Was there a Jeep, smaller than the Wrangler being developed, in the 80s? American Motors insiders suggested there was. The new all-wheel-driver was intended to compete in the mini-market occupied by the Suzuki Samurai and Mitsubishi Montero/Dodge Raider clones. AMC President Joseph Cappy said in an industry report that the new Jeep would have the off-road attributes associated with Jeeps, but in a new size and for a different usage. A Samurai sized Jeep would likely have incorporated heavier duty 4WD components in keeping with Jeep off-road tradition, as well as offer a higher level of standard and optional equipment. AMC sources suggested the new “price leader” Jeep was to fit beneath the Wrangler, just under $10K.
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