Autoblog

2013 AEV Brute Double Cab

Michael Harley — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Jeep, Off-Road, Quick Spins

These are the guys who bring an M777 howitzer to a knife fight. In terms of overall rugged utility, the all-new 2013 Brute Double Cab from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is about as overkill as they come, and we can't seem to get enough of the beasts that this company produces. Unlike most aftermarket firms, always striving to lower cost and increase volume (but at the expense of quality), Michigan-based AEV takes pride in its OEM-quality design, engineering, manufacturing and testing. Everything is as good, or better, than the stuff from the factory, and they have been doing it this way for more than 15 years.

Launched at the recent 2012 SEMA show was the 2013 AEV Brute Double Cab. Its debut marked the company's expansion to a four-door Brute on the newer JK platform (drawing inspiration from the Land Rover Defender 130). I recently spent a few hours with the new truck in sunny Southern California, though unfortunately, due to time constraints, I was limited to pavement-only driving impressions.

Driving Notes

The vehicles are assembled in a facility in Wixom, Michigan. To build the Brute Double Cab, AEV stretches the chassis of a four-door JK Wrangler by 23 inches and extends the rear frame to accommodate its custom composite honeycomb pickup bed. Overall vehicle length grows by 30 inches, to bring it to 216 inches overall.
Unlike AEV's first vehicles, designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts seeking something different, the Double Cab targets those seeking the same capability but with added interior room and more room for cargo, all with the improved capabilities of the JK platform. It is not meant to replace a traditional pickup, but rather serve the overland market with more utility than a Jeep.
My red test vehicle was a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4 ($35,090) fitted with AEV's DC350 package - basically the same as the JK350 package, but on the Brute chassis ($39,999). In addition, it was equipped with a snorkel ($534), splash guards ($114), Warn winch ($250), 37-inch tire upgrade ($400), 4.5-inch suspension upgrade ($100), beadlock wheel upgrade ($850) and a rear slider ($311). Figure about $77,650 for its as-tested price.
Upon close scrutiny, it appeared that AEV's craftsmanship and materials were top-notch and the fit and finish of the company's assembly work was impeccable. Note the little details like the fresh water storage tank in the rear bumper and the beautifully integrated engine intake snorkel.
As expected from a vehicle raised considerably higher than stock, the step-in is a stretch and the driving position is commanding. Despite its high center of gravity, the Double Cab didn't feel tipsy or nervous during maneuvers. Handling is secure, but a wheelbase stretched to 139 inches all but destroys the stock Jeep's turning radius.
The 3.6-liter V6, making about 285 horsepower, was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The added weight from the conversion and oversized tires do slow acceleration. While still perfectly adequate for on-road performance, those wanting more power for deep sand, snow drifts or more challenging conditions should consider AEV's 6.4-liter Hemi conversion.
Our spectacular pictures don't do the Double Cab justice - it looks impressive brightly polished, but even better caked in mud. Next time.

2013 AEV Brute Double Cab originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jeep drops details on six Easter Jeep Safari Concepts

Zach Bowman — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SUV, Truck, Jeep, Design/Style, Off-Road

Jeep has released details on six new concepts the company crafted for this year's Easter Jeep Safari, including the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept. And while that vehicle boasts a slew of off-road goodies, including tow hooks, aggressive Goodyear Wrangler rubber and a rear light bar, we're more interested in the wicked Mighty FC Concept pictured above.

Engineers built the Mighty FC as a tribute to the Jeep Forward Control that was offered between 1956 and 1965. Using a 2012 Wrangler Rubicon as a platform, the company stretched the wheelbase, stuck the cab ahead of the front axle and threw in a custom drop-side cargo box. Underneath, the Mighty FC uses a set of Mopar eight-lug portal axles, which offer a surprising amount of ground clearance without having to resort to a lift. If you like what you see, the axles are available for a combined price of $23,500. The truck rolls on 40-inch tires, and a King coil-over suspension handles the bumps and bruises of the trail.

Of course, the Jeep J-12 Concept (above, left) is equally delicious in its own right. An extended version of the JK-8 pickup, the concept began life as a 2012 Wrangler Unlimited, though the frame has been stretched a total of 18 inches. With a full six-foot bed, custom hood and unique fenders, the concept is straight awesome. Build it, Jeep.

The automaker also showed off an accessorized version of the standard Wrangler as well as a Wrangler Traildozer concept (above, right). The latter of the two was built by partnering with the off-road gurus at American Expedition Vehicles. With a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter V8 and a Getrag six-speed manual gearbox, the machine has the go-bits to tackle any trail. Dana 44 axles with electronic locking differentials at the front and rear are also part of the package.

Likewise, the Wrangler Apache concept (above, left) gets its power from the same fire-breathing Hemi, though that vehicle uses a Mopar conversion kit for the swap. With a beefy lift and 5.13 axles, the Apache should have no problem taking on the rocks of Moab.

Unfortunately, Chrysler has yet to release a full batch of official images for each vehicle, so went to their headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI, and shot them ourselves. Look below for the lot of them, as well as Chrysler's official press release.

