegade concept to be weather-tight and durable,” Anderson said.

The Renegade’s wireless interior is designed to be hosed down. It features a drain in the floor, while the formations built into the floor mat are designed to channel water to the opening. Hollow-section billet-formed pedals float above the tub floor.

Fun, functional and fabricated from recyclable materials, the Jeep Renegade concept offers agile, capable performance without sacrificing the environment its drivers seek to explore. Keeping with Jeep owners’ desire to use their vehicles as an extension of their active lives, the Jeep Renegade concept promotes enjoyment of the good things of the earth while taking care of its future. ”

Jeep Renegade concept cars (2008 NAIAS) - allpar.com

Jeep Renegade Concept Gallery - chryslerweblog.com

The vehicle below is the Warthog, from the popular Xbox video game Halo.