The second of the revolutionary concept models out at this show is the Jeep Compass, also sharing the same platform as the Jeep Patriot. Clearly going after the rally sport crowd, Jeep is looking to the Compass to give the Evo IX and WRX Sti a run for their money. Still sporting the seven-slot grille, Jeep designers have gone for sophisticated rally toughness, rather than trail-rated 4x4 competence. Still, Jeep assures us that this will be the most capable Jeep in its class, with tractive ability at all four wheels that none of its competitors can match. The Compass will run the same 2.4-liter I-4 from the Patriot (and Caliber), but you can expect some power massaging beyond the estimated 170 horsepower predicted for the optional sport package. The second-generation continuously variable transmission is also in the concept Compass, as will be -- we're guessing -- a six-speed manual transmission. This is a completely new segment for Jeep and will be an important test as to whether buyers are interested in a Jeep vehicle that doesn't have some type of trail-rated capabilities. We're told to look for the sporty car-based rally star to compete with Toyota's Scions, the Pontiac Vibe, and Mazda 3, with a considerable price advantage.
