08 Jan 07
Jeep often shows interesting concepts in Detroit - remember the Hurricane from 2005, with its two Hemi engines and four-wheel independent steering? - but its production vehicles usually lack their promise. Could the Trailhawk be different?
We certainly hope so, as this bastard offspring of the Wrangler and Cherokee - Chrysler design chief Trevor Creed suggested that the Trailhawk is what happens when you leave the two SUVs parked together for too long - is what Jeeps should be all about in the 21st century.
Muscular and broad-shouldered, with the wheels in pushed into each corner and tight front and rear overhangs, the Trailhawk is an impressive design study for future Jeeps. Its sturdiness is also emphasised by the high beltline along the side that rises towards the rear of the car.
The 'essence of Wrangler' is strong, coming in the form of the platform that the Trailhawk is based on, plus the open-air nature of the concept. Although three inches lower than the roof of the Wrangler, and with different proportions, it does share the old-timer's open-air, off-roading nature, with removable roof panels and a targa top.
Inside, there's a full-length floor console along the length of the transmission tunnel that features storage bins and a flip-out pad for a remote control fold-away flat screen navigation unit in the front armrest.
The instrument panel features machined aluminium gauges, a leather-wrapped aluminium steering wheel and a centre stack that uses buttons that are more than informed by the iPod - in fact, they're a direct steal.
And talking of the iPod - and almost every car company is trying to find a way to shoe-horn the ubiquitous MP3 player into their car - the Trailhawk has removable, portable 'audio pod' sound system in each quarter panel that features a dock for an MP3 player (ie an iPod). In addition, there are jerry-can-style boxes for carrying first aid or road hazard gear; plus a drop-down tailgate that has concealed storage, four cup holders and a sliding 'Load 'N Go' cargo tray with movable partitions. All very handy.
Interestingly for an American concept, the Trailhawk is powered by a diesel engine, specifically a 3.0-litre Bluetec engine that pumps out 215bhp and generates 376lb-ft of torque.
And that name? Well, Jeep reckons the main headlamp units 'peer out from an angled brow' rather like the eyes of a bird of prey, giving it a hawkish expression, hence Trailhawk. After all, they couldn't have called it Donald Rumsfeld, could they?
