interesting concept

[HOrnbrod]

The real funny thing is that neither will ever happen. They don't give a damn about a retro Comanche or Cherokee. The marketeers are only interested in putting new fannies in the seats of completely nondescript vehicles that share a heritage with the originals in name only. And most all Jeep buyers could care less too, except old school XJ and MJ guys like us. The best cash cow Jeep has now is the JK according to all I read. So I think the only hope for Fiat/Jeep to mass produce another truck will be something based on the existing JK platform. That's better than anything else I've seen..........

[schardein]

The real funny thing is that neither will ever happen. They don't give a damn about a retro Comanche or Cherokee. The marketeers are only interested in putting new fannies in the seats of completely nondescript vehicles that share a heritage with the originals in name only. And most all Jeep buyers could care less too, except old school XJ and MJ guys like us. The best cash cow Jeep has now is the JK according to all I read. So I think the only hope for Fiat/Jeep to mass produce another truck will be something based on the existing JK platform. That's better than anything else I've seen..........

Yep.  The closest I came to buying a new Jeep was when they came out with the LJ Rubicon.  In the end I built my CJ7.  I like to watch what Jeep does and really like some of their concepts (Pork Chop & Stitch), but I doubt they will ever make something I will buy off the showroom floor.

[Tex06]

Dumb question, but what's wrong with IFS/IRS?  Done right, it improves ride, trail capability (look at modern Baja trucks), and gives you a lot to play with.  A solid axle....well, it's easier to work on and most of them are pretty stout.  What am I missing here?

 

Also, too cute.  Square it up a bit and then we'll talk.  Actually, that goes for pretty much the whole Jeep lineup right now.

[Pete M]

I do understand your argument, but modern baja trucks are doing 100+.  I'm not sure that's really considered "trail riding".  :D  plus they are usually 2wd so there's no complicated drive mechanisms to break up front.  but that aside, the big problem with IFS is that factory setups are usually engineered for the street and are pretty weak once the trail gets rougher.  and adding lift and upgrading the innards can be quite costly because of the complicated designs and how integrated into the frame/engine/trans they sometimes are. :(

[shelbyluvv]

All you IFS/IRS haters do realize that KoH champ Shannon Campbell has IFS on his buggy right?

 

He is kicking major @$$ this year with the rig all over the country.

 

Solid axles are old news. While they will probably never go away, they will be looked at like leafs in the front in a few years.

 

On the subject of the new Comanche, I like it. I am also the proud owner of a KL and I love it as well. I'm glad the used the boxy Renegade instead of the Cherokee. The KL has too many swooping lines to become a truck.

[Pete M]

If Campbell's IFS parts came under the new Comanche, I'm sure they'd sell like hotcakes . :MJ 1: .

[87Warrior]

If Campbell's IFS parts came under the new Comanche, I'm sure they'd sell like hotcakes . :MJ 1: .

Oh boy. I might even buy a new Jeep if this was the case!

 

IFS has a lot of parts to it.....a lot of parts. It sure has been a learning experience for me working on my first Toyota and IFS vehicle.

[MJam86]

Huge difference between any stock vehicle IFS and a KOH IFS rig...like lots and lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

 

Not to mention weight displacement. Where is the majority of the weight on a normal vehicle? KOH tries to maintain a 50/50 ratio on rigs utilizing that suspension set up.

[Automan2164]

From one of my Facebook comments when someone posted the pics:

 

 

This is the new Comanche. I like it. The old Comanche was based off the uni body Cherokee, as this one is based off the uni body Renegade. I dig it man. A Comanche was a mini truck, as this is. It's not made to haul around what a full size can. It's made to haul some junk, and still get better fuel mileage... Like the original Comanche. I like the Renegade based version because frankly the new Cherokee is not my cup of tea. I think if they were to make this for us, with a diesel option, maybe a small 4 door model, it would sell like hot cakes as long as they kept the Wrangleresq price structure far away from it. That thing with the 2.0L diesel probably can get in excess or 30 to 35 MPG, haul enough to make it usable, and have a lot of nice features. Say what you want, but this is the truck they need to make, sans convertible top. Haters gonna hate.

 

I dig it man.

 

Rob

[HOrnbrod]

You've gone over to the dark side..............

[Dillithium]

Do you know what though? I would buy it too, but for different reasons.

 

I want a pick up. I want something to haul $#!& in, be able to load a small dirtbike into and be able to go offroad. A pick up fits that role for me, but half tons are simply too big and heavy for most of Europe. Aside from most size issues with our smaller parking spots and roads that are too narrow; They're too damn heavy and they consume too much fuel. 

 

I want a pick up that's not too big, right around 3000-3500 lbs and hopefully does more than 30 MPG. We don't have that here.  But we do have the Renegade and they're reasonably popular here.

