The responses to our post on the Jeep JT Concept that's headed to SEMA this year were overwhelmingly positive. The number of people who commented they'd buy one if Jeep didn't wussify it on the way to production was incredible. One constant theme was the demand for a diesel engine, and most commonly cited was the 3.0L CRD motor used in other Jeep products like the Grand Cherokee CRD. With purposeful, bare-bones styling and a motor generating 376 ft-lbs. of torque, the Jeep JT would be a workhorse budget truck for those not interested in spending thousands more on a half-ton. Our man Jonathan Ramsey got to play with the Jeep JT in person and echoes everyone's sentiments about the little pickup. He brought back some more pics of the concept, including inside shots that show a basic Jeep Wrangler interior with no frills. We also get a view of the hardtop roof with removeable panels and the JT Concept's current motor, a 3.8L V6.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Jeff Gilleran @ May 23rd 2007 6:48PM
This is an Impressive Jeep.
It brings back the days of simplicity, function and practicality.
I agree with it needing a Diesel.
I think that would be the Icing on the cake with all the extra torque and great fuel economy.
Its funny in that its not really bristling with technology yet has an enormous appeal about it in that its not full of gimmicks or posh factor, yet does enough to be comfortable and useful.
Its obvious someone over at jeep tried to build this jeep to instill a feeling of "freedom" when going offroad and not worrying about scratching up the paint.
Basically, a workhorse that doesnt try to put on airs as a throughbred.
I really am impressed with this Truck.
Viv @ May 23rd 2007 6:55PM
They need to produce this Jeep exactly without any other changes. Maybe a diesel. That's it.
theo @ May 23rd 2007 6:57PM
What is the silver wagon shown behind the Jeep in this picture:
http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/jeep-wrangler-jt-concept/250124/
Is it the 300 replacement?
Aprime @ May 23rd 2007 7:06PM
Been wondering what it was, too.
Viv @ May 23rd 2007 7:17PM
If that is the 300 replacement i will puke.
John Neff @ May 23rd 2007 7:39PM
I think that's the Naussau Concept from earlier in the year
thesawzall @ May 25th 2007 10:06AM
Definitely the Nassau. I've took a picture from the same angle at the NY Auto Show.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79476372@N00/461607967/
Mike S @ May 23rd 2007 7:19PM
You wouldn't see me dead in a truck. But this one is different. I might even consider buying one. Jeep needs to put a diesel in, and price right. It'll be a hit.
AMcA @ May 23rd 2007 7:45PM
Let's hope the new owners get this one out faster than the Daimler took to bring us the 4-door. They keep showing Wrangler pick-ups, and then keep making excuses about how difficult they would be to build. Let the success of the 4-door be your guide, guys!
chairman @ May 23rd 2007 8:03PM
The simplicity of this car is awesome. Best looking off-road civilian car/truck, bar none. It's too bad I would never use it to its full potential. Although, it would be handy to haul my bicycles around.
Seminole @ May 23rd 2007 8:34PM
That wagon is the Nassau concept, which is supposed to replace the 300.
Scrambler Owner @ May 23rd 2007 8:44PM
Jeep please...
Think about your heritage, CJ6, CJ8 Scramblers, Jeepster Pickups...
whofan @ May 23rd 2007 8:51PM
This is what new product from the Jeep brand should be. Rugget and simple. Bring back Plymouth to give the Compass a new home.
Jaymez @ May 23rd 2007 9:26PM
I don't want a diesel. I can't plug one in durring the winter, especially at work.
I want either a removeable hard top or a drop top added. Jeep is the only small vehicle I'd be happy about buying. Since I never use the back seat in any vehicle I own, removing it completely and extending the cargo area makes plenty of sense.
If the new owners do something to increase the fuel economy in the Jeeps, I'll happily buy one. There's no reason something the size of a Wrangler should get big blcok Silverado fuel economy.
Irish @ May 23rd 2007 9:48PM
Add another eight or so inches and some character to it and you'll have a winner Jeep.
goat @ May 23rd 2007 10:39PM
I like this, but it wouldn't be practical for my needs.
However, I would seriously consider buying a 4-door Wrangler if I could get the diesel in it.
Hello @ May 23rd 2007 10:49PM
I really hope that they produce this. While I wouldn't buy one, I think that it is a fantastic and simple vehicle. Just seeing it always makes me smile a bit. Build it already!
Jeff Gilleran @ May 23rd 2007 10:55PM
Jaymez,
Today's CRD (common rail diesel) are way less susceptible to bad cold weather starting and are far more efficient, powerful and quieter.
A 3.0L Engine would be perfect for the Jeep and you wouldnt need to have a massive cooling system to warm up.
Afterall, this isnt a Heavy duty 3/4 or 1 ton truck.
Sure if you lived in 20 below zero weather all the time plugging it in might be a good idea.
Of course, you have to winterize the Diesel fuel in that regard, but it really isnt a big deal and is largely important in really cold weather.
The excellent mileage you would get from a small 3.0L diesel would far outweigh any possible negatives in my honest opinion.
:)
phuc vu @ May 23rd 2007 11:07PM
I really like the new 4-door Jeeps and this new concept Jeep/pickup vehicle. The only thing I would change are the rims... solid white? Talk about over heating the rotors in the average stop and go traffic of everyday life!!
I agree... this Jeep will be a blast if it had a diesel.
My next purchase will be a hard one... a 4 door Jeep or this (if it's made - I'll wait)
Tom Design @ May 23rd 2007 11:56PM
Great design for what it is, true to form, simple. But why the yucky babyshit (at best) yellow paint? Can't this ute be beautifully finished in a zapping crisp, high buff color?