Jeep debuts 7 crazy concept vehicles

Every year, Jeep enthusiasts descend upon the trails of Moab, Utah, for the Easter Jeep Safari to conquer extreme off-road challenges in their vehicles. Since this year is the 50th anniversary of the event and the 75th anniversary of the brand, Jeep has created seven concept vehicles. These concepts celebrate the past, present and future of Jeep, and they showcase the best of what the brand has to offer to off-roading enthusiasts. 

Check out these awesome concepts below: 

Jeep Crew Chief 715: A Salute to Jeep Military Service Vehicles

The Jeep Crew Chief 715 is an homage to the brand’s heritage as a supplier of military vehicles, particularly the Kaiser Jeep M715 from the late 1960s. This concept is based on the open-air Wrangler Unlimited, but features a different front fascia reminiscent of the Kaiser M715 and a 5-foot cargo bed in the back for hauling supplies. The Crew Chief 715 has a 4-inch lift kit with upgraded Fox 2.0 shocks that allow it to sit on military spec 40-inch tires that are mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels. It is also fitted with an on-board air system that can be used to inflate tires and a winch to help other stranded vehicles. The interior has switches that are inspired by aircraft, leather seats and a centrally located navigational compass. 

Jeep Shortcut: A smaller Wrangler inspired by the classic CJ-5 to handle tighter, winding trails

One of the most beloved Jeeps of all time was the plucky CJ-5 because it was durable and extremely capable off road. The CJ-5 was developed straight from the military’s M38A1, and was produced by Jeep for 29 years. Jeep honored this heritage by releasing the Jeep Shortcut concept, based on the Wrangler. It features a shortened wheelbase, which allows it to be more maneuverable on tight trails. The Jeep Shortcut also has a 2-inch lift with Fox shocks, 17-inch steel wheels, 35-inch BFGoodrich tires and a four-point safety cage for rollover protection. The interior is functional, with great looking plaid seats. 

Jeep Renegade Commander: Built to blaze a trail deep into secluded wilderness

The Jeep Renegade Commander concept shows of what you can build a Renegade into with Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts in order to make the ultimate off-road Renegade. This Jeep features a 2-inch lift kit, 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels, and 29.5-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires. The Renegade Commander features the production model’s MySky open-air roof with removable panels, Mopar off-road rock rails, skid plates, a modified exhaust and a trailer hitch receiver. The interior is equipped with Katzkin seat covers, a pedal kit, a Mopar off-road kit and all weather mats. This Jeep is powered by the 2.4 L Tigershark turbocharged engine that’s coupled with the Renegade’s 9-speed automatic transmission. 

Jeep Comanche: Off-road Renegade with the utility of a pick-up truck

The Jeep Comanche is another heritage Jeep concept that celebrates Jeep’s pickups of the past. The Comanche is based on the Renegade, but features a lengthened wheelbase to accommodate a truck bed, a new lower front fascia with integrated winch, a soft top roof and a spare tire. The Jeep Comanche is equipped with off-road rock rails, a 2-inch lift kit and a winch bolster from Jeep Performance parts, and it sits on 32-inch BFGoodrich tires mounted on 16-inch painted wheels. It’s powered by a 2.0 L diesel I4 engine that’s directed through the standard 9-speed automatic. 

Jeep FC 150: Cab over design that throws back to the classic Jeep Forward Control

The Jeep FC 150 is not a new concept, but a restored and upgraded 1960 FC 150. The original FC 150 was built to provide utility to cattle ranchers who dealt with harsh conditions and rocky terrain. By making the FC 150 a forward-control truck that featured a cab-over engine mount, it allowed Jeep to shorten the wheelbase to increase maneuverability, but keep a full-size cargo bed. This Jeep FC 150 keeps its original steel body, but that body has been placed on a 2005 Jeep Wrangler chassis that’s been modified with a Dana 44 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle, and 17 inch white steel wheels with 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tires. The interior features classic vinyl seat covers, a CB radio, a compass and a throwback duck-hunting camouflage headliner. This vehicle has a 3-speed automatic transmission like the classic FC 150, and a 4.0 L I6 PowerTech engine. 

Jeep Trailcat: A 707 HP Wrangler powered by Madness, Insanity

The Jeep Trailcat is what you get when you let FCA engineers off their leashes. Under the hood lies the 707 horsepower Hellcat supercharged 6.2 L V8 that comes in the Challenger and Charger Hellcats. That nuclear bomb of an engine connects to the drivetrain through a 6-speed manual transmission that is controlled by a shifter ball with the Hellcat logo embossed on it. The wheelbase has been stretched by a foot in order to fit the massive Hellcat engine. The Trailcat is equipped with front and rear Dana 60 axles, Fox shocks, 17-inch beadlock wheels, and 39.5-inch BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX tires. Doors have been replaced with a very necessary rollcage for the ultimate in off-road enjoyment, and the bucket seats are straight from the Dodge Viper, harnesses thankfully included. All in all, the Jeep Trailcat looks like a mighty fine way to ensure your entrance through the pearly gates is nothing short of spectacular. 

Jeep Trailstorm: A Wrangler with a 2-inch lift kit, 37-inch tires, and Dana 44 Axles

The Jeep Trailstorm concept is Jeep’s vision of the ultimate exploration Wrangler. The Trailstorm is based on the Wrangler Unlimited, but features extra room for gear and fuel tanks for long distance off-road expeditions. It has been equipped with Jeep Performance Parts, like 17-inch offroad wheels with 37-inch tires, a 2-inch lift kit with Fox shocks, a Rubicon winch, and Dana 44 axles at the front and rear. The Trailstorm’s half doors and bedlined interior allows for quick clean up after a day in the dirt. The Trailstorm also features many Mopar parts like a winch guard, LED headlights and fog lights, vented hood, soft top and tail-light guards. A Jeep Performance Parts tire carrier is mounted on the back, and Rubicon steel bumpers are mounted on both ends. 

About the writer: Will Kinton thinks life is too short to drive boring cars, and enjoys sharing his passion for them. For more, follow him on Twitter: @willkinton247

See also: The new Bugatti Chiron: $2.6 million luxury land missile

Plus: Best concept cars from the 2016 Detroit Auto Show