Jeep(R) Wrangler Unlimited Climbs Highest Volcano on Earth and Sets New Altitude World Record
April 02 2007 - 1:48PM
PR Newswire (US)
- Two Jeep(R) Wrangler Unlimited vehicles climbed 6,646 meters
(21,804 feet) above sea level to the rim of Ojos del Salado - the
highest altitude ever reached by a four-wheeled vehicle AUBURN
HILLS, Mich., April 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Seventy years after
the first man climbed the world's highest volcano, Ojos del Salado
in Chile, two Jeep(R) Wrangler Unlimited vehicles set a new world
record by climbing 6,646 meters (21,804 feet) to the volcano's rim.
The achievement, certified by Guinness World Records(TM), is not
one that is likely to easily be beaten. Others tried, but only the
"go anywhere, do anything" Jeep vehicles could make it to the top
of the volcano. It is the second highest mountain in the Western
Hemisphere (6,892 meters / 22,597 feet), and now dubbed the
"highest parking lot in the world". Jeep parking only, of course.
Over five exhausting days in March, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
vehicles carried a team from Extrem Events (Germany), led by
Mattias Jeschke, from the base of the inhospitable volcano in the
Chilean Andes to the highest point that a four-wheeled vehicle has
traveled. "This was exactly the challenge to separate the new Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited from all other 4x4 vehicles. A climb like this
in not just off-road, but extreme conditions, is a testament to the
performance of the vehicle's powertrain, suspension and overall
quality. We are very proud that Wrangler Unlimited was the first
vehicle to be able to complete such a rigorous challenge, and
believe that it really does set the vehicle apart from its
competition," said George Murphy, Chrysler Group Senior Vice
President of Global Marketing. During the trip, the team endured
hurricane-strength winds, temperatures that reached minus 30
degrees Centigrade (minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit) and the thin air
of such high altitudes, as it maneuvered over malicious glaciers,
fissured rock cliffs and volcanic sand. The last stretch of the
climb was the most grueling. Both Wrangler Unlimited vehicles had
to cross a glacier, parts of which were so smooth that any travel
by foot required spiked shoes. At the far end was the glacier
field, a fissured ice area strewn with razor sharp snow penitents.
It was here that the vehicle's 3.8L V-6 engine and Goodyear's MT/R
tires proved their true capability, and made the Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited the first vehicle to ever cross the Ojos del Salado
glacier. After reaching the initial goal, to surpass 6,500 meters,
just beyond the glacier, the team continued to drive on and pushed
forward until there was nowhere left to drive. "Unbelievable,
tremendous, phenomenal," was the description from team leader,
Jeschke, after reaching the plateau at the end of the summit. "The
Wranglers are unbeatable." The two Wrangler Unlimited vehicles that
completed this challenge were standard equipment Rubicon models. In
addition to the standard equipment, both vehicles were fitted with
Goodyear MT/R tires, electronic altitude measuring technology and
winches. Featuring a one-of-a-kind, four-door open-air design, the
all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offers even more comfort, space,
versatility and open-air options than the all-new Wrangler. With
room for five adult passengers - a Wrangler first - and the most
cargo space ever offered in a Wrangler, the Wrangler Unlimited
combines class-leading off-road capability with everyday
practicality. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited expands the Jeep
experience and core values to a broader range of customers who have
always wanted a Wrangler, but also needed more space and
versatility. Outside North America, two engine options are
available, an all-new 2.8-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine as
well as a new 3.8-litre V-6 petrol engine. The Wrangler is
available in both left- and right-hand drive. With solid axles,
removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold- down windscreen and
innovative removable and convertible tops, Wrangler retains the
brand's coveted core values of freedom, adventure, mastery and
authenticity. For photos from the program or more information about
Chrysler Group, please visit the Company's media website at
http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com/ DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group
CONTACT: Yvonne Malmgren, +1-248-512-1783, cell, +1-248-761-2776, ,
Dan Bodene, +1-248-512-2920, cell, +1-248-760-2624, Web site:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/ http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com/
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