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created about 1 year ago | Tagged: |
Yorch
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For the past 46 years, Jeep has held an enthusiast rally in Moab, Utah. The scale of the event has gotten to the point where the brand now produces special edition production and concept vehicles to debut there. This year, Jeep will introduce a total of six new models. A sneak preview at Chrysler HQ in Michigan gives a glimpse of what is coming. Two concepts in particular caught our eye as they have similar retro-modern roots and capture a really nice balance of function and timeless style synonymous with the Jeep brand. We’re betting the designers had a blast developing these.
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.