Continue reading Jeep drops details on six Easter Jeep Safari Concepts

Jeep drops details on six Easter Jeep Safari Concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

AEV Wrangler Brute Double Cab

Zach Bowman — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Truck, Jeep, Specialty, Off-Road

American Expedition Vehicles has broadened its Jeep Wrangler pickup conversion offerings with the new Brute Double Cab. Offered as a turn-key conversion, the vehicle features a combination of stamped-steel and composite body panels for an OEM-level fit and finish. Using a combination of structural adhesive and welding, AEV says it has managed to reduce noise and vibration in the cabin and ensure the longevity of the build. While the original AEV Brute bore a stamped-steel bed, the company has switched to a new composite design that is both lighter and more durable than its predecessor.

Using carbon fiber outer skins, beefy reinforced fiberglass innards and a foam core, the company says that the new kit weighs in at around 200 pounds. That's nearly 200 pounds lighter than the old one.

AEV is currently running a cost analysis to determine how much the conversion will set you back. The Brute Double Cab on display at SEMA 2011 also benefited from the company's 6.4-liter V8 Hemi conversion, complete with a special stamped-steel hood. In addition, Dynatrac served up a special set of axles for the build, including a heavy-duty Dana 44 up front and a Dana 60 rear. Sounds good to us.

AEV Wrangler Brute Double Cab originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

AEV turns Wrangler into Brute Double Cab for SEMA

Dan Roth — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeep pickup trucks are griffins. Amalgamated kings of all automotive beasts that combine the friendly puppy vibe of a Wrangler with the utility of a cargo box. Ten years ago, American Expedition Vehicles gave the public the original TJ-based Brute at that year's SEMA show, and now the company is reprising that performance and introducing the Brute Double Cab.

Based on the latest JK Wrangler Unlimited, the Brute Double Cab offers more interior space thanks to the extra doors and the larger overall dimensions of the JK-series Wrangler. AEV stretches the frame to a 139-inch wheelbase, and the Brute Double Cab has an overall length of 216 inches - 30 inches more than a regular JK Unlimited. The bed is nearly square, with dimensions of 61 inches long by 60 inches wide (and 44 inches between the wheelhouses), but it's not intended to make a pickup truck replacement out of a Jeep.

AEV thinks the Brute Double Cab is an off-roader with better chops than a 4x4 pickup, and enhanced cargo capacity over what you can get from stock Jeeps. Unlike the JK-8 Independence kit you can buy from Mopar, the Brute Double Cab isn't something you assemble yourself - AEV puts more into its four-door Brute Double Cab than it takes to build the two-door JK-8 kit. The stretched-chassis AEV Brute Double Cab will be available first to current AEV owners as a turn-key vehicle. Once production ramps up, availability will be opened to the public at large. Get the full scoop in the release after the jump.

Continue reading AEV turns Wrangler into Brute Double Cab for SEMA

AEV turns Wrangler into Brute Double Cab for SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Is Jeep planning a Hemi V8 Wrangler?

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Jeep, Rumormill, Off-Road

2011 Jeep Wrangler - Click above for high-res image gallery

American Expedition Vehicles, a Jeep aftermarket conversion firm from Montana, recently stuffed a Chrysler 392 Hemi between the fenders of a Wrangler for Jeep CEO Michael Manley. This is the same 392 Hemi that powers the 470-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT8 392.

According to sources close to Chrysler, the 392-powered Jeep wasn't just built on a lark. Manley's Wrangler is apparently a mule for "executive evaluation." That's Chrysler speak for "they might build it." Manley's vehicle channels its 470 hp through a six-speed manual and will reportedly slide its back end in third gear with liberal application of the throttle. All we can say is this: Build it. Right now.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Wrangler

[Source: MSN Autos]

Is Jeep planning a Hemi V8 Wrangler? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

AEV to offer Jeep J8 MILSPEC for civilian off-road use in the U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Jeep, Military

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the AEV J8 MILSPEC

Still bummed Chrysler decided civilians in the U.S. weren't ready for the Jeep J8? Good news, then. American Expedition Vehicles - normally purveyors of American-made aftermarket off-road parts and equipment - has entered into an agreement with Chrysler that will allow AEV to sell fully assembled J8 kits right here in the United States, complete with leaf springs and military-spec tow hooks that are capable of lifting a helicopter. Yes, this machine is exactly as awesome as it sounds.

Each vehicle will be sold without a powertrain, which will allow AEV to bypass all kinds of sticky red tape with the federal government. As such, the J8 MILSPEC will be sold as an off-road vehicle only. Want one for street use? Better get real familiar with the laws governing such things in your particular state. The buyer will have a choice of either a VM 2.8-liter diesel engine rated at 174 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque or a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 from Chrysler rated at 330 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. All that power will be sent through a five-speed automatic transmission on its way to a Dana 44 axle up front and a stout Dana 60 in the rear.

Options? A few, including air conditioning and your choice of either Desert Sand or Military Green paint, but the toughest part will be deciding between the five-door Unlimited body or the truck-like three-door model. AEV only has rights to sell 120 J8 MILSPEC vehicles per year, and they won't come cheap. Expect to dole out about $50K to bring one home. If that sounds like a lot for a vehicle that can't legally be driven on the street, keep in mind that it's probably well below what it would cost to otherwise replicate a machine with these kinds of capabilities. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: AEV J8 MILSPEC

Continue reading AEV to offer Jeep J8 MILSPEC for civilian off-road use in the U.S.

AEV to offer Jeep J8 MILSPEC for civilian off-road use in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments