What is it? The Trailhawk concept is based on the redesigned four-door
Wrangler with all its off-road credentials. But the interior is designed to
be more comfortable, and the exterior more modern. Fully retractable side
windows with no B-pillar, and a retractable roof over the cargo area give
the Trailhawk the open-air feel of a soft-top Jeep. A single knob works like
a computer mouse controls the navigation system. The center console slides
from the front to the rear seats and back on a suspended rail, and there are
four cup holders in the fold-down tailgate. The Trailhawk is powered by a
3.0-liter BlueTec diesel engine from Mercedes-Benz and uses a 5-speed
automatic transmission.
What is new or notable: The Trailhawk is Jeep's latest attempt to update the look and feel of the classic open-air Jeep, the Wrangler. But it would
doubtless be nicer to drive if it were based on the Grand Cherokee platform
instead of the new Wrangler's. There are two removable stereo speakers in
the cargo area designed to play songs from an MP3-player.
CR's take: When removed, those massive solid roof panels are going to consume the whole cargo area if this ever makes it to production, but it probably won't. What will likely see the light of day is the headlight and grill styling.
