JEEP Rescue...If they build it, will they come?

[Scenic WonderRunner]

OK!..............This WILL DO!

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 04, 2004 - Designed for the most extreme situations and unforgiving conditions, the Jeep® Rescue concept is not only the ultimate type of search and rescue vehicle - it's the ultimate execution of a Jeep off-road vehicle.

Combine legendary Jeep off-road capability with state-of-the-art search and rescue technology, the Jeep Rescue is designed to reach areas in the harshest, most daunting mountainous and desert areas.

"Jeep Rescue is the supreme trail search and research vehicle - one that only Jeep could build," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Chrysler Group Design.

Classic Jeep Design Taken to An Exciting New Dimension and Extreme

Starting with a modern interpretation of the timeless, classic Jeep, the Rescue not only hints at a future design direction for a large Jeep - it builds on the rugged Jeep heritage to forge an exciting new dimension for the Jeep brand.

The Rescue can be configured to run almost totally "open" - with folding front windshield and a retractable backlite, a sliding glass sunroof in front, a fold-forward canvas roof in the rear, plus, all four doors are removable.

A Rugged Foundation

Featuring all-new body-on-frame construction with hydroformed frame rails and riding on an 80-inch wide chassis with 123-inch wheelbase and 37-inch tires, the Jeep Rescue is built for anything thrown its way. The front hydropneumatic suspension combines with the heavy-duty link-coil rear suspension to give the Rescue its solid footing on all terrain. The suspension has adjustable ride height and an additional 4-inch lift available for fording. The aforementioned 37-inch tires feature an MTR tread and run-flat capability, negating the need for a spare. On-board tire pressure control has the ability to "tune" tire pressures for maximum traction on all surfaces.

Unequalled Rescue Capability

Powered by a Cummins Diesel and featuring seating for five, the Jeep Rescue's primary mission is rescue capability, and its list of rescue and safety equipment is impressive:

AC electric power (10 kW) generation in the field
3-D topographical mapping software and topographical navigation system
Under- chassis, point-of-view cameras for avoiding danger in its path
Passive, infrared (thermal) cameras for search and rescue
Satellite telephone; VHF radio, digital video recorder with satellite transmission capability
Retractable 4-point harnesses for vehicle occupants
Exterior perimeter lighting
White LEV lighting for long distance visual search and reduced power use
Folding seats in rear compartment of vehicle
Remote control winch - front and back
"The Jeep Rescue is Jeep capability taken to maximum extreme and that, being Jeep, is unmatchable," said Creed. "It is everything the Jeep brand represents - in a vehicle equipped for unequalled search and rescue service."

http://www.rockcrawler.com/features/newsshorts/04january/naias/jeep_rescue/index.asp

http://jeepin.com/news/rescue/index.asp

 

[flyingwil]

Very interesting... Looks like it is a good replacement for the good old XJ. BUT, will it fir in my garage?

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I'm looking for an alternative (one day) to my Toyota 4Runner that I currently own.

I'm not real happy with the durability of the engine.

This Jeep Rescue looks real interesting......

....and I like the fact that it will/may have a Cummins Diesel.

I drove big rigs cross country for 4 years............they all had cummins diesel engines.....and they were just bullet proof!

I have seen nothing out there coming from current production lines that match all the goodies listed in the above article!......read it close and you will see what I mean!

I really hope they decide to make it!

 

[flyingwil]

....and I like the fact that it will/may have a Cummins Diesel.

I drove big rigs cross country for 4 years............they all had cummins diesel engines.....and they were just bullet proof!

The cool part about the "big rigs" is that they are easily rebuilt. Each Cylinder has a insert that the pistions use and it just pops out and they ut in a new one that comes with the rebuild kit. Best idea ever!

 

[Brian McVickers]

I like the front and rear winches, great idea.
However the infared scanner may be too much for standard, maybe as an option. I would assume that it would have front and rear lockers.
Oh! and Portal axles would be nice too!

And it would be very cool if they equiped it standard with a water tank, climbing gear, a good first aid kit, recovery gear to go with the winches and maybe some more underbelly protection.

Any idea how much or how far in the future?

 

[kcowyo]

Very interesting... Looks like it is a good replacement for the good old XJ. BUT, will it fir in my garage?

I saw a picture of the Rescue parked next to a stock TJ. They are about the size of a Chevy Tahoe. Much bigger than a regular Wrangler.

 

[The BN Guy]

Lotsa good stuff but lotsa bling too. And stuff I wouldn't use. Plus what would be the price on that beast? Proly as much as an H1.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hopefully.......

All the "Bling" would be priced as "ad on's"....so you could pick and choose what you would really want/need.

I sure like the Cummins diesel aspect though!

I guess only time will tell.

 

[Nullifier]

I had a chance to get up close and personal with one. Actually sat inside it. That thing is freaking huge. Th eone I got see had a lot of little stupid crap on it it like antenna mounts that stick out on the side of the body like the liberty. Those are the kind of things that make me laugh. I'd like to see that stuff last 5 minutes in extreme conditions. That is one of many things on the prototypes I have seen that have to be changed. Plus it's over all size. I think from a personel/gear carring vehicle it is good but for remote travel I'm not so sure.

If it doesn't come with a diesel I don't think it will succeed. Espectially with $3.00 gallon fuel

 

[cshontz]

The rumor is that in 2007 we will see a production Jeep called the Jeep Rescue, also known as the 2007 "four door Wrangler". It will share certain design cues with the Rescue concept, but it will not be the same size as the Rescue concept. While the Rescue concept was based on a 1-ton Ram platform, the production Rescue will be based on the next generation 1/4 ton Wrangler platform.

As cool as the Rescue concept is, I'm pleased to see that the presumable production version will be downsized.

While the 2007 four door wrangler is very real, the fact that it will be called "Rescue" is still largely speculation based on an Internet article that was circulating at one point.