Steve Lorton easily stepped inside the granite-colored 2017 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon, and grabbed its wheel with the practiced hand of someone who's been around the trail a few times. He quickly looked over the controls and then, noticing the way ahead was clear, deftly shifted into drive and gave a nod.
“Ready to go?” he asked as the Rubicon Unlimited eased forward. Over the next four-plus minutes, Lorton led the vehicle through – and over – several different obstacles designed to highlight the Wrangler’s off-road chops.
As he did, Lorton also began an engaging narrative about Jeep vehicles and their features which, no doubt, he and his staff will repeat thousands of times over the next nine days to riders traversing the Camp Jeep event at this year's Philadelphia Auto Show.
The Philly Auto Show, from Jan. 28-Feb. 5, is expected to draw more than 250,000 visitors to the city’s convention center. While many come for the experience, others are certainly looking for that next great car, truck, or Sport Utility Vehicle. Automakers do not sell anything directly at the show, but do use the event to show off their wares and often unveil new vehicles.
Sadly, Jeep's highly-anticipated 2018 Wrangler JL was nowhere to be found (believe us, we looked everywhere), but there will be plenty of 2017 Jeep vehicles to see. Plus, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is also rolling out its new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan and revamped Jeep Compass.
“Of all those who come to the auto show, about 50 percent will buy a new vehicle directly because of this show, so you’ll see several companies display a new vehicle for the first time,” said David Kelleher, President of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia and 2017 Philly Auto Show Chairman. “But the other 50 percent who come are looking for entertainment.”
That’s where events like Camp Jeep can make their mark. Since its inception in 2004, this interactive fan-favorite experience has drawn more than 1.8 million people and has stopped at over 130 spots around the country. This year's Camp Jeep is the fifth-consecutive appearance in Philadelphia.
“We have created this unique auto show opportunity to provide our customers with a memorable experience that no other manufacturer can offer,” said Jeep Brand head Mike Manley, in an earlier statement. “The iconic Jeep brand offers an adventurous lifestyle and vehicles that deliver legendary 4x4 capabilities.”
On its face, Camp Jeep is basically an adventure zone where professional 4x4 drivers allow riders to experience how Jeep branded vehicles perform on and off-road. For this year’s event, riders can choose from the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Cherokee Trailhawk, Renegade Trailhawk and Grand Cherokee.
But really, it is all about entertainment – while also providing valuable knowledge to those who may be on the fence about purchasing a Jeep.
“Camp Jeep is an interactive display that you can be a part of,” said Lorton, Camp Jeep’s Track Manager. “You are not just here watching a turntable spin with a car on it. You are actually part of the turntable.”
“You are gaining a whole bunch of knowledge about whatever vehicle you are in, that will help you better understand the Jeep brand. And so, what we are hoping here with Camp Jeep, is that we peak enough interest, that people get interested enough, to head to the dealer and take a test drive on the road.”
Lorton has been with the exhibit since Jeep first brought it to life back in 2004. He and his staff oversee more than 12 trailers-worth of freight that is used to create the Camp Jeep Track.
The course itself is comprised of several obstacles that simulate some of the rigorous testing Jeep vehicles endure before gaining that ‘Trail Rated’ badge. This year’s edition features the following:
- Maneuverability – simulated rocks to give riders the feel of trail driving.
- Off-Camber – uneven ramps set at a 25 percent incline to give riders an idea how a Jeep handles uneven terrain.
- Traction – 18’ climb at a 35-degree angle, with a descent that shows off Jeep’s Hill Descent Control.
- Articulation – The Jeep traverses a 30-degree articulation wedge to demonstrate its stability during extreme terrain angles.
- Breakover (new to Camp Jeep this year) – Riders navigate a 25-degree uneven plane until one wheel loses contact with the surface. Designed to show the Jeep’s ability to stay level against uneven obstacles.
- Ground Clearance (New to Camp Jeep this year) – Riders experience climbing a 5-foot series of stairs at angle to demonstrate a Jeep’s overall ground clearance.
“And this is all on a standard stock vehicle,” Lorton points out as he navigates that 2017 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited around the Camp Jeep track. “Nothing aftermarket has been added on this one bit. So if you are getting a new Jeep, this shows that you have a good start and can tackle these kinds of things.”
Once the ride is over, the event is not quite complete. Everyone who takes a spin on the Camp Jeep track will have their picture taken while riding via one of the windshield-mounted cameras. Riders can then view their photo on one of the many tablets surrounding the ride area, and can instantly share that picture on social media.
One thing to keep in mind though; Camp Jeep is a popular event and wait times can be upwards of an hour, so plan ahead.The Philadelphia Auto Show runs from January 28-Febuary 5 at the Philly Convention Center. Weekday hours are noon-10 PM, while Saturdays are 9 AM-10 PM. Sunday January 29th is 9 AM-8 PM, and Sunday February 5 is 9 AM-6 PM.
Ticket prices:
General Admission (age 13+): $14.00
Child (age 7-12): $7.00
Please Note:
- Children age 6 & under are admitted FREE with a ticketed adult.
- Discounted Senior tickets (age 62+) are available for $7.00 at the Convention Center box office on weekdays.
- Active Duty Military personnel are eligible to receive a $3 discount at the Convention Center box office on any show day.
