Concept drawing
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1999 Jeep Commander
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2000 Jeep Commander
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1999 Jeep Commander (Introduced December 29, 1998)
The latest Jeep concept's commanding presence will strike a strong chord with Jeep loyalists while making minimal impact on the environment.
"The Commander is a sophisticated, upscale sport-utility vehicle," said
Trevor Creed, Vice President, Advanced Design and Exterior Jeep(R)/Truck,
Interior Design, Color and Trim. "But from any angle, no one could mistake it
for anything but a Jeep.
"This concept marries the industry's most advanced powertrain with one of the fastest growing market segments," Creed added. "With fuel cell technology
under the hood, this vehicle takes Jeep's pledge to 'Tread Lightly!' on the
environment very seriously."
Jeep designers predict that drivers will feel in command on the road, aswell as off the beaten path. The sills of the silver-bodied Commander are
approximately two inches lower than a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, the
suspension can raise up four inches for off-road adventures, similar to last
year's Jeepster concept. Overall height of 69.4 inches is equivalent to the
Grand Cherokee. The fact that the Commander stands 80 inches wide overall,
more than seven inches wider than Grand Cherokee, helps reinforce drivers'
sense of security.
"Typically, high fuel economy concepts are mid-sized or smaller cars,"
said Bernard Robertson, Senior Vice President-Engineering Technologies and
General Manager-Truck Operations. "But we asked, 'Why not put the fuel cell
in a larger vehicle that could really use a boost in fuel economy?' "Jeep
engineers believe the Commander is the world's only four-wheel-drive vehicle
that runs on electric power. The Commander borrows two EPIC minivan electric
motors, one for each axle, that provide full-time, four-wheel-drive. For now,
the Commander runs only on electric power as all technical challenges to turn
gasoline into electricity onboard a vehicle have yet to be solved (see "Jeep
Commander Provides Status Report on Emerging Fuel Cell Technology" for more
information).
One of the ways Jeep designers helped compensate for the extra weight and cost of the on-board fuel refinery (as they nicknamed the powertrain) was to
design the body with injection molded plastic. The concept was built in
carbon fiber to simulate the weight savings that could be achieved with
injection molded plastic. Shown in several concept vehicles created by the
former Chrysler Corp., the plastic technology saves up to 50 percent body
weight, 10 to 50 percent in manufacturing costs and is nearly 100 percent
recyclable. The molded-in-color plastic also allows designers to create
shapes not permitted with stamped metal, shapes such as the crisp lines that
give the Commander its high-tech, machined surface appearance. The
Commander's curb weight of 5,000 pounds is comparable to full-size sport-
utility vehicles, despite the 2,100 pound fuel cell powertrain-about 1,000
pounds heavier than a typical sport-utility powertrain.
But how do you make a Jeep vehicle aerodynamic? The Jeep design team developed several unique features to improve aerodynamics. A special heat exchanging cowl panel does double duty. First, it helps lower drag by improving wind flow over the windshield. Second, it draws hot air out from under the hood and aids the radiator in keeping the
fuel cell system cool. At highway speeds, a rear spoiler deploys from the roof, similar to the 1998 Dodge Intrepid ESX2 concept. An "on-demand" roof rack can be activated when needed for luggage, although its normal position makes it flush with the roof. An underbelly pan smoothes the air flow under the vehicle.
Although the Commander is not nearly as sleek as a jet plane, the exterior designer, Steve Won, was still able to borrow some design cues. "Commander has a very machined, high-tech feel," Won said. "One of the details to reinforce that image was to recreate a jet engine's intake and exhaust appearance within the head lamps and tail lights."
"Bauhaus design philosophy led me to the very clean, precise and mechanical appearance," Won explained. "It still has true Jeep character, down to the traditional seven slot grille, but it is also ultra-modern and sophisticated."
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As with any Jeep, function is as important as form. The tow hitch cover folds down and doubles as a step for ease in reaching the roof. Side view mirrors have wipers and 180 degree convex mirrors to eliminate blind spots.
Function is not limited to the exterior of Commander. A small laptop
computer, three-quarter inches thick, and no bigger than a notebook, can dock
into the center console and provide global positioning system (GPS) data and
Internet access for real-time weather, traffic, and directions, as well as
phone, e-mail and vehicle diagnostic information. The laptop is connected to
the liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, which is integrated into the
instrument panel and displays high-quality color images. A small microphone
is embedded into the steering column to receive voice commands that are
translated into data.
