By SEMA Editors
Seven new Jeep concept vehicles, featuring an array of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts available to consumers, will conquer the challenging trails of Moab, Utah, at Easter Jeep Safari, March 19–27. Thousands of off-road enthusiasts are expected to descend upon Moab this year, as the 50th annual event coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Jeep brand.
The 2016 crop of Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles utilizes both production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts. The Mopar brand is responsible for developing, building and ensuring that all Jeep Performance Parts meet rigorous specifications and with 4x4 capabilities in mind, allowing Jeep owners to further enhance their stock vehicle.
“These seven vehicles have been modified with Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts to take on the toughest trails, to go beyond where the road ends,” said Pietro Gorlier, head of parts and service (Mopar), FCA – Global. “Mopar’s mission is to provide all FCA U.S. vehicle owners with unique performance parts and accessories to tailor vehicles to their individual lifestyles. Nothing supports that more than demonstrating how we can equip Jeep owners to take on some of the more extreme trails in the world.”
The seven new Jeep concept vehicles built for Moab this year were created by a team of engineers, designers and fabricators who have been customizing production vehicles since 2002, and have introduced more than 50 concept vehicles for the enthusiasts who attend the Easter Jeep Safari.
The 2016 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles include:
 Jeep Crew Chief 715 |
Jeep Crew Chief 715
The Jeep Crew Chief 715 concept vehicle was built as a salute to legendary Jeep military service vehicles, in particular the Kaiser M715. This open-air Wrangler Unlimited-based concept vehicle 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 military roots.
Steel front and rear bumpers, 20-in. beadlock wheels and 40-in. NDT military tires pay homage to the original Jeep military vehicles. The Crew Chief 715 utilizes an on-board air system with a hard-mounted quick-disconnect fitting for airing up 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-in. 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 military-themed 5-ft. cargo bed.
Interior features include leather bucket seats with canvas inserts, aircraft-inspired control switches and Mopar all-weather mats. The media center features a centrally located navigational compass.
The Jeep Crew Chief 715 is powered by the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
 Jeep Shortcut |
Jeep Shortcut
A carefully crafted take on the Jeep CJ-5, this Wrangler-based concept vehicle invokes the spirit of ’50s 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-in. red steel wheels and 35-in. BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires help the Jeep Shortcut maintain the look of an icon.
Jeep Performance Parts featured on the Shortcut include a front and rear Dana 44 axle and a 2-in. lift with Fox shocks. Overall body length has been reduced by 26 in., including bumpers and a spare tire to keep the Shortcut concept vehicle light and maneuverable on the trails.
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.
The Jeep Shortcut is powered by the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
 Jeep Renegade Commander |
Jeep Renegade Commander
The Jeep Renegade Commander concept vehicle is equipped with an assortment of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts. A 2-in. lift kit and 17-in. Rubicon aluminum wheels with 29.5-in. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires increase the off-road capabilities of the Jeep Renegade Commander.
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.
The Jeep Renegade Commander is powered by the 2.4L Tigershark engine with MultiAir2 mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive Low.
 Jeep Comanche |
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 pickups 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 6 in. versus a production Renegade to accommodate Comanche’s 5-ft. bed.
Inside, the Comanche features custom seat covers, pedal covers, door sill guards and Mopar all-weather mats. Jeep Performance Parts, such as off-road rock rails, a 2-in. lift kit and a winch, bolster the Comanche’s off-road capability. The Comanche rolls on 16-in. painted wheels and 32-in. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires.
The Jeep Comanche is powered by a 2.0L 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.
 Jeep FC 150 |
Jeep FC 150
A true American workhorse, this ’60 Jeep FC 150 concept vehicle is rich with heritage and built to tackle both challenging rocky trails and the harshness of a western cattle ranch. Originally built from ’56–’65, 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 has been enhanced courtesy of a ’05 Jeep Wrangler chassis modified to accept a Dana 44 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle and 17-in. white steel wheels wrapped in 33-in. BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires.
Inside, the FC 150 features vinyl seat covers, a custom headliner wrapped in a vintage duck hunting pattern, CB radio, analog compass and Mopar all-weather mats.
The Jeep FC 150 heritage vehicle is powered by a 4.0L PowerTech I-6 and is mated to a three-speed automatic transmission.
 Jeep Trailcat |
Jeep Trailcat
The Jeep Trailcat concept vehicle is the ultimate off-road machine, equally at home on Moab’s rugged trails or a high-speed section. The Trailcat concept utilizes the supercharged 6.2L HEMI Hellcat V8 engine and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a custom shifter ball featuring an embossed Hellcat logo.
To get the 707hp Hellcat engine into the Trailcat, designers stretched the wheelbase an additional 12 in. while chopping the windshield 2 in. for a sleeker look. Mopar exterior enhancements include a power-dome vented hood, Satin Black grille, LED headlamps and fog lamps and rock rails.
The robust off-road look is further aided by steel front and rear bumpers, 17-in. beadlock wheels and 39.5-in. BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX tires, 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 Trailstorm |
Jeep Trailstorm
The Trailstorm concept vehicle is the ultimate Jeep Wrangler for exploring off the beaten path. Offering room for extra gear and fuel tanks, it is based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and delivers elevated capability to conquer trails.
Off-road capabilities are enhanced with several Jeep Performance Parts, including 17-in. concept off-road wheels wrapped in 37-in. tires, a 2-in. 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 easy.
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, taillight 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 bedlined interior also features Katzkin seat covers and Mopar all-weather floor mats. The Jeep Trailstorm is powered by a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.