Jeep celebrates 70 years with new 4WDs

Four special edition models have been released to coincide with Jeep's 70th birthday, adding more value to the car maker's SUV range
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Jeep has taken the wraps off four new special edition vehicles, which will be on sale "in strictly limited numbers," and have been designed to celebrate the American 4x4 specialist's 70th anniversary.

Born in 1941 through military necessity, the first Jeep set in motion a design ethos that is still adhered to today, and can be seen most clearly on vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, Cherokee and Patriot.

"The Jeep brand's legendary heritage and capability have made it a genuine automotive icon that is well-known and loved throughout the world," said Dean Bonthorne, Senior Manager – Marketing & Corporate Communications for Chrysler Australia. "Since they were first produced in 1941, Jeep vehicles have been the authentic benchmark for off-road capability, having mastered more terrain, led more adventures and provided drivers more freedom than any other vehicle before or since.

The four new '70th Anniversary' models and respective drive away pricing are as follows:

2011 Jeep Patriot 70th Anniversary Edition ($40,000)
2011 Jeep Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition ($44,000)
2011 Jeep Wrangler 70th Anniversary Edition ($39,000)
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition ($63,500)

"As part our celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Jeep brand, we are offering Australian customers a range of premium special-edition models across the entire range with unique enhancements" Bonthorne added.

On sale now, all models are offered in two colours, silver or black, and feature unique 70th Anniversary badging.

Up first is the 2011 Jeep Wrangler 70th Anniversary Edition, offered on the Wrangler Renegade and Wrangler Unlimited Renegade 3.8-litre V6 platforms, starting from $39,000 drive away. Upgraded features include black leather seats with embroidered 70th Anniversary logos, new decals, a Mopar stainless steel mesh grille, plus the Renegade pack consisting of a premium audio system (with subwoofer), a three-piece hard top, a soft top, and sidesteps.

The 2011 Jeep Patriot 70th Anniversary Edition is priced from $40,000 and is available on the Patriot Limited 2.4-litre manual and automatic platform. Extra features include an electric sunroof, 18-inch Mopar alloy wheels, leather seats and steering wheel with chestnut accent stitching, Berber floor mats, plus an updated instrument cluster with dark green overlay.

The 2011 Jeep Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition is available on the Cherokee Limited 3.7-litre V6 platform and is priced from $44,000 drive away, and like the Patriot it gets 18-inch Mopar alloy wheels, differentiated by polished faces and painted pockets, Mopar stainless steel mesh grille inserts, an electric sunroof, leather seats, steering wheel and door armrests with chestnut stitching and piping, and Berber floor mats. The interior also gains satin chrome highlights and Mopar stainless steel scuff plates.

The final feather in Jeep's 70th Anniversary hat is the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition, which can be had in either 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 or 5.7-litre HEMI V8 guises, priced from $63,500 drive away (add $5000 for the V8 model). Bonus exterior equipment on the special edition Grand Cherokee consists of a panoramic sunroof, large 20-inch polished alloy wheels with grey accents, and a Mopar stainless steel mesh grille.

The interior of the limited edition 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee benefits from leather uplholstered steering wheel, door armrests and centre console, all of which are highlighted by chestnut accent stitching and piping. Berber floors mats are also added, as is a new instrument cluster overlay, and the cabin is finished with satin chrome plated highlights and black lacewood.

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