You may be more familiar with the Jeep brand if you're an avid off-roader or weekend mud enthusiast. It may surprise you, however, to learn that Jeep got its beginnings in the military back in the forties.
Now, over 65 years later, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is set to return to duty with a new model called the J8. Chrysler group head of international sales Thomas Hausch had the job of introducing it to potential customers at a recent military trade show.
"The new Jeep J8 marks the brand's return to vehicle production for military and civilian government use - the same capability that makes the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited famous also makes the Jeep J8 a truly multipurpose vehicle."
Jeep engineers have increased the Wranglers capabilities for this demanding application. The frame and suspension have been made stronger to allow increased payload capacity, while the axles and brakes are beefed up as well. Power comes from a 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with just shy of 300 lb.-ft of torque. The engine inhales through a special hood mounted snorkel intake system which allows for increased water fording depths and operation in sandstorm conditions for up to 5 hours.
J8 is available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed, or a four-door multipurpose model, says Jeep. Numerous body and seating configurations are available as well. J8 isn't produced for combat, though it's armor-capable and can even be dropped onto the field from a helicopter.
photo:Chrysler
Now, over 65 years later, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is set to return to duty with a new model called the J8. Chrysler group head of international sales Thomas Hausch had the job of introducing it to potential customers at a recent military trade show.
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"The new Jeep J8 marks the brand's return to vehicle production for military and civilian government use - the same capability that makes the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited famous also makes the Jeep J8 a truly multipurpose vehicle."
Jeep engineers have increased the Wranglers capabilities for this demanding application. The frame and suspension have been made stronger to allow increased payload capacity, while the axles and brakes are beefed up as well. Power comes from a 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with just shy of 300 lb.-ft of torque. The engine inhales through a special hood mounted snorkel intake system which allows for increased water fording depths and operation in sandstorm conditions for up to 5 hours.
J8 is available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed, or a four-door multipurpose model, says Jeep. Numerous body and seating configurations are available as well. J8 isn't produced for combat, though it's armor-capable and can even be dropped onto the field from a helicopter.
photo:Chrysler
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