Electronics Specialist, Steve Buckley explains, "When you're driving home and remember something you should have done at work, you can verbally remind
yourself and tell your computer to e-mail that message to your office-all
without touching a keypad."
Another unique feature is the tiny camera located within the instrument
panel that provides added security. If someone steals the vehicle, the camera
is positioned to take a picture of the driver, which is electronically sent to
the authorities.
Instrument panel gauges literally come to life-they light up to a brightblue when the ignition is turned on. Interior Designer Mike Nicholas likens
the electroluminescent bright blue graphics to the face of a Swiss chronometer
watch. When the ignition is off, the dark, blank gauges are more reminiscent
of an elegant Movado watch.
Although the instrument panel is actually modified from the Jeep Grand
Cherokee, most Grand Cherokee owners would not recognize it due to the added
materials and colors. The instrument panel is detailed with chrome and a
brushed aluminum surface similar to the 1998 Plymouth Pronto Spyder concept
car. Select use of light burl wood on the steering wheel and instrument panel
also accent the interior. Navy blue is the primary color of the interior and
seats with contrasting cognac leather trim inserts.
The extreme width of the vehicle makes it possible to provide extra
storage space in the center console, as well as three comfortable bucket seats
in the rear. Other storage compartments are located behind the front seats
and in the side of the rear cargo area.
Jeep Commander Provides Status Report on Emerging Fuel Cell Technology
Only an idea existed two years ago when the former Chrysler Corporation proposed that gasoline could be turned into electric energy with a fuel cell.
That idea has taken shape in the Jeep Commander concept vehicle, yet thetechnology still needs significant development before it is proven to be feasible. The Jeep Commander concept vehicle was debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show and, as promised, provides a status report on efforts to develop that technology.
"The experiment was a success in terms of the knowledge gained, even if all the technical challenges to turn gasoline into electricity have not been
solved," said Bernard Robertson, Senior Vice President-Engineering
Technologies and General Manager-Truck Operations. "We are excited about the
possibilities."
The Jeep Commander runs on electric power, but the fuel cell "powertrain" is not functional. DaimlerChrysler (NYSE: DCX) plans to have a working
methanol, hybrid fuel cell system in the Commander by the end of 1999.
Fuel cells create their own electricity. Oxygen from the air and hydrogen fuel are combined in a chemical reaction that produces electricity and water.
Overall vehicle efficiency has the potential to be improved by 50 percent and
emissions can range from zero to just 10 percent of today's vehicles.
The question is, "Where does the vehicle get hydrogen fuel?" While pure hydrogen is the ideal fuel in terms of fuel cell system efficiency, ease of
operation and the complete elimination of emissions, hydrogen fuel cannot be
found at the corner filling station. Hence, fuel cell researchers looked into
ways to extract hydrogen from the most commonly available transportation fuel
-- gasoline.
"We knew we were taking the most difficult path when we chose to pursue
gasoline reformation and we did prove that part true," Robertson added.
"Through that process, we're more certain that methanol will be the best fuel
to power fuel cells when they are introduced into the marketplace around
2004."
Although methanol cannot readily be found at filling stations, in the
future it could be delivered through the existing fuel infrastructure.
Reforming methanol is simpler than gasoline and produces even lower emissions
than a gasoline powered fuel cell.
"We're not completely abandoning the research to reform gasoline into
hydrogen, but it will take a back seat," Robertson explained. DBB Fuel Cell
Engines, a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler, Ballard and Ford Motor Co., will
continue its research with Shell Oil Co. to develop the technology. The
contract between Delphi Automotive and the former Chrysler Corp. to develop
the identical technology was completed as scheduled on December 15, 1998.
The Jeep Commander's next technology step will be integrating fuel cell
hardware from the Necar 3, the world's first methanol powered, passenger-car
sized fuel cell vehicle. The Jeep's new powertrain, to be developed later in
1999, will include supplemental battery power to improve performance and
system warm up times.
"DaimlerChrysler's combined expertise and resources allows us to look atthe broadest array of fuel cell technology," Robertson said. "Synergies like
this give us a competitive advantage and maximum flexibility to respond to the
rapid changes in the industry."
The race to develop fuel cell technology gathers speed with the teaming of Chrysler and Daimler-Benz researchers. "DaimlerChrysler is well positioned to lead fuel cell development in the automotive industry, as well as respond to any changes in the marketplace,"said Bernard Robertson, Senior Vice President-Engineering Technologies and General Manager-Truck Operations. "No other auto company is covering the waterfront in fuel cell technology options-hydrogen, methanol, gasoline and flexible fuel systems. The fuel cell could either directly power the car or be combined with supplemental battery power.
