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Jeep Concepts Headed to Moab Jeep Safari

By Jake Lingeman

By AutoWeek Mar 28, 2012 2:45PM
Jeep showed off six vehicles in Michigan on Tuesday. Photo by Jeep..


Jeep and Moab didn't create the Moab Easter Jeep Safari, but that they're using the occasion to introduce wild concept vehicles and new parts to a crowd of their most rabid fans has become something of a company tradition.

Jeep and Mopar previewed six concepts on Tuesday that are destined for the Moab desert. On hand were three customized Wranglers, a Grand Cherokee, a J-12 concept and a Mighty FC concept.


The Jeep Wrangler Traildozer concept was the result of close collaboration between Jeep and the off-road gurus from American Expedition Vehicles. The Traildozer sports the same Hemi engine found in the Dodge Challenger SRT8, coupled to a Getrag six-speed manual transmission. Dana 44 axles with 4:10 gears and electronic locking differentials transfer power to the wheels.


The Jeep Traildozer. Photo by Jeep.An AEV Dualsport RS 3.5-inch suspension lift was added to help the bodywork clear 37-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw tires. Front and rear bumpers and corner guards were also installed. It's painted in what Jeep calls “dozer yellow,” which for now is only offered on 2012 Wranglers.


“Even though this is a 470-hp Jeep, it's actually not our wildest vehicle in the group,” said Mark Allen, head of Jeep design.


That honor would go to the Apache. 


The Jeep Wrangler Apache. Photo by Jeep.The Jeep Wrangler Apache from Mopar showcases a kit that will enable Jeep owners to build their own 470-hp Jeep. The swap kit will be available this summer from Mopar, first for the automatic Jeep and later for the manual-equipped version. The Apache gets Mopar Pro 60 5.13 front and rear axles, a 4.5-inch Stage 3 long-arm lift kit and off-road bead-lock wheels. A Warn winch, Katzkin leather seats and a locking center-console box are also installed.


The last of the three Wranglers is a Mopar display Jeep featuring a selection of accessories. Mopar now says it has more than 250 items for the Wrangler. The concept started life as a standard Wrangler Rubicon before Mopar lifted the vehicle, installed 35-inch tires, a Warn winch, Mopar rock rails and a handful of other bits and pieces--all of which can be ordered now from the Mopar catalog.


Of the six vehicles, only the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk concept could head to production. The Trailhawk is improved with 18-inch Goodyear off-road tires with five-spoke mineral gray wheels. Mopar-modified rock rails protect the lower body from the terrain.


The Jeep Trailhawk. Photo by Jeep.The Trailhawk is painted in stone white with mineral gray and red accents. Jeep logos adorn the wheel caps and bolt holes in the alloy wheels. Red trim outlines the matte-black hood appliqué. The front fenders get Trail Rated badges while the tailgate wears a unique Trailhawk logo.


The funky Jeep Mighty FC concept pays homage to the old Jeep Forward Control trucks built from 1956 to 1965. The advantage to the forward control design is that it kept vehicle length at a minimum while allowing plenty of space for a full-length cargo box.


To build the new FC, the Jeep team started with a Rubicon and repositioned the cabin over the front axle. Engineers lengthened the wheelbase and added a drop-side cargo box. The cab uses a roof from the Mopar JK-8 conversion kit, along with a custom front clip. The bed measures more than eight feet.


The Jeep FC. Photo by Jeep.Off-road capability is improved with Mopar's Portal Axle set, which offers the most ground clearance available without a full lift kit. The front Portal Axle costs $12,500, while the rear setup is $11,000. Both are on sale now. Axle movement is controlled by King coil-over assemblies with upgraded control arms and track bars. The FC rides on 40-inch tires mounted on 17-inch bead-lock wheels.


The Jeep J-12 concept is an extended version of Mopar's JK-8 pickup conversion kit. The frame of a 2012 Wrangler Unlimited was extended 18 inches, making room for a cargo box measuring six feet in length. A custom hood and front fender were created as a nod to fans of the Jeep Gladiator series.


The J-12 is lifted three inches with a Mopar kit and uses Teraflex sway bars tied to ARB air-locker-equipped Dynatrac D-44 and D-60 axle assemblies. It rides on 36-inch tires with 16-inch steel wheels. Other highlights include a Mopar fuel-filler door and slush mats, Tom Woods driveshafts and Katzkin seats.


The Jeep J-12. Photo by Jeep.All of the vehicles except for the Trailhawk are true concepts with no production plans. But a close approximation of each Jeep can be built with a little know-how and the Mopar catalog. That might be just as well, because the only thing Jeep guys like better than off-roading is improving their vehicles for the next time they're going off-roading.


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4Comments
Mar 29, 2012 6:09AM
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They all look great. Perfect for the Jeep enthusiasts.  I own a Jeep, but I keep waiting for the deisels. Where are they? The rest of the WORLD has them! We don't! It seems like a no brainer to me. Here's a peice of free marketing advice: Bring the entire line of Jeep vehicles to Moab next year. Nothing but deisels. More torque. Check. Better milage. Check. No brainer? One would think.
Mar 29, 2012 7:43AM
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Grand Cherokee diesel on the way for 2013.  Maybe a Wrangler too.  You can blame the EPA and low consumer demand for the lack of diesels here.
Mar 29, 2012 9:53AM
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they look great! looks like jeep is trying to get serious about 4 wheel drive again.

i used to have a tonka or buddy-L pickup like the red one shown at the bottom picture!

i always liked.. i believe it was the wagoneer.

Mar 29, 2012 8:53AM
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As I have said before, I don't particularly like Jeeps, and I just don't understand the Jeep thing.  The only Jeep that evokes any interest in me at all is the old XJ Cherokee.  Otherwise, I just don't get it.  However, this really caught my eye.
All of the vehicles except for the Trailhawk are true concepts with no production plans. But a close approximation of each Jeep can be built with a little know-how and the Mopar catalog.

I have to say, I am impressed.   I wish other companies were as generous about their aftermarket parts programs.

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