A Hellcat-powered Jeep Trailcat and Jeep Renegade-based Ute are amongst seven new concepts headed for the 50th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah in the United States.
Described as “the ultimate off-road machine”, the Jeep Trailcat is powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI Hellcat V8 borrowed from the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a custom shifter ball featuring an embossed Hellcat logo.
According to Jeep, to get the 707-horsepower (527kW) Hellcat engine into the Trailcat, designers had to stretch the wheelbase an additional 305mm (12 inches) while chopping the windshield 51mm (2 inches) for a sleeker look.
Outside, a raft of Mopar enhancement spices things up, including a power-dome vented bonnet, 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-inch beadlock wheels and 39.5-inch BF-Goodrich Krawler T/A KX tires, front and rear Dana 60 axles and Fox shocks.
The Trailcat’s interior is said to be 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.
Meanwhile, the Jeep Renegade-based Comanche concept ute is designed to be off-road ready with practical utility. A nod to Jeep pickup trucks 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 152mm (6 inches) versus a production Renegade to accommodate Comanche’s 5-foot bed.
Inside, the Comanche features custom seat covers, pedal covers, door sill guards and Mopar all-weather mats. Jeep Performance Parts like off-road rock rails, a 2-inch lift kit and a winch bolster the Comanche’s off-road capability. The Comanche rolls on 16-inch painted wheels and 32-inch BF-Goodrich All Terrain T/A tires.
The Jeep Comanche is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine and mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive Lock, which includes low range and a locking rear differential.
Other concepts making their way to the event includes the:
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited-based Jeep Crew Chief 715 concept built as a salute to the legendary Jeep military service vehicles, in particular the Kaiser M717. It is powered by the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and mated to a five speed automatic transmission;
- Jeep Wrangler-based Jeep Shortcut that is said to invoke the spirit of the 1950s Americana with a shortened body and functional simplicity. Under the bonnet is a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission;
- Jeep Renegade Commander concept that is equipped with an assortment of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts. A 2-inch lift kit and 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels with 29.5-inch BF-Goodrich 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. It is powered by a 2.4-litre Tigershark engine with MultiAir2 mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive Low;
- Jeep FC 150 concept, which uses its original battered steel body sitting on a modified 2005 Jeep Wrangler chassis with Dana 44 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle and 17-inch white steel wheels wrapped in 33-inch BF-Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tyres. It is powered by a 4.0-litre PowerTech inline 6 engine mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission;
- Jeep Trailstorm which is said to be the ultimate Jeep Wrangler for exploring the beaten path. It offers room for extra gear and fuel tanks. It has also been enhanced with Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts and is powered by a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 mated to a 5-speed automatic.
Thousands of off-road enthusiasts are expected to descend upon Moab this year, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Jeep brand.