 

So by all means, give us a Renegade pick up. Make it the new Comanche. I don't see the point in a wrangler based pick up. It'll be too expensive, it'll have to compete with RAMs and F-150's and I doubt anyone other than a Jeep die hard would buy one. I think Jeep needs to figure that there's an hole in the market for a lightweight, capable and efficient truck. Because if it's light and fuel efficient, they can sell them in Europe with them being overtaxed (we generally tax based on vehicle weight and fuel consumption). I'd probably even see if I could trade my Comanche in for it. All of the newborn-flaws in the Renegade will have been figured out by then and we can expect a proven product.

 

So please, don't make it wrangler based. There are enough half and three-quarter ton pick ups.

[HOrnbrod]

To each his own. Dillithium, If you like Fiats why don't you get a Strada or the new Fullback when it comes out? Then you won't have to wait for the new Fiat Comanche.   :) 

[Dillithium]

The strada is more of a ute than a pick up. But I didn't know about the fullback. I kinda like it, aside from hating Fiat. I also don't see the point in such a short bed.

 

Besides, I'd still like a Jeep. Even if it is backed by Fiat.

[HOrnbrod]

More than backed by Fiat - if and when the Fiat Comanche happens, it will be built by Fiat. In Italy. And look and drive like every other nondescript underpowered Euro/Japanese small truck. A diesel version might be interesting though.

 

A Wrangler based pickup will still be a Jeep and will not be mistaken for anything else. I guess I'm one of the minority who would like to see Jeeps retain their identity. Throwing a slotted grille on a Fiat isn't doing that.

[Dillithium]

I really don't think you're in the minority. I'd say the majority of Jeep lovers want a full frame, solid axle pick up from Jeep.

 

But underpowered small trucks? Relative to their weight, I'd say they're fine power wise.

 

(Euro) Ford Ranger: 2.2 Duratorq or 3.2 Duratorq. 160 and 200 horses respectively. Can tow up to 7700 lbs.

(Jap/euro) Toyota Hilux: 2.5 D or 3.0 D. 144 and 171 horses respectively. Can tow up to 6600 lbs.

(Euro)Volkswagen Amarok: 2.0 D with 180 horses. Can tow up to 7000 lbs. The V6 diesel is up to 240 horses and over 400NM in torque. Does 0-62 in 7.4 seconds(!). 

 

Now these are all diesels, because diesels are regrettably all we get. But I don't see how they're underpowered  :hmm:  They're all around 3500-4500 lbs, depending on cab size and options. I'd say it's enough power, especially when you look at the torque figures and weight. Or are you referring to a 0-60 speed?

 

I can understand how you want Jeep to retain their identity, but the reality is that Chrysler is fiat now. The wrangler may be the last hurrah for a lot of Jeep lovers, but that doesn't make it any less fiat.

 

The WK2 is built all over the world and is still considered a Jeep. What is the difference with it being built in Italy? A lot of chrysler's stuff was produced in Mexico. Does that make it less Chrysler, or less American?

 

The KL is being built in Ohio and that thing screams Fiat. 

 

Now don't get me wrong, I like that there are lovers and haters of the Renegade/KL. Who wants everyone to drive the same Jeep? But I just don't understand the reasons you are hating it. I personally couldn't care less if someone thought my Jeep was a Fiat. It's my Jeep, I drive it , I love it. What more do you need?

[Automan2164]

So by all means, give us a Renegade pick up. Make it the new Comanche. I don't see the point in a wrangler based pick up. It'll be too expensive, it'll have to compete with RAMs and F-150's and I doubt anyone other than a Jeep die hard would buy one. I think Jeep needs to figure that there's an hole in the market for a lightweight, capable and efficient truck. Because if it's light and fuel efficient, they can sell them in Europe with them being overtaxed (we generally tax based on vehicle weight and fuel consumption). I'd probably even see if I could trade my Comanche in for it. All of the newborn-flaws in the Renegade will have been figured out by then and we can expect a proven product.

 

So please, don't make it wrangler based. There are enough half and three-quarter ton pick ups.

 

Rob

[Dillithium]

 

So by all means, give us a Renegade pick up. Make it the new Comanche. I don't see the point in a wrangler based pick up. It'll be too expensive, it'll have to compete with RAMs and F-150's and I doubt anyone other than a Jeep die hard would buy one. I think Jeep needs to figure that there's an hole in the market for a lightweight, capable and efficient truck. Because if it's light and fuel efficient, they can sell them in Europe with them being overtaxed (we generally tax based on vehicle weight and fuel consumption). I'd probably even see if I could trade my Comanche in for it. All of the newborn-flaws in the Renegade will have been figured out by then and we can expect a proven product.

 

So please, don't make it wrangler based. There are enough half and three-quarter ton pick ups.

 

Rob

 

 

 

[HOrnbrod]

Impressive numbers for the diesel trucks Dillithium. I was not aware there were so many diesel options for small pickups in the European market. Unfortunately we do not have those options here. Later this year GM will be rolling out 2.8-liter Duramax diesel powered Colorado/Canyon mid-sized pickups. Will be interesting how well they sell. I think they will do well.

