Jeep concepts headed to Moab Jeep Safari

Jeep and Mopar didn't create the Moab Easter Jeep Safari, but that they're using the occasion to introduce wild concept vehicles and new parts to a crowd of their most rabid fans has become something of a company tradition.

Jeep and Mopar previewed six concepts on Tuesday that are destined for the Moab desert. On hand were three customized Wranglers, a Grand Cherokee, a J-12 concept and a Mighty FC concept.

The Jeep Wrangler Traildozer concept was the result of close collaboration between Jeep and the off-road gurus from American Expedition Vehicles. The Traildozer sports the same Hemi engine found in the Dodge Challenger SRT8, coupled to a Getrag six-speed manual transmission. Dana 44 axles with 4:10 gears and electronic locking differentials transfer power to the wheels.

An AEV Dualsport RS 3.5-inch suspension lift was added to help the bodywork clear 37-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw tires. Front and rear bumpers and corner guards were also installed. It's painted in what Jeep calls “dozer yellow,” which for now is only offered on 2012 Wranglers.

“Even though this is a 470-hp Jeep, it's actually not our wildest vehicle in the group,” said Mark Allen, head of Jeep design.

That honor would go to the Apache.

The Jeep Wrangler Apache from Mopar showcases a kit that will enable Jeep owners to build their own 470-hp Jeep. The swap kit will be available this summer from Mopar, first for the automatic Jeep and later for the manual-equipped version. The Apache gets Mopar Pro 60 5.13 front and rear axles, a 4.5-inch Stage 3 long-arm lift kit and off-road bead-lock wheels. A Warn winch, Katzkin leather seats and a locking center-console box are also installed.

The last of the three Wranglers is a Mopar display Jeep featuring a selection of accessories. Mopar now says it has more than 250 items for the Wrangler. The concept started life as a standard Wrangler Rubicon before Mopar lifted the vehicle, installed 35-inch tires, a Warn winch, Mopar rock rails and a handful of other bits and pieces--all of which can be ordered now from the Mopar catalog.

Of the six vehicles, only the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk concept could head to production. The Trailhawk is improved with 18-inch Goodyear off-road tires with five-spoke mineral gray wheels. Mopar-modified rock rails protect the lower body from the terrain.

The Trailhawk is painted in stone white with mineral gray and red accents. Jeep logos adorn the wheel caps and bolt holes in the alloy wheels. Red trim outlines the matte-black hood appliqu

By Jake Lingeman