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Jeep Plans Crossover to Challenge the Mini Countryman

Rumors are that Jeep is planning a B-segment crossover that will challenge directly the Mini Countryman. The lighter Jeep is being referred to internally as “SS”, which stands for super small or super sport. It isexpected to be even more compact than its predecessors the Patriot and Compass. For the moment, Chrysler’s engineering team is busy preparing the new model that will be close to Countryman’s dimensions. The 2011 Jeep “SS” will be based on a Fiat-sourced compact platform like the Patriot and Compass replacement.

As Italian engineers are becoming more and more involved one thing becomes obvious - the new Jeep will receive a bit of European pedigree. After all, the Europeans have more expertise in making the most of small vehicles.

There are two competing ideas for the new Jeep. A rounder design line is considered in order to bring the “SS” closer to the Countryman’s shape, but designers are also considering a boxy design that is more similar to Jeep’s own Wrangler. The Jeep ”SS” will offer either front or all-wheel drive, and at the front-wheel-drive version is likely to have an economic brake-based system that simulates a differential to help traction in slippery conditions.

Also the four-wheel-drive will be equipped with a multilink suspension setup, unlike the cheaper front-wheel-drive model which will come with a cost-effective torsion-beam rear suspension as related by caranddriver.com. The “SS” will probably receive a 1.4-liter four cylinder engine from Fiat that powers the 500 model, as related by the aforementioned source. The actual engine produces 101hp, so if this unit is selected for the SS it will probably be fitted with a turbocharger that will boost its power up to 170hp.

It is expected that the smallest and most efficient Jeep will make its entrance in the second half of 2013.
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