Looking to the future is never easy for a brand so firmly rooted in its history like Jeep. It is certainly necessary to evolve, but whilst respecting tradition: taking a leap into the future while remaining faithful to all those elements that have made the Toledo (Ohio) brand iconic over the years. This was the challenge that Jeep’s style centre was called to respond to in defining the lines of the new Wagoneer S, the brand’s first electric model.
In the name of continuity
“It was a complex and very delicate job”, explains Vince Galante, Jeep’s vice president of exterior design. “Our history is rooted in the now distant 1949, and year after year we have always tried to develop the styling language, albeit in the name of continuity. With each new model we brought some new element to the road and now, with the Wagoneer S, we have taken a further leap forward”. Indeed, it only takes a quick glance at the new American electric to see the strong break with the brand’s past.
The front grille as breaking element
Shapes and proportions are different from those of any other Jeep, yet the link with the brand’s history can be felt. “One of the most innovative and breaking elements on the Wagoneer S is the front grille”, Galante continues. “We put a lot of work into it. It represents not only the face of the car, but also the very image of Jeep”.
The classic seven slit reinterpreted
“So we reinterpreted the classic seven slits, making them evolve. We took advantage of the three-dimensional aspect guaranteed by a thin LED strip that runs right above the grille”. As an electric car, Jeep also worked hard on the model’s aerodynamics. Here, form follows function, a concept that is markedly expressed in the rear, which sports unprecedented lines, and not just for the Stars and Stripes brand.
The work on aerodynamics
“The work we have done on the aerodynamics is simply incredible”, explains Galante. “Just look at the rear of the car. The sides maintain the classic silhouette of an SUV, but if you look at it from behind you can see how the roof actually slopes down in a progressive manner, almost like on a coupé. All framed by a large wing that is not only beautiful, but also functional. For the Wagoneer S project we really worked very closely with the engineers, creating working groups in which technicians and designers collaborated to achieve this result”.
Digitalisation for the comfort
Galante concludes: “The interior of the Wagoneer S is projected towards the future. A future in which the concepts of digitalisation take centre stage, which we have interpreted through the use of several screens on the dashboard, which together make up a surface area of 45 inches. This allows each passenger to spend their time on board drawing on the many functions that the U-Connect 5 system can provide. This translates into a higher quality comfort and time on board”.
(Full article in A&D no. 268
