Chrysler released details on the Mopar Jeep Compass “True North” today, along with three other vehicles meant to mark their 75th anniversary, all of which will be on display at the 2012 Chicago International Auto Show.

Here’s what we’ve learned about the modified Compass since we published our earlier story featuring photos of all four cars.

First, we’ve found that Mopar knows better than to tinker with a Jeep owner’s pavement-optional perspective. They say it’s still an off-road capable, trail-rated vehicle, though nothing Mopar does really adds, or subtracts anything. The only modification that makes the “True North” Compass any more viable in the bush is the added brush bars on the front and back that might keep your undercarriage a bit safer from rocks.

That said, this is anything but a rock crawler. Realistically, most Compass owners probably don’t go off-roading unless you count driving on the beach or through a snowy parking lot.

The modifications are superficial, but at least they make the Compass look a lot cooler. For example, the two-tone burnt orange and matte black grille and bumper make the car look less like a boring suburb spelunker and more like a stylish SUV. The same matte black accents surround the front and rear fog lights and run along the edge of the fenders and fascia.

The interior really plays up the Compass’s appeal to the young outdoorsy types it’s aimed at. Mopar even added neoprene seats. Yup, the same synthetic rubber material that half the stuff in REI is made of. It’s a cool touch that screams out to people who own CamelBacks and Nalgene bottles.

A center stack gauge pod holds pitch and roll meters if you do decide to take that risky first trip into the wild, though you won’t be doing it without modern amenities. Aside from little interior touches, the last big change is a Kicker sounds system the company says transforms the car into a “rolling high-end sound studio.” We’re not sure what sort of audio work people do on camping trips, but maybe you can enlighten us in the comments box below.

GALLERY: 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass “True North”

Europe is getting the Grand Cherokee with a diesel as well as special 70th anniversary editions, as Jeep will announce at the Geneva Auto Show in a week’s time.

The diesel will be a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, sourced from the Fiat mothership and built by VM Motori. It’ll come in two forms: one with 188 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque, and the other with 237 horsepower and 406 lb-ft, which also gets around 28 miles per gallon.

Meanwhile at Geneva, Jeep will introduce 70th Anniversary Editions of all its models, including the Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, Patriot, and Compass. The package includes exterior trim packages, brushed-aluminum door sills, 18-inch wheels, and some nifty badges; the interior will get Dark Olive perforated leather seats, shiny trim, and Berber floor mats.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Now that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is at the helm of the new Chrysler he is looking at making some changes. For starters, the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Caliber, as well as the Jeep Patriot and Compass may get the axe.

Marchionne is looking at cutting under-performing models from the Chrysler lineup, with a particular focus on the models mentioned, while also examining how the company can become more cost effective by adjusting prices and tweaking the trim levels and equipment offered on the company’s many vehicles.

The Caliber has the best chance of staying on but it is likely to receive major changes.

Fiat is also examining a plan that would see Alfa Romeo models rebadged as Dodges in North America, while some Dodge models that make it to Europe would wear the Alfa crest.

As for the Jeep brand, arguably the strongest name of the three, Fiat may look to make a push with it in emerging markets, something Chrysler never tried to do in the past.

[Source: LeftLaneNews]

Jeep used the Paris Motor Show to display two concept versions of its popular compact SUVs, the Patriot and Compass.

The Jeep Patriot Back Country is a rugged vehicle designed for a more active lifestyle. Looking familiar from the outside, the inside receives a significant update with earthy colors and textures. The SUV also features a list of authentic Jeep accessories by Mopar.

As for the Compass Overland concept, it moved the compact SUV up-market with a classy design and superior safety, connectivity and audio features. Many of the style highlights on the Compass Overland have been adapted from the popular Grand Cherokee Overland and Commander Overland production SUVs.

Both SUVs feature improved sound-deadening, an improved ride quality, redesigned instrument clusters, center consoles and door trim panels, as well as custom interior materials and colors. We expect Jeep will add these two vehicles to its lineup in 2010.

Jeep Patriot Back Country:

Jeep Compass Overland:

Official release after the jump:
Press Kit: 2008 Paris Motor Show

Chrysler LLC Displays Latest Innovations at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris

* Company celebrates 25 years of innovation with the minivan’s silver anniversary
* Two special Jeep® models debut featuring all-new interiors
* New transmission technology improves efficiency

Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 25, 2008 – The Company that invented the modern minivan 25 years ago continues to innovate with bold American designs, new technologies and thoughtful features created specifically for the European consumer.

At the 2008 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris, Chrysler LLC is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its minivans while also showcasing refined interiors for the Jeep® brand, new transmission technology and the expansion of the Dodge brand outside North America.

“The voice of the customer is driving our business worldwide, and we are making changes right now to address their needs – from interior design, to powertrains, to overall vehicle size,” said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President – International Sales, Marketing and Business Development, Chrysler LLC. “Clear examples of this direction are the newest Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass, two of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the segment. With all-new interiors and soft-touch surfaces, plus a more quiet and refined ride quality, these vehicles provide exceptional value and remain the entry level to the legendary Jeep brand.”

25th Anniversary of Modern Minivan
Twenty-five years after it first invented the modern minivan, Chrysler LLC continues to raise the bar and perfect its award-wining formula. The all-new Chrysler Grand Voyager offers all-new interior and exterior designs and more than 30 new or improved features.

Now, to mark the occasion of the minivan’s silver anniversary, Chrysler is introducing the “25th Anniversary Edition” special model. This model features new interior premium appointments, such as a Dark Slate Gray color palette, Blackwood accents, satin finishes and new leather seats with French-seamed stitching. Special “25th Anniversary Edition” badging is incorporated inside and out.

Exterior equipment on the 25th Anniversary Edition includes unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, chromed belt and body-side moldings, and a roof rack with cross bars. Underneath the surface, several engineering improvements make the newest Chrysler Grand Voyager even more desirable. The 25th Anniversary Edition introduces improvement in drive quality with new steering and suspension tuning, and the efficient common-rail turbo-diesel engine has been optimized for both fuel consumption and emissions improvements without any sacrifice to horsepower and torque.

The new Chrysler Grand Voyager 25th Anniversary Edition will be available for international markets beginning in early 2009.

Two Special Jeep Models Debut in Paris
Built around the fuel-efficient Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass, two special vehicles make their debuts in Paris. The Jeep Patriot Back Country concept exudes a fresh, youthful appeal and features a redesigned interior, authentic Jeep accessories by Mopar® and a blend of unique colors, textures and materials that exemplify an active lifestyle.

The Jeep Compass Overland prototype takes the Compass even more upscale with premium safety, connectivity and audio features, and exterior styling cues from the Overland models of Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Inside are a redesigned interior and unique, embroidered seats designed for additional comfort.

These two special models highlight the redesigned interior and refined ride quality featured in the newest Jeep Patriot and Compass production models. The fresh interior includes all-new redesigned instrument panels, center consoles and door trim panels, while added insulation and tuning improvements further reduce noise in the interior. With their already high levels of safety, utility and 4×4 capability, the Patriot and Compass continue to advance the Jeep brand by providing customers with outstanding value.

Smoother, More Efficient Transmission
First launched on the all-new Dodge Journey, Chrysler’s smooth-shifting, dual-clutch transmission is now available on the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring in markets outside North America. The transmission, developed in partnership with Getrag, is available with the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, and it provides improved fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions by six percent compared to a traditional four-speed automatic transmission.