The latest special edition plus a show special from Mopar top off the offerings from Chryslers Jeep division
How it's done in the D
The 2014 North American International Auto Show will have a lot to offer show goers when the curtain rises on public days this Saturday and this holds true for aficionados of Chrysler's off-road brand.
After wandering through the Auburn Hills-based manufacturer's exhibit for three days this week, we came up with a couple of models that exemplify both the history as well the future direction of Jeep.
2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition
Back in November, it was announced that the newest Jeep Wrangler special edition, would be arriving in dealer showrooms early this year. That model, dubbed the Willys Wheeler Edition, will be on display in Detroit for the duration of the auto show.
Based on the Wrangler Sport, it comes standard with upgraded hardware, including:
• A Dana 44 rear axle with Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential and 3.73 gears
• BF Goodrich KM Mud Terrain LT255/75R17 tires
• Rock rails
• A Jeep Trail Rated Kit that includes a D-Ring, tow strap and gloves in a Jeep-branded bag
• Jeep Command-Trac 4x4 part-time, two-speed transfer case
• A 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio
Unique "Willys Wheeler" exterior design elements include a gloss black grille featuring a black Jeep badge, gloss black front and rear bumper appliqués, what Jeep describes as an "historic" satin black "4 Wheel Drive" rear tailgate and "Willys" hood decals plus special high-gloss black 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Willys Wheeler also comes standard with a soft top plus deep-tint sunscreen rear windows while a premium Sunrider soft top and black-splatter Freedom Top are available.
While the vehicle price isn't displayed at the show, from previous information supplied by Jeep we know that the Willys Wheeler Edition has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail price (MSRP) of $25,795 for two-door models and $29,595 for Unlimited (four-door) models.
Mopar Jeep Wrangler Recon
Described in a Mopar press release as a Recon, the Jeep Wrangler on display at their massive 5,500 square foot Mopar Custom Shop lacked any type of signage, although it had a distinctly nautical theme.
In addition to massive BF Goodrich Krawler T/A KX tires, the white Rubicon sports a badge on the right front fender of that reads "USS Mopar", while also noting "it's a hit." Along the sides was the lettering "GP-48016" – referencing the Center Line zip code where Mopar headquarters is located and (we assume) the reversed initials of Mopar president Pietro Gorlier (how's that for a bit of detective work?).
Other goodies include custom grey camo seat covers, wood trim upper center console, wood trim on the passenger grab handle inscribed with the date "1941" – the year the first Willys-Overland rolled off the assembly line – plus a Warn winch located behind a massive front bumper.
