Video highlights of this vehicle

What Is It?

Jeep Rescue Concept

What's Special About It?

As its name implies, the Rescue is geared toward aiding the likes of firefighters, park rangers and ski resort personnel. And as its exterior proportions imply, it's a response to GM's Hummer H2. A long 123-inch wheelbase provides plenty of room within the vehicle for supplies and/or injured folks (four of them, anyway, in addition to the driver), while a relatively narrow body and 37-inch tires with run-flat capability allow the Rescue to reach those in need.

A brawny Cummins turbodiesel with 325 horsepower and a staggering 600 pound-feet of torque, along with remote winches, should allow the Rescue to tackle challenging terrain and help extricate vehicles that don't share its off-road prowess. Other features that enable the Rescue to deal with almost any emergency regardless of weather or terrain include point-of-view cameras on the underside of the vehicle that help the driver judge the demands of the terrain, and on-board tire pressure control that allows the driver to adjust the tire pressure for optimal grip while seated inside. A navigation system offers 3-D topographical mapping so that occupants can get an accurate read on the trails ahead. Rounding out the list of technology is an on-board satellite telephone, VHF radio, a digital video recorder with satellite transmission capability and white LEV lighting for long-distance visual searches.

But the Rescue isn't all about serious endeavors. Removable doors and a folding windshield make it a fun-loving adventure vehicle as well. Chrysler executives suggest it as a possible next step up for a Wrangler owner who needs more room.

What's Edmunds' Take?

Emergency rescue teams and others looking for a highly maneuverable powerhouse will probably have a Pavlovian response to this rig. Alternatively, if you're a Jeep enthusiast who'd like to stick it to the H2 owner down the street, you may be drooling all the more. In either case, you may want to start writing letters to Jeep requesting a production version. — John DiPietro and Erin Riches