Jeep Goes Virtual

WINDSOR, ON, May 16 /CNW/ - Jeep has joined forces with gaming company Terminal Reality to help launch the new Jeep TJ Rubicon with the creation of the Jeep 4x4 EVO2 video game. The game uses Jeep vehicles exclusively and has been developed to give consumers and Jeep enthusiasts alike the opportunity to experience the capabilities of the legendary Jeep brand of vehicles in a virtual environment. Jeep 4x4 EVO2 is available for downloading at www.jeep.ca.

"Torture-test your virtual Jeep as you go further off-road and higher up the mountain navigating some of the toughest trails on the continent with the most rugged and capable four wheel drive vehicle ever -- Jeep TJ Rubicon," said Pearl Davies - Chrysler, Jeep Brand Manager, DaimlerChrysler Canada. "Jeep dominates 4x4 just like Terminal Reality kicks out the best gaming off- road experience. Jeep 4x4 EVO2 is great for showcasing the extreme off-road capability of Jeep, while highlighting its go-anywhere, do-anything attitude."

The new 2003 Jeep TJ Rubicon is engineered to take on the most demanding trails, even those previously reserved for only highly modified vehicles. While its beefy off-road tires and diamond-plate sill protectors hint at the tremendous capability of the Jeep TJ Rubicon, it's the underpinnings that make it worthy of wearing the Rubicon name. On sale in summer 2002, the Jeep TJ Rubicon features locking front and rear Dana model 44 axles and a 4:1 low range transfer case, in response to the most demanding off-road enthusiasts.

Jeep 4x4 EVO2 is designed to challenge people of all skill levels. Players can choose a Jeep TJ Rubicon, Liberty or Grand Cherokee to drive on the existing Jeep 101 course. Like the real life Jeep 101 driving courses which provide current and prospective owners basic skills of safe, yet adventurous off-road driving, the virtual Jeep 101 course includes both real world and virtual driving tips. Successful completion of the Jeep 101 course unlocks the 2003 Jeep TJ Rubicon model and the first of four contest competition trails. There is also a multiple player function built into the game, allowing participants to challenge each other simultaneously on the trail.

Tiered prizing for selected Jeep merchandise will be awarded to the highest score-keepers on each of four trails: Mohab, Silverton Pass, Baja and of course, the famed Rubicon. After successfully completing the off-road trails, scores can be submitted to the on-line scoreboard. The ultimate victor will earn a $10,000 shopping spree at the Bay. Players are encouraged to challenge their friends in a head-to-head battle to see who is the supreme off- road expert. The game/contest will run from now through December.

Consumers can download the Jeep 4x4 EVO2 game directly from www.jeep.ca. Product information, contest rules, game tips and links to game partners also will be posted at www.jeep.ca.

The Jeep brand teamed up with Terminal Reality, Take-Two Interactive Software and NVIDIA Corporation for this game. Dallas-based Terminal Reality is one of the premier video game developers committed to multi-platform gaming. The company creates video game titles for a variety of top publishers and uses state-of-the-art proprietary technology. Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is an integrated global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games, including Jeep 4x4 EVO2. NVIDIA is the leader in 3D graphics processors and media communication devices for a variety of platforms, including desktop PCs, mobile notebooks and game consoles.