NZ4WD

JEEPS’ MOAB MIX 2018

-

Each year at this time, Jeep and parts partner Mopar join forces to create seven new, custom-built concept vehicles for the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, March 24 – April 1. For the 52nd year, thousands of off-road enthusiast­s will head to Moab for the annual Jeep event to participat­e in a week of technical offroading on some of the most picturesqu­e trails that the US has to offer. There they will see each concept vehicle equipped with an assortment of production and prototype Jeep Performanc­e Parts developed for Jeep by Mopar. The 2018 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicle line-up is made up of:

Jeep Wagoneer Roadtrip

The Jeep Wagoneer Roadtrip retains a heritage and charm however the wheelbase has been stretched 127mm, and the body has been updated to accept the additional length, a wider track and custom fender flares. Other subtle exterior styling tweaks include reshaped wheel wells, bumpers and integrated rock rails. A razor grille freshens the look up front, while Bottle Green architectu­ral glass replaces the original pieces. Built from 1963 to 1991, the Wagoneer was the first fourwheel-drive vehicle mated to an automatic transmissi­on, pioneering the first modern SUV. The Jeep Wagoneer heritage vehicle is powered by a 5.7litre V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmissi­on.

Jeep 4SPEED

Built “4SPEED,” this latest lightweigh­t concept bolsters the Wrangler’s off-road capability and performanc­e through extensive weight savings, and an all-new 2.0litre turbocharg­ed I- 4 engine. Overall length has been shortened by over 550mm while leaving the wheelbase at its stock length, resulting in increased approach and departure angles. The 4SPEED features Dana 44 front and rear axles with a 4.10 gear ratio and 18-inch lightweigh­t monoblock wheels wrapped in 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires.

Jeep Sandstorm

Inspired by Baja desert racers, the Jeep Sandstorm features off-road hardware that will handle both with ease, including an extreme-duty suspension system and a powertrain with excess power on tap. To fit the Baja look, the exterior features custom styling cues including a vented carbon fibre hood, vented high clearance front and rear fender flares and a cage that includes a rear mounted lay down style spare tyre carrier. The exterior handles and swing gate have been removed while the rear doors have been chopped for a cleaner look.

The front axle has been moved forward 100mm and the rear axle back by 50mm to allow for increased highspeed stability.

The Baja race truck theme continues throughout the interior, which features a custom cage that integrates the chassis, leather-trimmed front seats and unique lowback racing bucket seats in the rear.

The Jeep Sandstorm is powered by a 6.4-litre V8 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmissi­on.

Jeep B-Ute

The Jeep B-Ute concept is equipped with a variety of Jeep Performanc­e Parts for the ultimate off-road adventure.

Jeep Performanc­e Parts featured on the B-Ute concept include a 40mm lif t kit, a roof rack and rock rails. The Jeep B-Ute’s off-road capabiliti­es are increased by using 17-inch wheels with a 30mm offset, wrapped in BF Goodrich T/ A Baja Champion tires.

The Jeep B-Ute is powered by a 2.4-litre Tigershark engine, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmissi­on.

Nacho Jeep

The Nacho Jeep offers a blueprint off-roaders can follow to create their own custom trail vehicle.

Superior trail visibility is delivered by A-pillar and brush guard-mounted LED lights while a 50mm lif t kit offers increased off-road clearance and includes new 2.5-inch diameter aluminium body shocks.

Oversized 37-inch tires wrap around 17-inch beadlockca­pable wheels, with offroad performanc­e achieved without sacrificin­g premium interior appointmen­ts. Black Katzkin leather seats are dressed up with the Jeep grille logo embroidere­d in light tungsten stitching on seatbacks, and light tungsten accent stitching on the seat bolsters.

Jeep Jeepster

Based on a Wrangler Rubicon, this concept evokes the colour palette and speedy styling of the 1966 Jeepster, the original’s classic twotone graphic theme mirrored thanks to a Firecracke­r Red body, set off by a Bright White concept hardtop, chopped by two inches, and a Bright White custom windshield raked back 2.5 degrees to create a cropped, compact appearance.

A 50mm lif t kit and 64mm dia. aluminium body shocks work with oversized, 37-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tyres to raise the Jeepster above off-road obstacles.

Inside, meanwhile, a concept tubular roll cage replaces the sport bar and an additional 38-inch tire is secured with a custom in-cabin spare tire carrier.

Jeep J-Wagon

Starting as a Wrangler Sahara, the J-Wagon is painted a Warm Neutral Grey with warm-tinted glass, and complement­ed with subtle Brass Monkey touches throughout the exterior. The J-Wagon features a version of the JPP hood designed with a cut-out kit to work with the available snorkel, an appropriat­e choice for the sealed-cabin style of the vehicle. The hood latch is Brass Monkey and further embellishe­d with a black Willys logo.

The J-Wagon concept also features 17-inch slot- design wheels that are also finished in Brass Monkey, a treatment chosen after receiving positive feedback in a sneak peek at the 2017 SEMA Show.

 ??  ?? Iconic Jeep Wagoner revisualis­ed for 2018 Easter meet at Moab.
Iconic Jeep Wagoner revisualis­ed for 2018 Easter meet at Moab.
 ??  ?? Jeep Sandstorm.
Jeep Sandstorm.
 ??  ?? Jeep B-Ute.
Jeep B-Ute.
 ??  ?? Jeep 4SPEED.
Jeep 4SPEED.
 ??  ?? Jeep J-Wagon.
Jeep J-Wagon.
 ??  ?? Jeep Jeepster.
Jeep Jeepster.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from New Zealand