Jeep transforms the Wrangler from top to bottom: an extreme pick-up on the outside and an unprecedented suspension underneath
Jeep has introduced a concept of the Wrangler designed for fast desert driving. It features a pick-up body, a 476 hp V8 HEMI engine and an independent front suspension that replaces the usual off-road setup.
The Wrangler Scrambler SRT Concept recovers the name and some of the inspiration from the CJ-8 Scrambler of the eighties. Jeep has conceived it to traverse uneven terrains at high speeds, with an open body, a small cargo box, and a 476 hp V8 HEMI. It also debuts an independent front suspension, an unprecedented solution in a Wrangler with these characteristics. This type of suspension allows each wheel to respond separately to bumps.
Jeep presents the vehicle as a concept of design and engineering. It has not announced a production version or a release date. Its approach moves away from the off-roader focused on overcoming obstacles at low speed and prioritizes control when driving fast in the desert.
Independent front suspension and competition rear axle
The most notable technical change is under the body. The long-travel independent front suspension has been developed with Casey Currie, an off-road competition driver. According to Jeep, it aims to improve steering precision, wheel control, and stability on uneven surfaces.
At the rear, it uses a axle inspired by Trophy Trucks, competition vehicles prepared for desert racing. Jeep has also modified the rear structure and added a safety cage. The brand has not released figures on the suspension travel, ground clearance, or top speed of the concept.
The engine is a 476 hp V8 HEMI with 637 Nm. Jeep has not specified the displacement or the transmission in its statement. The power matches that of the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition, although this does not confirm that both models share exactly the same mechanical configuration.
Rear seats that can rotate or be removed
The body also distinguishes itself from the conventional Wrangler. Jeep has elongated the doors, redesigned the rear, and integrated a cargo box. The Punk’n orange finish and the sharknose-inspired front complete its look as a desert-ready pick-up.
The rear seats can be removed or rotated 180 degrees so that passengers face backwards. They are secured by anchors on the floor. When removed, there is space to load gear in the rear area. Jeep has not detailed the load capacity or how occupant protection varies in each configuration.
The brand thus envisions two uses for the cabin: carrying passengers in the second row or clearing the rear to transport items. It is an unusual solution in vehicles of this type and complements the integrated cargo box.
The relationship between the Wrangler and a pick-up body already exists in the Jeep Gladiator, a production model with four doors. The Scrambler SRT Concept explores a different formula, shorter and oriented to fast driving off-road.
Jeep has not confirmed whether it will bring these solutions to a production model. For now, the independent suspension, the competition rear axle, and the reversible seats are only part of this concept.
* This news is an AI translation of the original content. Motenic.com is part of Motor.es.