JEEP COMPASS
And, yes, there are the traditional Jeep cues, such as the
trapezoidal wheel arches (slightly flared in this deployment),
a clamshell hood and the seven-slot grille (here done with
each of the chrome elements set on a gloss-black field).
Architecturally, there are the Jeep-based requirements, as
in attention to ground clearance, and approach, breakover
and departure angles. (In the case of the Trailhawk 4x4
the figures are impressive: ground clearance, 8.5 inches;
approach angle, 30.3 degrees; breakover angle, 24.4 degrees;
departure angle, 33.6 degrees.
And, yes, there are some "Easter eggs," hidden-in-plain-
sight whimsical elements that have become something of a
cryptic signature of Jeep.
While not exactly an Easter egg, Jeff Hammoud, chief of
Design for Jeep Interiors, cites the shape of the outboard
HVAC vents on the top of the instrument panel: it has a
shark-fin shape that echoes that of the D-pillar. And because
the Compass is a member of the family, there is a character
line running across the top of the IP that connects it with both
the Grand Cherokee and the Cherokee.
Look carefully at the right rear tire. Yes, it is off the ground. The Compass
Trailhawk features the Jeep Active Drive Low 4x4 20:1 crawl ratio and
Selec-Terrain with Rock mode. And skid plates. And were the vehicle to
be in water, know that it handles up to 19 inches of fording.
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