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2007 Jeep Trailhawk Concept

What do you get when you cross pollinate the rugged bones of the JeepWrangler Unlimited with the road handling refinement of the premium Jeep Grand Cherokee? Well, attendees of the 2007 Detroit Auto Show got a glimpse of what Chrysler's “stork” delivered with the unveiling of the Jeep Trailhawk concept.

Jeep's long lasting heritage started in World War II, where agile four-wheel drive vehicles were used for reconnaissance and other various army duties that required rugged capabilities. Although still used in military applications today, the more widespread function of the atypical Jeep is for recreational off-road excursions or for weekend trips to the campsite.

So where does the four-door Trailhawk concept fit within the Jeep family? As eluded to earlier this concept is built on the Wrangler platform, allowing the body on frame Trailhawk to fill the gap between the off-road oriented Wrangler and the more civilized Grand Cherokee. We see a production Trailhawk, if produced, marketed against the likes of Toyota's FJ Cruiser, Nissan's Xterra, and even Land Rover's LR3.

Though ready

Jeep's Trailhawk Concept might provide a future glimpse of the styling for the next Grand Cherokee, sans open-air design. (Photo: Jeep)

and able to tackle the back country, the Trailhawk is no slouch on the asphalt. Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 Bluetec diesel that generates a respectable 215 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 376 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm, the Trailhawk can propel its 3,900 lb body from zero to 60 in about 9 seconds, and a quarter mile in 15.7 seconds. Mated to a five-speed automatic, the 4-wheel drive Trailhawk rests on a solid axle with four bar links up front, while the rear solid axle is connected with five links. Sporting 22-inch, five spoke wheels wrapped in specially designed low profile 305/45R tires, the Trailhawk should be able to tackle the best and worst of road conditions with comfort and ease. It certainly looks like it could go anywhere.

“The key to the look of the Trailhawk is the vehicle's distinctive

The Mercedes-Benz sourced common-rail turbodiesel engine should provide the necessary grunt to move this large 'ute. (Photo: Jeep)

proportions, due in part to its 116-inch wheelbase.” comments Nick Vardis, Principal Exterior Designer, “The dash-to-front-axle dimension is dramatically long, giving the vehicle a sense of forward motion, while the front and rear overhangs are tight and abbreviated.”

Measuring 191.2 inches long by 77.7 inches wide and 69.3 inches high, the Trailhawk is over 4inches longer and more than 4 inches wider, not to mention almost 2 inches taller than the current Grand Cherokee. The aggressive stance is further enhanced by the placement of its four tires, which are stretched to each corner of the vehicle, extended almost 7.0 inches more than the Grand Cherokee.

Jeep designers hatched the name Trailhawk from the front visual design of the vehicle. “The main headlamp units are cropped diagonally across the top,” said Vardis. “They peer out from an angled brow, giving the vehicle its bold, sinister look.

Rear portion of the Jeep is open; tailgate is neatly organized with two subwoofers. (Photo: Jeep)

In front view, the left and right lamps evoke the hooded eyes of a bird of prey.”

Using aluminum barrels to house the twin-quad HID headlights, a pair of horizontal LED bar turn signals definitely balances the rugged appearance with some upscale sophistication. The Jeep trademark seven-slotted grille anchors those headlights and brings a focal point to wide mouth bumper with mesh inserts. From the front it's easy to see the muscular stance as the wheel arches protrude to cover the massive tires. At quick glance there's some even resemblance to the Dodge Ram, albeit with a more angular perspective.

From the side view, the Trailhawk has a distinctively long hood and a high beltline to side window ratio that maintains its forward dynamics. The bumper to wheel arches and rocker panels with integrated side steps are uniformly painted in a slightly darker color to emphasize the rugged angular appearance. The B-pillar is noticeably missing, only to be supported by a thick C-pillar. Front and rear passenger side windows can roll down all the way, as do rear quarter windows. The T-top style glass roof that covers

Circles are a theme of the Trailhawk's cabin; instruments, horn, vents... (Photo: Jeep)

the front and rear passengers is removable, as is the rear cargo glass panel providing occupants the feel of open air driving, reminiscent of the current Wrangler. The rear treatment is finished off with LED lamps of a similar design to those in front. The Jeep logo is prominently displayed on the tailgate.

The Trailhawk'sinterior was conceptualized and designed entirely on the computer. There is available seating for four passengers; each with their own two toned Bark Black and Firewood Orange leather captain's chairs which really give the cabin a warm upscale feeling. The same Firewood Orange color is used for the two-toned steering wheel, the lower half of the dashboard, the lower console, and the door panel inserts. Aluminum rings similar to the ones used for the headlamps also encase the instrument panel's gauges, plus the vents, compass gauge, and inclinometer gauge.

The center console stack, or as Jeep calls it the “cross-car instrument panel”, houses the terrain selector knob. Paired up with the indigo blue interior dash lights, the entire dash console looks like a futuristic mini jukebox system. Passengers are split in the middle floor by an open storage bin concept with sliders that allow the front and rear center armrests to glide

Four bucket seats are trimmed in soft leather. (Photo: Jeep)

forward and back. In the rear cargo quarter panel pocket, there is a Firewood Orange storage container for first aid supplies. Beside the container is a portable audio pod with built-in speakers that allow you to dock your MP3 player and use it like a portable stereo. The cargo area also has a sliding tray and cargo nets for functional carrying configurations. The tailgate opens to reveal four cupholders and an additional hidden storage panel.

The crowded segment of mid to large size off-road capable SUVs, such as the Toyota FJ Cruiser and 4Runner, Nissan Xterra and Pathfinder, Hummer H3, and so on ... begs the question whether or not Jeep can find buyers for another model entered into the mix. Then again, it's important for the iconic American brand to expand its reach without diluting its tough as nails Trail Rated image any further than it already has, and something like this concept might be ideal for entry-level premium buyers in North America and even more so for picky Europeans. Yes, if Jeep were to offer something as capable on and off the road as this Trailhawk seems to be, they might just have something too difficult for its adventurous target buyer to pass up. Complement the package with the Trailhawk's good looks, luxurious appointments, and its fuel efficient diesel powertrain, and it just might be able to soar above the competition.

Specifications (Trailhawk):

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