Unlike their contemporaries, Jeep has an interesting, awesome way to showcase some of their new concept vehicles. Every Easter, the Detroit-based automaker takes their creations to the Moab Desert to test them against some of the harshest terrains in the country. While many of these vehicles may never make it to the showroom, they demonstrate how Jeep remains one of the most cherished and coveted four-wheel drive vehicles in the world. Here are just a few of their latest concepts.
Jeep CJ66
Call the Jeep CJ66 the Frankenstein of the company’s vehicles. Made with parts from the TJ, CJ, and JK-series Wranglers, the CJ66 emulates a classic 1966 Jeep CJ, but with all the modern amenities and off-road prowess. A bold Copper Canyon paint job catches the eye and alludes to the breathtaking performance on the open road (and off-road). Thirty-five-inch tires provide ample grip and traction through all types of terrain, and a V-8 engine tackles anything thrown in its path. This is one of those concepts that the avid Jeep fan drools over.
Jeep Quicksand
Despite its name, the Jeep Quicksand isn’t likely to sink into anything thanks to a 392 Crate Hemi V-8 paired with a six-speed Getrag manual transmission. However, the true beauty of the Quicksand is its hot rod-shaped body. A cutout in the hood lets the engine peek out from the engine compartment, while a chopped hardtop and windshield provide a low profile reminiscent of the golden age of hot rod racing.
Chrome and gold exterior touches accent the black body, while the interior comes draped in red cloth for an added touch of brilliance. A chrome roll bar and 37-inch tires make sure that the Quicksand won’t leave you stranded.
Jeep Switchback
The Jeep Switchback is another concept built entirely from pieces of other Jeeps, yet the result is unique from any perspective. Nearly every part is from the Jeep Performance Parts catalog, which offers aftermarket features to create a Jeep that’s completely original. A Rubicon winch, 4-inch lift with Fox Reservoir Shocks, and front and rear Dana axles highlight just some of these features.
For the body, Jeep opts for 10th-anniversary chrome bumpers, half doors for an open cabin, and an advanced lighting system to illuminate the interior at night. With the Switchback, mountain roads are nothing to fear.
Jeep Luminator
Introduced in 1898, vehicle headlamps have become so ubiquitous that you rarely think of them. Yet it’s these very lights that keep you safe on dimly lit roads at night. The Jeep Luminator embodies the spirit of lighting and safety by offering LED lights throughout the exterior of the body. A light bar, scanning LED lights, LED headlights and LED spotlights to illuminate everything in your path, while four-color LEDs indicate your speed on the trail. A slick blue coat of paint, room for five passengers, and the legendary Jeep off-road capabilities make this concept more than just a giant headlight.
Always pushing the bar and levels of design, Jeep proves that it’s an innovator in the off-road industry. With any luck, you might just get to try one of these concepts yourself.
Image via Flickr by DVS1mn licensed via CC BY 2.0
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