Has anyone else noticed that the front bumper on the 2008 model appears to have a lower skirt on it than the 2007 model. Does anyone know if this will impact on the approach angle to hills and obstacles.

here is an example of mine;

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j53/netideas/Car%20Stuff/DSC01345.jpg

Actually that's just the euro edition; i don't see anything different.
http://www.carpages.co.uk/chrysler_jeep/chrysler_jeep_images/chrysler_jeep_patriot_05_03_07.jpg
^ 07

Ok, maybe it's me but the US version looks to have more of an angle below the space for the fog lights back towards the front wheels, as opposed the square front end...does this make sense?

Ash, nearly all the front bumpers on European Jeeps are oversized in comparison to the U.S. versions - this is most noticeable on the JK Wrangler, the U.S. one has a neat looking bumper whereas the European one looks like a snowplough :roll.
It probably does hinder the approach angle of the vehicle but it 'has' to be that way to comply with EEC safety directives.

Yeah, the European/Australian bumper version brings the approach angle down to 21º from 27º for the American version, IIRC. I don't know the reason for this. The CRD model is also about 100 kg heavier.

You can even tell by looking at the longer license plate. Definately a EuroPat.

are there even any hills and obstacles available in Europe that you can drive on (legally)??

HELP :-D

How could I get the reference code (PAT number) of Front Bumper of the american model?

I really appreciate the info to try customize my european jeep car, myself.
Sure american dealers know the reference -at code number-

pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

thanks a lot colleagues!

enjoy your JP the most
________
Sick From Wellbutrin (http://www.classactionsettlements.org/lawsuit/wellbutrin/)

are there even any hills and obstacles available in Europe that you can drive on (legally)??
HA! Well, many countries and regions are quite hilly, but put an inch of tire out of the trail and you're screwed if the police sees you. Although personally, I don't think 4x4 cars should be taken off-trail. If everybody did it we'd destroy soil and forests very quickly.

i would trade you striaght up for my front bumper, i am diggin that euro look, you lucky bloaks! too bad i am in canada, shipping would be a night mare!

are there even any hills and obstacles available in Europe that you can drive on (legally)??

*blink, blink*

WTF?

The bumpers in Europe are different because of legal requirements. They are designed to offer more protection to pedestrians in the event of an impact. :eek:

See links below:

Edmunds Article (http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/safety/articles/122731/article.html)

Article Describing 2003/102/EC [3] put into place by the European Parliment (Australia and Japan have similar regulations) (http://www.autosteel.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=PDFs&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=14632)

Brings new meaning to the words "approach angle".... ouch !



Has anyone else noticed that the front bumper on the 2008 model appears to have a lower skirt on it than the 2007 model. Does anyone know if this will impact on the approach angle to hills and obstacles.

here is an example of mine;