SEMA 2007 Preview: Jeep Wrangler Ultimate
Click the Wrangler for a high-res gallery
The Wrangler Ultimate is one of two Jeep concepts making their SEMA debut this year (the other is the Jeep JT). Though we saw it last spring at the Chrysler Proving Ground, we have much better pics of this pampering Jeep than last time. The Ultimate is based on the Wrangler's four-door Unlimited model with a 3-inch lift kit and 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires wrapped around handsome forged 18-inch aluminum wheels. Along with an array of exterior appearance upgrades including an experimental 'Liquid Charcoal Pearl Coat' paint job, the interior has been completely redone as well, including new upholstery that's a mix of leather and orange mesh fabric. Entertainment for when your not crawling over rocks is supplied by a MyGIG hard drive-based multimedia system with LCD screens for each rear passenger seat. To help the Wrangler get over those rocks, a 392 cu.in Hemi crate motor has also been installed under the hood. So which would you prefer, the Wrangler Ultimate or the Jeep JT pickup?
[Source: Jeep]
Gallery: SEMA 2007: Jeep Wrangler Ultimate
Gallery: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Ultimate
The Jeep Wrangler Ultimate with 392 HEMI® from Mopar
Designer: Mark Allen, Chief Designer – Jeep/Dodge Truck Studios
The name says it all.
The Jeep Wrangler Ultimate with 392 HEMI from Mopar is a concept vehicle that answers the question "how far can you go with the new Jeep Wrangler?" Beginning with the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon®, the design team set out to create the best of the best – combining high style and materials with the best off-road machine ever offered by Jeep.
The suspension is enhanced with a 3-in. lift to clear the massive 35-in. BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires mounted on custom, polished Alcoa Forged 18-in. wheels. The exterior is chromed out courtesy of Mopar:
fuel filler door
taillamp guards
tubular side steps
exterior mirrors
tow hooks
door handles
hood hinges
fascia overlays
To complete the look, the exterior is coated in a wildly experimental 'Liquid Charcoal Pearl Coat' paint.
The Wrangler Ultimate's real story is its interior. Taking cues from rugged adventure sports bags and accessories, the team created a high style and detailed interior compartment that is as tough and beautiful as the exterior. Seating surfaces are clad in durable orange mesh fabric and dark slate gray Nappa/Province leather – bound with a heavy black-leather baseball stitch. Instrument panel details are treated to a stunning Argent Pearl/Satin Silver paint combination, reinforcing the machine character for which Jeep is known. The interior is also home to the exclusive MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System. There are also DVD screens for passengers in the front and rear.
To provide authentic performance on the trail, the team also dropped in a 392 HEMI crate motor.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
dan spalinger 11:36AM (10/26/2007)
Everything a Jeep SHOULDN'T be....Go buy a Compass if thats the direction you want to go!!
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toast2042 2:05PM (10/26/2007)
The four door Wrangler is an abomination upon mankind. If you want four doors on your Jeep, buy a liberty and admit you're old.
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Bob 3:09PM (10/26/2007)
It's a penis thing. We wouldn't understand.
Adam 11:56AM (10/26/2007)
So a Jeep shouldn't have a big engine, big tires, and lifts? What is a "Jeep" in your view? Does it have 50 inch tires and metal seats?
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BassClef 12:04PM (10/26/2007)
Given the choice I'd rather have the JT pickup, but in a perfect world I'd have both.
dan spalinger 12:06PM (10/26/2007)
Yes, your right...every Jeep should be covered in chrome, an expensive paint job and TV's in the headrests...I OBVIOUSLY stand corrected...
Jason 10:09AM (10/29/2007)
Covered in chrome? Really? We looking at the same vehicle here? Most production trucks and SUVs have more chrome stock than this thing does. Granted, it's got more chrome than a regular JK, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it's "covered" in the stuff... now, maybe if they'd put on the Mopar chrome grille overlay, chrome hinges, chrome hood latches, etc, THEN maybe we could complain about it being covered in chrome...
(I do however agree that it has *too much* chrome on it, but not enough to get all upset over).
BassClef 11:51AM (10/26/2007)
JT
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Russell 12:03PM (10/26/2007)
I ll pass, H1 Hummer Alpha is the way to go.
Too bad its gone.
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Guenther 12:10PM (10/26/2007)
I've been on trails with Jeep waxers- not my crowd, that's for damn sure.
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Egon 12:17PM (10/26/2007)
JT all the way.
The Ultimate definitely doesn't seem to fit the Jeep profile. When I look at that gussied-up Wrangler, I'm thinking "Hummer H2" (and not intended as a complement.)
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J. D. Billiford 1:00PM (10/26/2007)
>>> Decisions! Decisions! Oh, the agony of it! What would I like to see in my garage? A JT or Ultimate?
For me, I'll go with the Jeep Wrangler Ultimate. But as BassClef put it so superbly, in a perfect world I'd take both of them too.
Two thumbs up here again!
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Tom Fjord 3:16PM (10/26/2007)
I think it looks great. Nice shape, good color choices, not too much brightwork. I definitely don't need one, but I love it's looks.
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calebe 3:33PM (10/26/2007)
Datz sum bling ight
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cameron42985 4:02PM (10/26/2007)
Lose the PT Cruiser steering wheel already. WTF.
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MJL 4:14PM (10/26/2007)
When is the Unlimited Ultimate Infinity I-Know-You-Are-But-What-Am-I edition coming out?
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Rick 4:50PM (10/26/2007)
When is Jeep going to expand their horizons? I mean that is one tired design, now 40, 50 years old?
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J. D. Billiford 5:50PM (10/26/2007)
>>> That's the point of the design, Rick. The Wrangler's ancestory, if you'll allow me the use of that term, dates back to the Second World War.
The overall design, while changing over the years, is based on the original Jeep (which was then produced by Willys-Overland). In addition to its ruggedness and flexibility, the design also pays tribute to the vehicle's heroic past.
Even the design of the first generation Jeep Liberty pays homage to the original.
Some things that look "old" can still look good.
Jason 10:16AM (10/29/2007)
Do you even know what the original Jeeps looked like? You mentioned the VW Bug... the New Beetle is a modern interpretation of the original, just as the JK is a modern interpretation of the original WWII Jeeps. They're distinctly their own vehicles, but one look and you know the lineage.
Unlike the TJ, the JK's design and construction is actually considerably different than the traditional/historic Jeep design.
If you don't think the new JK is modern enough (I really don't see how you could think that the New Beetle is but the JK isn't), how exactly would you change it??
Rick Lyon 6:59PM (10/26/2007)
I get it, but I also see this as a hindrance for domestic car designs. I just just like to see Jeep update the Jeep to the proper decade. Very few cars still look the same after 40+ years. Even VW changed the bug.