By Steve & Tamami Laser
Jeep and Mopar executives revealed seven concept vehicles in Auburn Hills, Michigan, this week including this outrageous 707-horsepower Hellcat-powered Trailcat. Thousands of off-road enthusiasts are expected to trek to the 50th annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, in their own rides.
Let’s take a closer look at these new Jeep concepts headed to the Moab Safari:
Jeep Trailcat
Jeep says the Trailcat concept is the ultimate off-road machine, equally at home on Moab’s rugged trails or a high-speed section. Utilizing the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Hellcat V8 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a custom shifter ball featuring an embossed Hellcat logo, the Trailcat concept “leaves everything else in a cloud of dust.”
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. Mopar exterior enhancements include a power-dome vented hood, Satin Black grille, LED headlights and fog lights and rock rails.
The bold off-road look is further aided by steel front and rear bumpers, 17-inch beadlock wheels and 39.5-inch BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX tires, plus front and rear Dana 60 axles and Fox shocks.
Subtle design cues, such as a Hellcat decal on the front quarter panels and a “Trailcat” decal on the side of the hood, hint at the horsepower that lurks beneath, making this much more than a typical production Wrangler. The Trailcat’s interior is simple yet functional and features sport bucket seats from the Dodge Viper, made from carbon fiber and featuring Katzkin leather seat covers with accent stitching.
Jeep Crew Chief 715
Jeep says the Crew Chief 715 concept was built as a salute to legendary Jeep military service vehicles, in particular the Kaiser M715. This open-air Wrangler Unlimited-based concept showcases a burly design with heritage styling cues. The Crew Chief 715 utilizes modern-day construction with a rear seat and extra doors for additional passenger capacity while staying close to its classic roots.
Steel front and rear bumpers, 20-inch beadlock wheels and 40-inch NDT tires pay homage to the original Jeeps. The Crew Chief 715 utilizes an on-board air system with a hard-mounted quick-disconnect fitting for filling up tires or lending assistance to other vehicles on the trail. Other features include a master cylinder brake upgrade, cold air intake and a modified exhaust.
Exterior features, such as Jeep Performance Parts off-road rock rails, a winch mounted into the front and rear bumpers, Dana 60 front and rear axles and a 4-inch lift kit with Jeep Performance Parts/Fox 2.0 Remote Reservoir shocks, give the Crew Chief 715 increased capability. The “Tactical Green” color scheme runs from the custom modified M715-inspired front-end to the tailgate. The Crew Chief 715 features a 5-foot cargo bed.
The Jeep Crew Chief 715 is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The no-nonsense interior features leather bucket seats with canvas inserts, aircraft-inspired control switches and Mopar all-weather mats. The media center sports a centrally located navigational compass.
Jeep Shortcut
A carefully crafted take on the beloved Jeep CJ-5, this Wrangler-based concept vehicle invokes the spirit of 1950s Americana with a shortened body and functional simplicity.
Exterior styling cues include a unique grille, hood, tailgate, front and rear wheel flares and custom chrome front and rear bumpers. A modified exhaust, 17-inch red steel wheels and 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires help the Shortcut maintain an iconic look.
Jeep Performance Parts include a front and rear Dana 44 axle and a 2-inch lift with Fox shocks. Overall body length has been reduced by 26 inches including bumpers and spare tire to keep the Shortcut concept vehicle light and maneuverable on the trails.
The Shortcut is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the simple yet functional interior features low-back leather bucket seats with plaid inserts, a red ball shifter handle, four-point safety cage and Mopar all-weather mats.
Jeep Trailstorm
The Trailstorm concept vehicle is described as the ultimate Jeep Wrangler for exploring off the beaten path. Offering room for extra gear and fuel tanks, it’s based on the Wrangler Unlimited, and delivers “elevated capability to conquer trails with ease.”
Jeep Performance Parts include 17-inch concept off-road wheels wrapped in 37-inch tires, a 2-inch lift kit with Jeep Performance Parts/Fox shocks, a Jeep Performance Parts Rubicon winch, and Dana 44 front and rear axles. Half doors offer a clear view of obstacles ahead and a bedlined interior makes cleaning up after a day on the trails easier.
Mopar exterior enhancements include a winch guard, Satin Black grille, LED headlights and fog lights, high top fenders, power-dome vented hood, Mopar off-road rock rails with a step, Big Brake Kit, a concept fast-back soft top, tail light guards and a Mopar fuel filler door. Finishing the Trailstorm’s exterior upgrades are a steel front and rear Rubicon bumper and a Jeep Performance Parts tire carrier. The Trailstorm is wrapped in camouflage allowing it to blend into its surroundings in the Utah desert.
The Trailstorm’s interior also features Katzkin seat covers and Mopar all-weather floor mats. It’s powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine teamed with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Comanche
Based on the Jeep Renegade, the Jeep Comanche concept vehicle is designed to be off-road ready with practical utility. A nod to Jeep pickup trucks of years past, the Comanche concept takes styling cues from military and civilian Jeep heritage.
The Comanche’s “Beige Against the Machine” concept exterior paint is accented with a Satin Black hood, a concept lower front fascia, winch, steel rear bumper, soft top and spare tire in the bed. The wheelbase has been stretched an additional six inches to accommodate Comanche’s 5-foot bed.
Inside, the Comanche features custom seat covers, pedal covers, door sill guards and Mopar all-weather mats. Jeep Performance Parts like off-road rock rails, a 2-inch lift kit and a winch bolster the Comanche’s off-road capability. The Comanche rolls on 16-inch painted wheels and 32-inch BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A tires.
Comanche is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel 4-cylinder engine teamed with a 9-speed automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive Lock, which includes low range and a locking rear differential.
Jeep Renegade Commander
The Jeep Renegade Commander concept vehicle is equipped with an assortment of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts for the “ultimate off-road adventure.” It rides on a 2-inch lift kit and 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels with 29.5-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.
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. Also featured are the Mopar brand’s trailer hitch receiver and front and rear auxiliary lights.
Inside, the Renegade Commander includes Katzkin seat covers, body color bezel accents, a pedal kit, Mopar off-road kit and Mopar all-weather floor mats. Renegade Commander is powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with MultiAir2 mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive Low.
Jeep FC 150
Billed as a “true American workhorse,” this 1960 Jeep FC 150 concept is “rich with heritage and built to tackle both challenging rocky trails and the harshness of a western cattle ranch,” says Jeep. 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.
This heritage Jeep vehicle continues to utilize its original steel body that bears battle scars while components underneath have been revamped. The FC 150’s off-road prowess is enhanced with a 2005 Jeep Wrangler chassis modified to accept a Dana 44 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle and 17-inch white steel wheels wrapped in 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires.
Inside, the FC 150 features vinyl seat covers, a custom headliner, CB radio, analog compass and Mopar all-weather mats. The Jeep FC 150 heritage vehicle is powered by a 4.0-liter PowerTech inline-6 engine coupled to a 3-speed automatic transmission.
News source and photos courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) US LLC
Story (commentary) © 2016 CarNichiWa.com