Jeep plans to continue building its reputation for building uniquely, capable vehicles by offering, with a big assist from Mopar, seven new concept vehicles for the annual Easter Safari in Moab, Utah.
“Every year, the Jeep team looks forward to pushing the limits with new, exciting and capable concept vehicles for our most loyal enthusiasts at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, where we receive a tremendous amount of valuable feedback,” said Mike Manley, head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global.
The portfolio of concept vehicles for the Moab show Fiat Chrysler plans to develop a pickup truck for the Jeep brand. While it hasn’t been announced officially no one around FCA’s U.S. headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, denies its coming.
Additionally, the Jeep Comanche, which is perhaps closest to the future production vehicle, Jeep Crew Chief 715 concept vehicle and the Jeep FC 150, which was part of the Jeep product portfolio in the 1950s and 1960s, all highlight the brand’s history producing trucks.
Based on the Jeep Renegade, the Comanche concept vehicle is designed to be off-road ready with practical utility. A nod to Jeep pickups of years past, the Comanche concept takes styling cues from military and civilian Jeep heritage.
The wheelbase has been stretched an additional six inches versus a production Renegade to accommodate Comanche’s five-foot bed. It is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel I-4 engine and mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive Lock, which includes low range and a locking rear differential.
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Another vehicle in the Moab lineup is the Jeep Crew Chief 715 recalls legendary Jeep military service vehicles, such as the Kaiser M715, and is based on the open-air Wrangler Unlimited concept and features a military themed five-foot cargo bed as well as a “Tactical Green” color scheme that runs from the custom modified M715-inspired front-end to the tailgate.
Originally built from 1956 to 1965, the FC 150 is based on the CJ-5 and offers a clever packaging solution by keeping overall length to a minimum for maneuverability, but maintaining a full-length cargo box for utility.
It was built to tackle both challenging rocky trails and the harshness of a western cattle ranch. The FC 150’s off-road prowess has been enhanced courtesy of a 2005 Jeep Wrangler chassis modified to accept front and rear axles from Dana and 17-inch white steel wheels wrapped in 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tires. The Jeep FC 150 heritage vehicle is powered by a 4.0-liter PowerTech I-6 and is mated to a three-speed automatic transmission.
The other Jeep concept vehicle developed for this year’s Safari season build on the brand’s off-road ad and performance-oriented mystique by using an array of off-the shelf and prototype Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts.
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The Jeep Trailcat can go off road and travel at high speed by utilizing the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi Hellcat V-8 engine and six-speed manual transmission with a custom shifter ball featuring an embossed Hellcat logo.
To get the 707-horsepower Hellcat engine into the Trailcat, designers stretched the wheelbase an additional 12 inches while chopping the windshield two inches for a sleeker look. The Trailcat’s unique off-road look is reinforced by steel front and rear bumpers, 17-inch beadlock wheels and 39.5-inch BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX tires, front and rear Dana 60 axles and Fox shocks.
The Jeep Shortcut, one the other hand, offers a take on the CJ-5. The Wrangler-based Jeep Shortcut concept vehicle invokes the spirit of 1950s Americana with a shortened body and functional simplicity. The exterior styling cues include a unique grille, hood, tailgate, front and rear wheel flares and custom chrome front and rear bumpers.
The Jeep Renegade Commander concept vehicle is equipped with an assortment of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts for the ultimate off-road adventure. A two-inch lift kit and 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels with 29.5-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires to enhance the concept vehicle’s the off-road capabilities the “Fluorescent Gray” exterior features Renegade’s MySky open-air roof with removable panels, custom body decal, Mopar off-road rock rails, skid plates and a modified exhaust.
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Also featured are the Mopar brand’s trailer hitch receiver and front and rear auxiliary lights. A 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with MultiAir2 powers the Jeep Renegade Commander and it’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive Low.
