With the 2013 edition of the Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Utah just around the corner, Jeep and the Chrysler Group’s Mopar performance parts and motorsports operation have released info and photos of the six concept models that will go on display at the annual off-road extravaganza that kicks off on Saturday, March 23.
This year’s collection of concepts includes five Wrangler models and a single Grand Cherokee, all of which sport production and prototype Jeep Performance-branded parts that were developed by Mopar.
“We created our new Jeep Performance Parts portfolio for extreme off-road Jeep fanatics,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar. “Jeep owners who are passionate about customization, performance and personalization will have a long menu of Jeep Performance Parts from which to choose.”
Below you will find pictures and a short description of each concept model.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Diesel Concept
The newly introduced 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel V6 is featured in a bespoke blood-orange paint and rides on 35-inch Mickey Thompson off-road tires on Wrangler Rubicon 17-inch alloy wheels. It also gains enlarged wheel openings with custom fender flares, custom front and rear skid plates, dual rear tow hooks and modified Mopar rock rail, along with an assortment of SRT parts such as the hood and front fascia.
Jeep Wrangler Mopar Recon
If it’s power you want, that’s what you’re going to get with the Wrangler Mopar Recon that gets a 470hp a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 crate engine paired to a 5sp automatic. The five-door model rolls on huge 39-inch off-road tires and includes number of Mopar applications, such as front and rear off-road modified “Stinger” bumpers, prototype LED headlamps, slush mats, trailside winch kit and a custom seat made from Navy blankets and Navy camouflage material.
Jeep Wrangler Stitch
Jeep has developed a follow-up to the lightweight Pork Chop named the Wrangler Stich, based on the 2013 Wrangler Rubicon. The funky-looking concept has been stripped down and now has a curb weight of 3,000 pounds (1,361 kg). The Detroit company says it shaved weight from the frame, axles, body and interior, while the hood is now made from carbon fiber.
Other highlights include the front seats sourced from the 2013 SRT Viper, the Mickey Thompson 35-inch off-road tires on lightweight 17-inch alloys, and the unique, see-through silver architectural fabric used at the back.
Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper II from Mopar
As the name implies, the Wrangler Sand Trooper II is another follow-up from Jeep and Mopar. It features a 375-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8 linked to a 5-speed automatic, added ground clearance, 40-inch off-road tires, LED off-road lights and headlamps, and an array of Jeep Performance Parts.
Jeep Wrangler Flattop
The Wrangler Flatop combines a more upscale appearance inside and out with hard-core off-road gear available from Jeep, like the 37-inch Mickey Thompson off-road tires, the DynaTrac Pro Rock 44 front and Dana 60 rear axles with ARB air lockers and TeraFlex sway bars.
Standout features include the chopped windshield and windowless hard top (both sit 2-inches lower), the metallic sandstone paintjob with copper and brown accents, LED lights, and the dark saddle Katzkin leather seating.
Jeep Wrangler Slim
The fifth and last Wrangler concept is named Slim after the weight saving measures applied to body and the mechanical hardware. It’s powered by a 3.6-liter V6 and rolls on prototype 17-inch forged beadlock wheels with Rock Lobster rings. The Slim also sports lightweight rock rails, black grille, black hood decal, LED headlights, locking gas cap, Rubicon tires, and a prototype Mopar 2-inch lift kit.