February 12 – 22, 2015
In terms of indoor tracks, the Chicago Auto Show Camp Jeep and City Drive are the Superbowl of consumer test drive events. It is safe to say that this event has no peers when it comes to throughput , and the 2015 edition did not disappoint. Both tracks consistently maintained a 45-90 minute line from open until close each day of the show, proving that FCA is producing excellent product that people want to experience.
Camp Jeep –
This is our favorite indoor course every year. By using organic materials in conjunction with GPJ-designed modular steel obstacles, we create the atmosphere and feel of an outdoor setting, complete with live pine trees, dirt, mulch, logs and boulders. This course really gives consumers a chance to share a true off-road driving experience with us as they learn about the vehicle and it’s capabilities from our pro drivers. As an added bonus, we were thrilled to debut the 2015 Renegade Trailhawk, giving the public first crack at riding in this exciting new B-segment SUV from Jeep. As predicted, the vehicle was met with enthusiasm as it handled the course with aplomb. Both competitive vehicle owners and Jeep fanatics walked away from our course with smiles on their faces. Represented at Camp Jeep was the full Jeep lineup, including Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Wrangler, Renegade, Patriot and Compass.
Here is a quick video produced by FCA’s social media team:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10154636548441515
City Drive – In 2015, the SRT brand returned to the City Drive to the delight of the Chicago guests. The SRT Charger (and Challenger with Scat Pack), could be heard from anywhere in the McCormick Place when it hammered down the acceleration lane. Also represented on the City Drive track were the 2015 Doge Dart, Chrysler 300, 200, T&C, as well as the Fiat Abarth, 500L, and 500.
And here is a video of the City Drive (City Drive content starts at 4:19)
January 22-25, 2015
Located 160 miles southwest of Denver, the 19th Annual Winter X-Games took place in Aspen, CO. More than 200 of the world’s best action sports athletes competed in skiing, snowboarding and snowmobile events at Buttermilk Mountain for the premier Winter X-Games event.
Jeep offered event guests, athletes, and VIPs the opportunity experience the 2015 vehicle lineup while traveling from downtown Aspen to the mountain venue. 12 shuttle vehicles were used, consisting of a mix of Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, and Cherokee vehicles. The all-new Renegade was featured at the games, but wasn’t in the shuttle fleet.
Consumer data was collected by Gordinier Group trained drivers, who provided detailed product information during the ride.
With the big concerts (Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Skrillex, Chromeo) moved to the mountain this year (instead of in town where the shuttles run), we were able to exceed goals and realize record numbers of participants in the Jeep shuttles.
Another great year in Aspen at the Winter X-Games – thanks Jeep!
Gordinier Group was fortunate to once again team with BMW to help to promote their new i8 at CES in Las Vegas.
I know what you are thinking, “tough job”.
Well, the i8 might be the coolest vehicle that I have driven. From BMWBLOG:
BMW i8 uses a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a turbocharged three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and BMW eDrive technology in the form of an electric drive system.
“The 1.5-liter combustion engine develops 170 kW/231 hp and drives the rear wheels of the BMW i8, while the 96 kW/131 hp electric drive sends its power to the front wheels and allows an all-electric range of up to 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).”
On paper, those figures seem okay, but actually driving this space-age vehicle is a different story. Shifting the vehicle into EcoPro mode combines the 1.5L., 3-cylinder turbocharged engine and electric motor systems for optimum efficiency. The combined systems make 357 HP and 420 lb. ft. of torque. With a superlight body made mostly of aluminum and carbon fiber, this powerplant will take you from 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds.
All performance and driving dynamics aside, the driving experience from the cockpit is equally impressive in the i8. I needed more time to dial in all of the electric goodies, but I have to say that my favorite gadget was the onboard camera system that uses multiple cameras around the vehicle to create a bird’s-eye view of your vehicle driving down the road in real time. All of the cars and obstacles that you pass are shown around your vehicle – unreal!
I could go on and on about this car, but you can read about it elsewhere.
Did I mention that we were also given 2015 M4 and M5 cars to drive? This was a nice way to start 2015 – life is good!
Here are a few shots of our i8 assault on Las Vegas:
While the full 2015 Camp Jeep Auto Show officially kicks off at the San Diego Auto Show on New Year’s Day, the unofficial season has already begun, with big shows in Anaheim, Miami and Orlando.
If the attendance at the Camp Jeep track at these shows is indicative of what is to come in January, we will be very busy this season.
Each of those stops (Orange County 10/3-5/14, Miami 11/7-16/14, Orlando 11/27-30/14) tallied record crowds this year and guests were as excited as ever about the current Jeep lineup. We are also beginning to hear a lot of questions and anticipation about the new Renegade, which is a very positive sign for the brand.
We are looking forward to continuing this momentum into 2015 and expect for Camp Jeep to continue to set the bar for automotive experiential events!