From the Willys MB (1941) to a global icon
Around 80 years ago, the story began with the legendary Willys MB in 1941, in the midst of the Second World War. Few could have predicted that a lightweight military reconnaissance vehicle commissioned by the US Army would evolve into Jeep-now one of the world’s best-known brands, with a name that has even become shorthand for an off-road vehicle.
A busy 2021 for the Jeep range
Jeep is marking its 80th birthday, and 2021 is set to be packed with activity: new and updated models are on the way-such as the recently unveiled Grand Cherokee-alongside a programme of events and brand initiatives.
The celebrations get under way with the launch of the “80th Anniversary” special edition, which will span almost the entire Jeep line-up. The Renegade is already on sale, while the Compass, Wrangler and Gladiator are scheduled to arrive during the spring.
Special “80th Anniversary” Edition
The “80th Anniversary” special editions will be built on the best-selling versions of each of the models mentioned above, but they will stand apart thanks to a set of styling cues that reference 80 years of the American brand.
So what sets them apart? You’ll find multiple “80th Anniversary” badges; low-gloss Granite Crystal Grey accents; seats trimmed in diamond-pattern fabric or black leather with tungsten-coloured stitching and an “80th Anniversary” logo; gloss-black interior details; and logo tags on the seats and floor mats. The look is completed with uniquely designed alloy wheels.
Jeep Renegade “80th Anniversary” and Renegade 2021
Looking at the details by model, the Jeep Renegade “80th Anniversary”-already available in Portugal-also adds privacy glass and a Full LED package on the outside. Inside, it features a black roof lining, Berber floor mats with a commemorative badge, and the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen (including a start-up screen themed “Since 1941”).
This special edition can be paired with petrol engines (a 1.0 Turbo 120 hp with a six-speed manual gearbox, or a 1.3 Turbo 150 hp with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic), and later with the 4xe plug-in hybrid variant producing 190 hp.
Alongside the commemorative special edition, the Renegade 2021 range is also arriving. The focus here is on updated engines that are now compliant with the Euro6D Final standard-most notably the 1.6 Multijet (Diesel), which has increased output from 120 hp to 130 hp (at 3,750 rpm and 320 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm). Beyond the “80th Anniversary” edition, the 2021 Renegade line-up includes four additional trim levels: Longitude, Limited, S and Trailhawk.
Jeep Compass and Jeep Gladiator arrivals
As for the other models, they will, as noted, reach the market in the spring-timed to coincide with more meaningful updates being revealed by Jeep at the same time. For the Compass, the “80th Anniversary” edition will be the first version of the refreshed model to arrive. Key highlights include revised styling, a redesigned interior and upgraded technology.
The Gladiator-Jeep’s pick-up, originally expected to launch in 2020-should also arrive in the spring in commemorative form. In the European market, the only available engine will be the 3.0 V6 Multijet delivering 264 hp and 600 Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Jeep Wrangler “80th Anniversary” and the Wrangler 4xe
For the iconic Wrangler, the “80th Anniversary” edition will be offered with a 2.0 Turbo petrol engine producing 272 hp and 400 Nm, matched to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. However, that will not be the end of the updates, as 2021 will also see the arrival of the all-new Wrangler 4xe-the plug-in hybrid version of the off-roader-with a combined maximum output of 380 hp, thanks to a 2.0 Turbo petrol engine and two electric motors.
Jeep Wave
Jeep’s 80th anniversary will also bring new initiatives. One of them is Jeep Wave, a new loyalty programme. Launching in March, it will initially be linked to the “80th Anniversary” special editions and later extended to all Jeeps purchased in 2021, providing exclusive services and special benefits for owners of the brand’s models.
Benefits include, among other perks, four years of scheduled servicing, 24/7 roadside assistance, and preferred access to events and brand partnerships.
As a final point of interest, the Jeep Wave logo references the traditional greeting between owners: a raised hand waving, or two or four fingers lifted from the steering wheel. Jeep says this friendly gesture is part of its history-a tradition that all… ‘Jeepers’ like to keep alive.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Leave a Comment