 

And I don't hate the Jeep Renegade/KL or the possible Fiat/Comanche, I just don't give a damn about them. To me they are just more examples of lame uninspiring vehicles that marketeers dream up to build as cheaply as possible and maximize profit. Yawners. They are not even worthy of hating.  :yes:

 

But if a new factory JK-based Jeep pickup should happen, I'd be all over it. Even if they don't call it a Comanche.

[Dillithium]

Impressive numbers for the diesel trucks Dillithium. I was not aware there were so many diesel options for small pickups in the European market. Unfortunately we do not have those options here. Later this year GM will be rolling out 2.8-liter Duramax diesel powered Colorado/Canyon mid-sized pickups. Will be interesting how well they sell. I think they will do well.

 

And I don't hate the Jeep Renegade/KL or the possible Fiat/Comanche, I just don't give a damn about them. To me they are just more examples of lame uninspiring vehicles that marketeers dream up to build as cheaply as possible and maximize profit. Yawners. They are not even worthy of hating.  :yes:

 

But if a new factory JK-based Jeep pickup should happen, I'd be all over it. Even if they don't call it a Comanche.

 

 

Hey I'm sure the a wrangler pick up would be amazing off and on road. But at € 101.204,00 for a 3.6 four door JK, of which € 60.000,00 are taxes, I just have to pass  :yes:

A Renegade with the 1.4 starts at just € 22.000,00. I may as well buy an SRT viper for the Wrangler money, haha.

[HOrnbrod]

 

Impressive numbers for the diesel trucks Dillithium. I was not aware there were so many diesel options for small pickups in the European market. Unfortunately we do not have those options here. Later this year GM will be rolling out 2.8-liter Duramax diesel powered Colorado/Canyon mid-sized pickups. Will be interesting how well they sell. I think they will do well.

 

And I don't hate the Jeep Renegade/KL or the possible Fiat/Comanche, I just don't give a damn about them. To me they are just more examples of lame uninspiring vehicles that marketeers dream up to build as cheaply as possible and maximize profit. Yawners. They are not even worthy of hating.  :yes:

 

But if a new factory JK-based Jeep pickup should happen, I'd be all over it. Even if they don't call it a Comanche.

 

 

Hey I'm sure the a wrangler pick up would be amazing off and on road. But at € 101.204,00 for a 3.6 four door JK, of which € 60.000,00 are taxes, I just have to pass  :yes:

A Renegade with the 1.4 starts at just € 22.000,00. I may as well buy an SRT viper for the Wrangler money, haha.

 

 

Good point - that's a lot of €. But don't forget the JK truck's resale value.   :thumbsup:

[daking]

I actually like that concept. You have to figure they need to pull from what they currently build. I doubt it looks good with the top off, though. If JEEP called and asked you to build a new Comanche based off a current platform they build, what would you select? 

 

When the XJ / MJ came out, many of the jeep people of the day hated it. 

 

On a side note, I was thinking how cool it would be if Jeep took the RAM Power-wagon platform and built a Gladiator jeep. Change the bed to a boxier design, and new front metal in the shape of the older Gladiator. 

 

 

Front / Rear lockers, winch, Sway bar disco's, flexible.  

[gogmorgo]

As cool as that would be, I can't see them justifying bringing it to market. It couldn't be priced competitively with any other full-size truck, and would mostly take away sales from the Ram line. And if it's obviously a Ram underneath, you won't be getting many sales from Ford or GM guys who want a Jeep.

I was looking into this Renemanche a bit more today, and I think it's starting to grow on me. Ditch the retro step side bed for a proper-length (six or seven feet like the MJ's) one that matches the existing body lines, ditch the silly canvas hat, and I think you've got a decent little truck there. The fwd layout does cause me a sadness, but it'll be too much to rework it to a rwd layout for too little benefit.

[drcomanche]

@ daking   Do you mean like the Nukizer concept? I thought that one looked pretty interesting, honestly. Can't say I'm a fan of the Comanche concept on the first page, though.

[daking]

Yea, something like that. But with a normal cab. Think of a crew cab RAM Power Wagon, with that front end and bed.  I would think Jeep / RAM would be able to bring something like that to market easily. 

 

But That Nukizer is a bad @$$ truck. :)

[schardein]

I remember seeing a comment in an automotive magazine that Chrysler should have badged the Dodge Power Wagon as a Jeep.  It certainly would make sense based off its capability.  Back in the day Jeep had a lot of different platforms.  For a while, it seemed to me this might happen again.  I suppose it did, but to me, the Compass, Patriot, and Liberty are pathetic additions to the lineup.

 

I like that Jeep now offers two options in the JK, even if I don't like the looks of the 4 door, I've off-roaded with them and they earn the Jeep title.  I'd really like to see a third option, something like a Wrangler but smaller.  Because of that, my favorite concept from this year's group is the Shortcut:

 

 

It should have had white wheels and a black windshield frame to link it to the early CJ5.