Hot, new Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge Concepts and production vehicles are rolling into the 2007 Cleveland Auto Show and this year’s displays are more interactive than ever. Auto Show goers will get the chance to ride and drive at Camp Jeep(R) Cleveland, the Dodge Performance Zone and the Chrysler Inspired Drive Tour. Don’t miss the following products, concepts and interactive displays at the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge exhibit.

New 2007 Concept Cars

- Chrysler Nassau (yawn)
- Jeep Trailhawk (freakin’ awesome)

Hot, new ‘07-’08 Production Vehicles

- 2008 Chrysler Town Country and Dodge Grand Caravan - debuted at the
Detroit Auto Show (not hot)
- 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible-arriving in showrooms late spring (luke warm)
- 2008 Dodge Dakota-debuted at the Chicago Auto Show (meh)
- 2007 Dodge Nitro-new in showrooms (again, meh)
- 2008 Dodge Avenger-arriving in showrooms this spring (possibilities)
- 2007 Jeep(R) Patriot-arriving in showrooms this spring (not a serious offroader no matter what they say)

Camp Jeep Cleveland

Don’t miss your chance to put a Jeep to the ultimate test with a thrilling Jeep Trail Rated riding experience. Camp Jeep Cleveland features water fording, ground clearance, articulation, traction and maneuverability demonstrations including the famous Jeep Mountain, a 16 foot vertical climb. More than 220 yards (5,700 cubic feet) of dirt and wood chips will be used to construct the Jeep Trail Rated course inside the Cleveland Auto Show. Camp Jeep Cleveland will also feature a Mini Jeep Kidz Course, an 18′ climbing wall, Jeep Gaming Station and the Jeep Photo Zone.

It’s a great way to get used to the level of performance these great vehicles offer in a non-traditional environment. If you like it, you’ll be hooked immediately.

New Dodge Performance Zone

New to Cleveland this year will be the Dodge Performance Zone, where auto show goers can ride with professional drivers through live demonstrations of slalom, traction, braking and acceleration tests up to 28 mph in a Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8 or Dodge Nitro.

New Chrysler Inspired Drive Tour

The weekend of March 2-4 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, auto show attendees can get behind the wheel of a 2007 Chrysler Aspen, 300 or Sebring for a hands-on experience with Chrysler’s stylish designs and unique state-of the art innovations including: Electronic Stability Program (ESP), MyGIG(TM) Infotainment, Stow ‘n Go(R), HEMI(R) Engines, Rear Park Assist and much more.

I’ve actually done this before, and it’s a lot of fun. The course is short, but designed to showcase the practical application of all that technology. It’s amazing how well it all works together. My funniest experience was when the tech guys came running over to take the Dodge Durango out of rotation on the offroad course. They had to remove the skid plate because it was getting scratched up on the course…LOL

The Cleveland Auto Show is open to the public February 24 - March 4 at the I-X Center.

I kind of like some of these, actually. But I’m just one guy.

Here’s Jeep’s 1997 Casablanca Concept - I see shades of Commander in there…and lots of Cherokee, naturally.

As usual, the guys don’t pull any punches at JP, so you’ll want to read this online article and enjoy what might have been - or shudder, and be happy it never was…

Worst Jeep Concepts EVER