"With two forward-thinking companies merged into one, we're able to put a lot of brain power into one room. The combination of their extensive research
and technology base and our speed to market creates a formidable technology
player in the global automotive business."
DaimlerChrysler may have the industry's most comprehensive fuel cell
development program. The Company's base of fuel cell technology includes:
- Systems that use hydrogen to power fuel cells directly. Pure hydrogen is the ideal fuel in terms of system efficiency and simplicity, not to mention
the fact that water is the only emission. However, storing liquid hydrogen on
board the vehicle requires heavy and expensive tanks. Plus, an infrastructure
for hydrogen refueling is virtually nonexistent.
Vehicles that run on methanol, which may be the most practical fuel in the near term. Methanol can be reformed on-board into hydrogen without the
very large and bulky storage tanks needed for pure hydrogen. Methanol
produces no carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) or particulate
emissions, although it does emit trace amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). This
technology was demonstrated last year in the Necar 3, a modified Mercedes A-
class.
Fuel cell systems that derive hydrogen from gasoline and other commonly available fuels. The Jeep Commander represents a status report on gasoline
conversion, which has proven more difficult than originally conceived when the
former Chrysler Corporation announced its plans two years ago to develop the
technology. The complete gasoline-to-electricity process has not yet been
proven in a vehicle. Although methanol conversion is the most promising
approach in the near term, development continues with the gasoline conversion
process.
Fuel Cell Vehicles vs. Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles - While cost and weight issues still exist for batteries, they can be used to optimize a fuel cell powertrain by adding power and storing energy that is normally lost during braking. Batteries can also help improve fuel efficiency.
When the Jeep Commander integrates Necar 3 fuel cell hardware later in
1999, a battery will be added to improve acceleration and response as well as
to begin developing a control strategy for hybrid fuel cell powertrains.
DaimlerChrysler is exploring fuel cells with and without batteries. If
continued development allows a fuel cell system to warm up and be operational
within one to two minutes, it would make sense to use a small battery. The
battery would provide energy to warm the system as well as to propel the
vehicle for the initial two minutes.
If fuel cell warm up times are reduced to less than one minute, it wouldmake sense to use a direct fuel approach, as that would decrease system
complexity and weight. This is similar to the approach of the methanol-
powered Necar 3.
2000 Jeep Commander 2 (Introduced October 23, 2000)
Jeep® Commander 2 merges dynamic design with an advanced fuel cell powertrain in a luxury sport-utility vehicle that is virtually pollution-free while achieving double the fuel efficiency of a conventional SUV.
"Commander 2's predecessor, the Jeep Commander, took the Jeep pledge to 'Tread Lightly!' on the environment very seriously. Commander 2 vows to tread even lighter'," said Rich Schaum, Executive Vice President - Product Development for DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "The hybrid drive system integrates an on-board methanol reformer that produces near-zero emissions in one of North America's fastest growing market segments - SUVs."
With its trademark seven-slotted grille and characteristic trapezoidal
wheel arches among other visual cues, Commander 2 is clearly a Jeep. But it
incorporates the philosophy of Bauhaus design that inspired exterior designer
Steve Won, and influenced the clean, precise and mechanical appearance of
Commander 2. "It still has true Jeep character, but it is also ultra-modern
and sophisticated," Won said.
While Commander 2 duplicates the shape and design of the first Commander, the new-generation vehicle is powered by a completely reengineered fuel cell
system. The fuel cell is now combined with dual front and rear electric
motors and advanced batteries into a hybrid-electric fuel cell powertrain that
represents further advancement in the development of ultra-clean, ultra-
efficient transportation for the 21st century. Commander 2 has near-zero
tailpipe emissions and improves the average fuel efficiency by up to 12 mpg
(gasoline equivalent).
"With the increasing popularity of SUVs, we believe boosting the fuel
efficiency of a larger vehicle explores an area that is of interest to our
customers," said Bernard Robertson, Senior Vice President - Engineering
Technologies and General Manager - Truck Operations.
Commander 2 runs on electricity generated by the fuel cell, which is
fueled by hydrogen from an on-board methanol reformer. Methanol was chosen
because it is easy to dispense, simpler to reform while producing lower
emissions than a gasoline powered fuel cell, and eliminates the need for large
hydrogen storage tanks in the vehicle.
