Jeep Commander 2 Concept Doubles Fuel Economy In Luxury SUV
24 October 2000
Jeep(R) Commander 2 Concept Doubles Fuel Economy In Environmentally-Friendly Luxury SUV
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 23 Jeep(R) Commander 2 merges
dynamic design with an advanced fuel cell powertrain in a luxury sport-utility
vehicle that is virtually pollution-free while achieving double the fuel
efficiency of a conventional SUV.
"Commander 2's predecessor, the Jeep Commander, took the Jeep pledge to
'Tread Lightly!' on the environment very seriously. Commander 2 vows to tread
even lighter," said Rich Schaum, Executive Vice President - Product
Development for DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "The hybrid drive system
integrates an on-board methanol reformer that produces near-zero emissions in
one of North America's fastest growing market segments -- SUVs."
With its trademark seven-slotted grille and characteristic trapezoidal
wheel arches among other visual cues, Commander 2 is clearly a Jeep. But it
incorporates the philosophy of Bauhaus design that inspired exterior designer
Steve Won, and influenced the clean, precise and mechanical appearance of
Commander 2. "It still has true Jeep character, but it is also ultra-modern
and sophisticated," Won said.
While Commander 2 duplicates the shape and design of the first Commander,
the new-generation vehicle is powered by a completely reengineered fuel cell
system. The fuel cell is now combined with dual front and rear electric
motors and advanced batteries into a hybrid-electric fuel cell powertrain that
represents further advancement in the development of ultra-clean, ultra-
efficient transportation for the 21st century. Commander 2 has near-zero
tailpipe emissions and improves the average fuel efficiency by up to 12 mpg
(gasoline equivalent).
"With the increasing popularity of SUVs, we believe boosting the fuel
efficiency of a larger vehicle explores an area that is of interest to our
customers," said Bernard Robertson, Senior Vice President - Engineering
Technologies and General Manager - Truck Operations.
Commander 2 runs on electricity generated by the fuel cell, which is
fueled by hydrogen from an on-board methanol reformer. Methanol was chosen
because it is easy to dispense, simpler to reform while producing lower
emissions than a gasoline powered fuel cell, and eliminates the need for large
hydrogen storage tanks in the vehicle.
Two AC induction motors, one for each axle, provide full-time, four-wheel
drive. A nickel-metal-hydride battery provides supplemental energy during
acceleration; while towing heavy payloads; and for cold starts, since fuel
cell systems require warm up time. The battery captures energy normally lost
during braking and also helps improve fuel efficiency.
To compensate for the additional weight and cost of the fuel cell system,
Jeep designers incorporated DaimlerChrysler's unique injection-molded
thermoplastic body technology, demonstrating the weight savings that could be
achieved with injection molded plastic.
The plastic body technology, first shown in the fall of 1997 in the
Composite Concept Vehicle (CCV) and more recently in the Dodge ESX3, saves up
to 50 percent in body weight, 10 to 50 percent in manufacturing costs and
provides near 100 percent recyclability. Using molded-in-color plastic
allowed designers to embody a very machined, high-tech feel to the surface
appearance, unlike the design restrictions with stamped metal.
Because of its lightweight body, Commander 2 weighs 5700 pounds, slightly
more than typical full-size SUVs. This includes more than 2500 pounds for the
hybrid-electric fuel cell powertrain.
The silver-bodied Commander 2's overall height of 69.4 inches is
equivalent to the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It stands 80 inches wide overall,
more than seven inches wider than Grand Cherokee. This wider stance helps
intensify drivers' sense of security and enabled designers to add three
comfortable bucket seats in the rear, as well as extra storage space in the
center console. The 180 degree convex side view mirrors eliminate blind spots
and have wipers for better visibility during inclement weather. In addition,
the tow hitch cover folds down and doubles as a step for ease in reaching the
roof.
Functionality is a key component not only in Commander 2's exterior
design, but also in its roomy interior. The driver "Infotronic" system
performs as a mobile office with a removable toaster-style pop-up "plug and
play" laptop computer docked in the center console. The system provides
global positioning system (GPS) data and Internet for real-time weather and
traffic information and directions, along with e-mail phone and vehicle
diagnostic information. A liquid crystal display (LCD) screen in the
instrument panel connects to the driver's laptop. The steering column houses
a small microphone that allows the driver to access the mobile office via a
"user independent" voice recognition system.
"By incorporating your personal laptop from either the home or the office
in the 'plug and play' system, it is customized to fit your needs and can be
regularly updated with the latest computer software," said Steve Buckley,
Electronics Innovation Manager at DaimlerChrysler's Liberty & Technical
Affairs.
"Also, you can keep your hands on the wheel and still get business done on
the drive to and from the office by verbally sending commands to your
computer," Buckley added. "Commands such as sending e-mails, getting
directions, reviewing traffic, checking vehicle systems and dialing phone
numbers are easily done with voice commands."
The instrument panel contains another unique feature that provides extra
security: a tiny camera positioned to take a picture of the driver. If the
vehicle is stolen, a picture of the thief is electronically sent to the
authorities.
The instrument panel is further enhanced with chrome details and a brushed
aluminum surface accented with light burl wood on both the panel and steering
wheel. Sophisticated navy blue is the primary color of the interior and
seats, complemented by cognac leather trim inserts.
Commander 2 offers advanced design and technologies that will meet
customers' needs in a clean, efficient SUV that will address the environmental
challenges of the 21st century.
Jeep(R) Commander 2
Preliminary Specifications
DIMENSIONS
Overall length 186" (4.72 m)
Overall width 80" (2.03 m)
Overall height 69.4" (1.76 m)
Wheelbase 114" (2.9 m)
Track, F 69" (1.75 m)
Track, R 69" (1.75 m)
Curb weight 5700 lbs (2590 kg)
Tire, F & R 275/55R20 on 20x9 wheel
POWERTRAIN
Engine Methanol fuel cell
Motor/transmission Dual traction electric motors (front and rear)
Peak power 82 kW
Maximum torque 176 lb-ft/239 Nm
Battery pack 324V nickel-metal hydride
Suspension, F Upper and lower control arms, unequal length gas
shocks with coaxial springs
Viper 4-piston floating calipers
Vented disc brake rotors
Suspension, R Upper and lower control arms, unequal length gas
shocks with coaxial springs
Viper 4-piston calipers
Vented disc brake rotors
Acceleration 13 seconds (0-60 mph/96 kph)
Fuel tank capacity 10 gallons/40 Liters
Range 120 miles/1902 Kilometers
Fuel economy 24 mpg/10 Liters/100 Kilometers (estimated
combined city/highway, gasoline equivalent)
Emissions SULEV
BODY/CHASSIS
Architecture Body-on-frame
4-door sport-utility vehicle
Material usage Aluminum/composite frame
Carbon fiber body to simulate PET weight savings
Cast aluminum wheels
Special features 4-inch adjustable ride height in off-road position