Press Kit: 2008 Jeep® Liberty Reveal

New York April 3, 2007 - When the Jeep® Liberty was introduced in 2002, a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) of that size and proportion was new to the SUV market; naturally, its design needed to be friendly, accessible and manageable to help gain consumer acceptance. Since then, the mid-size SUV segment has doubled in size and the needs of its consumers continue to grow.

In its first redesign since its introduction, the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty embraces its roots by taking on a more rugged, classic Jeep design that is guaranteed to strengthen its draw to current owners and broaden its appeal to a new audience.

The 2008 Jeep Liberty gains two inches in length and a half-inch in width. On the inside consumers will find its cargo capacity has increased and passengers in the second row will gain an additional 1.5 inches of leg room. The industry-exclusive Sky Slider™ full-open canvas roof rounds out the vehicle’s list of attributes.

“The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty remains true to its heritage by using classic Jeep styling cues such as the clamshell hood and seven-slot grille; on the inside, cargo and utility have been increased to meet the lifestyle of today’s active consumer,” said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Jeep®/Truck and Color and Trim Studios, and Specialty Vehicles, Chrysler Group Design.

Classic Jeep Exterior Styling
The exterior design of the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty takes its cues directly from the Jeep brand’s legendary 65-plus years of heritage. Familiar design characteristics, such as the clamshell hood, seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings and rugged stance, provide the vehicle with its classic Jeep style.

There are two models: Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited. Standard on both is the signature seven-slot grille. A front-end module that spans across the vehicle houses the grille and headlamp system in a single unit, similar to Jeep Commander. The structure is designed to meet pedestrian impact and other crash standards for both domestic and international markets. Front lamp modules contain the halogen headlamps and optional fog lamps. The front fascia is bodycolor on all vehicles.

At the side of the vehicle, deep body sections and a high beltline produce a tough, strong and capable appearance. A wheels-to-the-corner stance and dramatic trapezoidal-shaped fender flares enhance the vehicle’s side profile. Fender flares are now painted bodycolor on both the Sport and Limited models. Dark Slate mold-in-color bodyside moldings accent the Sport model and bright chrome side moldings are on the Limited model. The “LIBERTY” nameplate is distinctly stamped into the side moldings. A mold-in-color side vent featuring seven slots is placed at the side of the vehicle’s elongated hood where it meets the fender, door and A-pillar.

Roof rack side rails are available on Sport models and standard on Limited models. The side rails are black on Sport and chrome on Limited.

New to the rear of the vehicle is a liftgate with a flipper glass window. The flipper glass is self-opening, permitting interior access without having to open the rear liftgate. The flipper glass can be opened by a release button on the light bar or key fob. The spare tire is now placed underneath the vehicle, allowing for increased interior space.

Available exterior colors are Brilliant Black Clear Coat, Stone White Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Red Rock Crystal Pearl Coat, Jeep Green Metallic Clear Coat, Light Graystone Pearl Coat, and Modern Blue Pearl Coat.

Industry-exclusive Sky Slider™ Full-open Canvas Roof
The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty brings the “Only in a Jeep” open-air experience with the industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-length open canvas roof. The Sky Slider roof can be moved to several positions, including full forward, full rear or partially open to any position in-between with a convenient express one-touch switch.

The Sky Slider roof is made of a reinforced acrylic cloth, similar to a convertible top, which is weather-resistant and leak-proof. The top panel nests into a weather strip seal to help minimize wind noise. The roof utilizes anti-pinch software that will prevent the roof from moving should it detect an object in its path. The Sky Slider roof is an optional feature on both the Jeep Liberty Sport and the Jeep Liberty Limited.

Simple and Functional Interior Space
The interior of the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty delivers simple, functional styling and provides customers with ample storage and organizational space.

Available fold-flat front passenger and 60/40 fold-flat rear seats are perfect for loading, hauling and tailgating. The front and rear seats – monotone on Liberty Sport and two-tone on Liberty Limited – feature wide inserts and heavy bolstering designed to cradle occupants for a secure feeling. The seats have tall, square shoulders and the bottom cushion has been lengthened for better thigh support. The Jeep Liberty Sport model comes standard with cloth seats. Leather, heated seats for the front occupants are optional on the Limited model.

Jeep Liberty Limited also features YES Essentials® cloth seats as standard. This advanced fabric repels stains, controls odors and reduces static electricity. The new fabric can withstand endless cleanings (even in the same area) and will not rub off or change the texture or comfort of the seats or surfaces during ownership of the vehicle.

A four-spoke steering wheel provides the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty with a generous tactile heft and feel. Standard on Limited models is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with wheel-mounted electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) and audio controls. A tilt steering column is standard on all models.

A new two-tone instrument panel treatment gives the vehicle a feeling of spaciousness. The Jeep Liberty features a four-gauge instrument cluster with clear white on black graphics with orange pointers and available integrated vehicle information center. The instrument panel includes a large glove box with a grab handle.

The center stack – black on Sport models and satin silver on Limited models – neatly houses the HVAC controls, vents, radio, 115-volt AC inverter outlet and switch bank. Also at the center stack is an open bin with a rubber mat, perfect for placing cell phones, hand-held PDAs or coins. A small enclosed storage compartment left of the steering wheel provides an additional source of storage for the driver.

The center console storage bin, in addition to holding the mandatory CDs and DVDs, also features an additional top-mounted tray. There are bins on the driver- and passenger-side doors, and a map pocket behind the driver’s seat. Both the front and second rows have a pair of cup holders.

Remote start, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and mirrors and express up/down windows are just a few items that have been added to the vehicle’s ever-growing list of available features and options.

Cargo and Utility
There are several storage and convenience features designed into Liberty’s spacious rear cargo area. Cargo capacity with the rear seats up is 31.5 cubic feet, and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Both left and right trim panels have cargo tie-down loops for securing items to the load floor. The left trim panel houses a concealed compartment for jack storage and tools.

Sport models have a storage bin in the rear quarter trim panel; on Limited the Infinity® Premium Sound subwoofer and amplifier occupy this space.

The load floor system has a reversible carpeted surface. Dual latches on either side release for access to a four-inch-deep waterproof storage bin beneath the lid – perfect for muddy boots or flats of flowers. The load capacity of the cargo load floor system is a maximum of 400 pounds.