Two AC induction motors, one for each axle, provide full-time, four-wheel drive. A nickel-metal-hydride battery provides supplemental energy during
acceleration; while towing heavy payloads; and for cold starts, since fuel
cell systems require warm up time. The battery captures energy normally lost
during braking and also helps improve fuel efficiency.
To compensate for the additional weight and cost of the fuel cell system, Jeep designers incorporated DaimlerChrysler's unique injection-molded
thermoplastic body technology, demonstrating the weight savings that could be
achieved with injection molded plastic.
The plastic body technology, first shown in the fall of 1997 in the
Composite Concept Vehicle (CCV) and more recently in the Dodge ESX3, saves up
to 50 percent in body weight, 10 to 50 percent in manufacturing costs and
provides near 100 percent recyclability. Using molded-in-color plastic
allowed designers to embody a very machined, high-tech feel to the surface
appearance, unlike the design restrictions with stamped metal.
Because of its lightweight body, Commander 2 weighs 5700 pounds, slightly more than typical full-size SUVs. This includes more than 2500 pounds for the
hybrid-electric fuel cell powertrain.
The silver-bodied Commander 2's overall height of 69.4 inches is
equivalent to the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It stands 80 inches wide overall,
more than seven inches wider than Grand Cherokee. This wider stance helps
intensify drivers' sense of security and enabled designers to add three
comfortable bucket seats in the rear, as well as extra storage space in the
center console. The 180 degree convex side view mirrors eliminate blind spots
and have wipers for better visibility during inclement weather. In addition,
the tow hitch cover folds down and doubles as a step for ease in reaching the
roof.
Functionality is a key component not only in Commander 2's exterior
design, but also in its roomy interior. The driver "Infotronic" system
performs as a mobile office with a removable toaster-style pop-up "plug and
play" laptop computer docked in the center console. The system provides
global positioning system (GPS) data and Internet for real-time weather and
traffic information and directions, along with e-mail phone and vehicle
diagnostic information. A liquid crystal display (LCD) screen in the
instrument panel connects to the driver's laptop. The steering column houses
a small microphone that allows the driver to access the mobile office via a
"user independent" voice recognition system.
"By incorporating your personal laptop from either the home or the office
in the 'plug and play' system, it is customized to fit your needs and can be
regularly updated with the latest computer software," said Steve Buckley,
Electronics Innovation Manager at DaimlerChrysler's Liberty & Technical
Affairs.
"Also, you can keep your hands on the wheel and still get business done on
the drive to and from the office by verbally sending commands to your
computer," Buckley added. "Commands such as sending e-mails, getting
directions, reviewing traffic, checking vehicle systems and dialing phone
numbers are easily done with voice commands."
The instrument panel contains another unique feature that provides extra security: a tiny camera positioned to take a picture of the driver. If the
vehicle is stolen, a picture of the thief is electronically sent to the
authorities.
The instrument panel is further enhanced with chrome details and a brushed aluminum surface accented with light burl wood on both the panel and steering wheel. Sophisticated navy blue is the primary color of the interior and seats, complemented by cognac leather trim inserts.
Commander 2 offers advanced design and technologies that will meet customers' needs in a clean, efficient SUV that will address the environmental challenges of the 21st century.
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Commander Specifications
Body/Chassis:
Body-on-frame, four-door SUV
Material Usage:
Aluminum/composite frame, carbon fiber body
Suspension (Front and Rear):
Upper and lower control arms (unequal length)
Gas shock absorbers with coaxial springs
Viper four-piston floating calipers
Vented disc brake rotors
Four-inch adjustable ride height
Power Train:
Dual electric motors (front and rear), AWD
Tires (Front & Rear):
275/55R20 on 20x9 wheel
Motor/Transmission:
EPIC electric minivan production units, joint controller strategy
Power Source:
Fuel cell battery pack
Finishes:
Body: Starbrite Silver
Interior: Navy Blue with contrasting Cognac leather trim inserts on seats
Wheels: Sterling Silver
Dimensions:
Wheelbase 114"
Overall Length 186.0"
Overall Width 80"
Overall Height 69.4"
Front Track 69"
Rear Track 69"
Curb Weight 3900 lbs.
Acceleration:
13 seconds (0-60 mph)
Fuel tank capacity:
10 gallons
Range:
120 miles
Fuel economy:
24 mpg (estimated combined city/highway, gasoline equivalent)
Weight Distribution:
Percentage Front/Rear 52/48
Tires 275/55R-20 on 20"x9" cast aluminum
Source: DaimlerChrysler
Jeep Commander brochures
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