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2005 Jeep Rescue Concept
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| Built to save an H2...and hint at things to come |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:43:15 |
| Rating |
 301 ( -22 -7.3% ) | | Author | Brian Chee |
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Description:
No one really needs a vehicle as big as the concept Jeep Rescue. Just the look of it shouts for the wilderness, not the freeway, and few people would find enough practical application for the Rescue's emergency equipment. Either you're a paramedic or you really don't need this thing.
Then again, maybe you've got a neighbor who owns an H2. And it sure would be nice see the look on his face as you pull up over the curb in a Jeep Rescue.
Howdy neighbor.
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Jeep Rescue Concept
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Interior view, Jeep Rescue Concept
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Interior view, Jeep Rescue Concept
That sort of attitude may well be what the folks at Jeep are counting on to spur the Rescue from concept to production. Indeed, the Rescue -- introduced as a concept at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit -- does hint at the future design direction of a large Jeep. As it is, though, the Rescue concept is the ultimate search and rescue vehicle, built by the people who know a thing or two about off road search and rescue.
With leanings to the classic Jeep look, the Rescue is rugged in looks and practical use. Highlights of the concept include an "open" configuration, with folding front windshield and a retractable backlite, a sliding glass sunroof in front, and a fold-forward canvas roof in the rear.
Oh yeah - and all four doors are removable.
The Rescue features an all-new body-on-frame construction, with hydroformed frame rails riding on an 80-inch wide chassis with 123-inch wheelbase and 37-inch tires. front hydropneumatic suspension combines with the heavy-duty link-coil rear suspension to give the Rescue its solid footing on all terrain. The suspension has adjustable ride height and an additional 4-inch lift available for fording. The aforementioned 37-inch tires feature an MTR tread and run-flat capability, negating the need for a spare. On-board tire pressure control has the ability to "tune" tire pressures for maximum traction on all surfaces.
Powered by a Cummins Diesel and featuring seating for five, the Jeep Rescue's primary mission is rescue capability, as evidenced by a long list of safety equipment:
AC electric power (10 kW) generation in the field
3-D topographical mapping software and topographical navigation system
Under- chassis, point-of-view cameras for avoiding danger in its path
Passive, infrared (thermal) cameras for search and rescue
Satellite telephone; VHF radio, digital video recorder with satellite transmission capability
Retractable 4-point harnesses for vehicle occupants
Exterior perimeter lighting
White LEV lighting for long distance visual search and reduced power use
Folding seats in rear compartment of vehicle
Remote control winch - front and back
It's unlikely that we'll ever see the Rescue produced, but the concept introduces an intriguing competitor for large utility vehicles such as the H2 - a derivative that we'll surely see sooner than later.
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