Posted: 3/28/12
With all this effort and research we have been doing on Jeep vehicles for our new "SCX10JK" build, we have been finding a lot of really cool stuff. One thing we noticed right away is that the people behind the Jeep brand are enthusiasts. These guys are always out on the trail with their customers, learning and working on the next evolution of their vehicles. One thing they do religiously is participate in the Annual Easter Jeep Safari event in Moab, Utah. Every year the engineers at Jeep team up with the staff at Mopar to build some new vehicles to be unveiled at the Moab event. Call them concept vehicles, or show rigs, either way this is what is in the mind of the Jeep engineers, and on display for the public to enjoy. Truth be told, most of these vehicles will never become production models for one reason or another, but that doesnt stop them from putting their minds to work and letting their creativity flow! Have a look at a few of the concept vehicles that Jeep is set to release at this years Easter Jeep Safari.....[From Jeep Press Release]
Jeep Mighty FC Concept
The Jeep Forward Control was built from 1956 to 1965 and offered a clever packaging solution.
It kept overall length at a minimum for maneuverability but maintained a full-length cargo box for utility. For 2012, Jeep has created a modern version of this classic: the Jeep Mighty FC concept.
To create the Jeep Mighty FC concept, the design team started with a 2012 Wrangler Rubicon and repositioned the cabin over and ahead of the front axle, lengthened the wheelbase, and added a custom built drop-side cargo box. The cab utilizes a roof from the Mopar JK-8 conversion kit, as well as a custom-designed front clip. The Wrangler-based interior has been enhanced with bold, heavy-duty Katzkin leather and a unique color scheme. The cargo area is handled by a full-width, drop-side tray-style bed that measures more than eight feet in length.
Off-road function is dramatically improved with the addition of Mopar's new Portal Axle set. These offset axles offer the greatest amount of ground clearance without requiring excessive suspension lift.
Mopar's Front Portal Axle (8-lug, part number P5155670) is available at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $12,500, and the Rear Portal Axle's (8-lug, part number P5155671) MSRP is $11,000.
The axles are controlled with King coil-over assemblies along with beefy Teraflex control arms and track bars. Traction is handled by massive 40-inch tires mounted on custom Hutchinson 17-inch beadlock wheels.
Other Jeep Mighty FC highlights include King coil-over reservoir shocks, Hanson bumpers, a Warn 16.5 winch and a Corsa stainless steel exhaust system.
Jeep J-12 Concept
The Jeep J-12 concept is essentially an extended version of Mopar's recently introduced JK-8 pickup conversion kit for the Jeep Wrangler. With a new 2012 Wrangler Unlimited as the starting point, the rear of the vehicle's frame is extended 18 inches, allowing the spare tire to be relocated under the bed floor and making the cargo box a full six feet in length. A custom hood and front fender set was created as a nod to aficionados of the beloved Jeep Gladiator series trucks.
Off-road muscle has been improved with the addition of the new Mopar three-inch suspension lift kit, as well as Teraflex sway bars controlling ARB air-locker equipped Dynatrac D-44 and D-60 axle assemblies. Traction is handled through classic 36-inch tires mounted on 16-inch steel wheels.
The cabin of the J-12 concept has been "dressed down" in support of a basic truck theme, with the carpet being replaced by rugged truck bed liner, and the bucket seats re-crafted into a modern version of a bench seat, trimmed in white with a whimsical plaid pattern.
Further highlights include a Mopar fuel-filler door, Mopar slush mats, Tom Woods custom driveshafts and Katzkin seat trim.
2012 Jeep Wrangler Apache from Mopar
Jeep enthusiasts have been asking for a V-8 powered Jeep HEMI Wrangler, and Mopar is coming through. Debuting at the Easter Jeep Safari will be the new Mopar 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine conversion kit specifically for the Jeep Wrangler. Producing approximately 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels, the Mopar V-8 conversion kit gives Jeep enthusiasts an unprecedented blend of power and capability.
Available this summer, the Mopar Wrangler V-8 conversion kit initially will mate to Chrysler Group's W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission, and eventually to the six-speed manual transmission that drives the 2012 production Wrangler.
Other performance parts on the Jeep Wrangler Apache are 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. Aesthetic and functional modifications include high-clearance flat fenders, rock rails, front and rear half-door kits, a Stinger front bumper, a Warn 9.5ti XP winch, Katzkin leather seats, a locking center console box and a Mopar branded interior.
All right Jeff, Please get on the horn with Rebel Off Road. Tell them we need the "SCX10JK" done by friday this week so we can go to Moab for Easter Jeep Safari. I want to leave my personal drool and fingerprints on the Mighty FC concept :) Please?
