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Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee Get the Mopar Treatment in Moab

Last updated Friday, March 29, 2013 08:00 ET

Easter Jeep Safari Showcases Six Customized Off-Road Concepts

Methuen, 03/29/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Just three years away from its 50th anniversary, the Easter Jeep Safari is the largest gathering of off-road enthusiasts in the United States, and each year Jeep and its Mopar parts division bring new concept vehicles to the sandstone of Moab, Utah. At this year's event, which runs March 23 through March 31, the automaker is showing off six customized concepts that are designed to encourage the imaginations of attendees.

An outlier alongside the five Jeep Wrangler concepts at the 2013 Easter Jeep Safari, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept incorporates a new torque-laden EcoDiesel V6 engine that will be available to buyers later this year, blood-orange paint, 35-inch off-road tires and modified Mopar rock rails. Meanwhile, the gray Jeep Wrangler Mopar Recon builds on the nameplate's renowned capability with a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V8 from Mopar, as well as prototype parts like a 4.5-inch long-arm lift kit and eight-lug beadlock wheels that are capped by massive 39-inch tires.

"Every year, Jeep does a great job in Moab of highlighting how its regular and special-edition production models can be augmented in the aftermarket," said Tom Barenboim, owner of Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Methuen, Massachusetts Jeep Wrangler dealer. "Whether you want to modify your Wrangler to dominate the Hell's Revenge trail or just want to add a little personality to your Jeep with accessories, Mopar products create endless possibilities for getting the look and ride that you desire."

Designed as a follow-up to the featherweight Pork Chop concept, the Wrangler Stitch drops more than 700 pounds from the production Wrangler, jettisoning its doors, audio system and A/C unit while adding lightweight aluminum and carbon-fiber components. Though the Wrangler Stitch still offers plenty of capability despite its nimble frame, the two-door Wrangler Slim provides a more proportionate mix of performance and weight loss, sporting a 3.6-liter V6 engine, Mopar's lightest rear bumper and lightweight rock rails.

In contrast to the Stitch and Slim concepts, the Wrangler Sand Trooper II from Mopar spares nothing in hardware and output. Housing a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that churns out 375 horsepower, the Sand Trooper II features eight-lug front and rear Portal axles from Mopar that combine with the 40-inch tires to boost ground clearance.

Dubbed the Wrangler Flattop, the final concept at the Easter Jeep Safari fuses upscale style with rugged off-road underpinnings. While its metallic-sandstone exterior finish and luxurious Katzkin leather seats create a sophisticated feel, the Wrangler Flattop is still packed with trail-ready gear, including DynaTrac Pro Rock 44 front axles and Dana 60 rear axles.

"It doesn't matter if it is customized or straight off the assembly line, the current Wrangler is more versatile than it's ever been, and as a result, it's more popular than ever," added Barenboim. "The Wrangler saw record sales last year after it received a new Pentastar V6 engine that is more powerful and fuel efficient than the previous unit, and that momentum has carried over into 2013."

About Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:
For more than 60 years, Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has helped car, truck and SUV buyers find the vehicles that satisfy their needs, along with the financing and service they deserve. Whether you’re searching for hassle-free Jeep sales, Chrysler parts, Dodge service or the latest Ram trucks, their dealership works hard to exceed customer expectations. To view Clark’s wide selection of new and used Jeep and Chrysler models, visit their showroom at 175 Pelham Street in Methuen, Massachusetts, or browse online at www.clarkchryslerjeep.com. They can be reached by phone at 888-875-3706, and you
can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ClarkJeep.