![Bugatti Bird-gate Followup: Driver identity revealed <b>[*UPDATE:</b> Now with actual crash video!]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bugatti-veyron-swim-1258147199_143x85.jpg)
Paris Preview: MOPAR to introduce Jeep Patriot Back Country concept
Click above for high-res shots of the Jeep Patriot Back Country Concept
Chrysler's in-house performance tuning arm, MOPAR, will be showing off a mildly customized version of the Jeep Patriot called the Back Country at next month's Paris Motor Show. The run-of-the-mill Patriot and Compass models, which share a platform with the Dodge Caliber, have had their interiors redone a bit for the new '09 model year and the small improvements appear to make a major difference, at least in appearance. We'll reserve final judgement until we get inside one for ourselves. At the upcoming Paris Motor Show, attendees will see a few mods to the new model, including an Optic Green paint color, blacked-out B-pillars, and a new "platinum chrome" light bar on the outside. MOPAR makes good use of its own accessories catalog with a cargo basket on the roof that sports extra off-road lights, splash gaurds and some 18-inch five-spoke alloys. Joining the refreshed interior are satin chrome details and a scuba-like fabric covering parts of the seats. This concept above goes to show that the Patriot is a decent looker and just a few minor tweaks away from being a real Jeep. Now, if they'd just take care of that Compass...
Gallery: Jeep Patriot Back Country
[Source: Carscoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
The Luigiian 12:39PM (9/25/2008)
I like the Patriot. It was already a real Jeep before these modifications, if only with the FDII offroad package. To make it even more of a real Jeep, it would need a more powerful engine (probably a turbodiesel of some kind to keep its fuel economy) and a manual or automatic offered with the Freedom Drive II.
Reply
Purifoy 12:42PM (9/25/2008)
I always thought the Patriot had potential. Hopefully, the folks at Jeep will continue with it's development.
Reply
TyWright 12:53PM (9/25/2008)
People, don't forget that this is essentially a jacked up Neon.
Reply
MemphisNET 12:56PM (9/25/2008)
.... you can't be serious - what colour is the sky in your world ?
Kimura 12:57PM (9/25/2008)
You are retarded, The Neon platform dies with the PT Cruiser. The Caliber/Patriot/Compass are on a completely different platform.
ehisforadam 1:17PM (9/25/2008)
More like Caliber or Lancer. I don't think anything was carried over from the PL (Neon) to the PM/MK.
Roanoke 3:16PM (9/25/2008)
You're dead wrong. The Patriot is not based on a Neon chassis/platform. It does share a platform with the Caliber, though. However, it is a very capable little SUV.
Mi key 1:16PM (9/25/2008)
The Compass is based on a car platform but not the former Neon platform. I believe its the platform of the Caliber/Compass and I think the Mitsu Lancer.
Jeep should just get rid of the Compass, it makes no sense in their line-up. While the Jeep hybrid shown the other day would be cool, I think that kind of system would be better served in the Patriot.
Reply
jim 1:55PM (9/25/2008)
If it were really headed for the back country, it would have 16" wheels.
Reply
Mattias 1:56PM (9/25/2008)
Now if they'd only get rid of this terrible diesel engine and swap it for some decent common rail unit.
Reply
ehisforadam 2:29PM (9/25/2008)
Ummm....the 2.0L diesel used by Chrysler in Europe is common rail, hence the CRD designation. And you blame the engine on VW, because that's who makes it.
Mattias 4:19PM (9/25/2008)
No. The engine is Pumpe-Duese. They did not yet switch to common rail. Besides that the DSG they are delivering on some Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles is terribly tuned to the engine (revs too high). This problem might be fixed with a software update but it still does not make for a good overall picture.
G-Meister 11:35AM (10/01/2008)
FYI, Pumpe-Duese translates "unit injector", which at this poi nt is barely anecdotal, since it shall soon fade into automotive history.
Benfolio 1:58PM (9/25/2008)
I really need to stop relating other vehicles to beat-to-hell rental cars, but MAN, that Patriot we had last week was a pile. 2008 so it had the nasty interior, the doors sounded like they were going to fall off when you closed them, and the thing wouldn't start one morning, then the brake pedal got rock hard later in the day. Right before it went to the floor.
Thanks, Jeep. Thanks, Enterprise.
Reply
n8new 2:07PM (9/25/2008)
It looks great. The only thing restraining my urge to by something new is the rapidly changing technology due to the current energy situation (I mean, besides the more difficulty in auto financing due to the turmoil in the financial market).
I'll continue to hold on to my Liberty for another 6 years, at least. Otherwise, I'd be in line to get one of these.
I even like the color!
Reply
J 7:25PM (9/25/2008)
Why.
Reply