It's fall again, and if you're an enthusiast and work in the "biz," that means the annual SEMA show, a celebration of all things accessory and aftermarket. One of the most well-recognized accessory divisions of the Detroit Three is Chrysler's Mopar division. Mopar can be counted on to have some interesting and desirable concepts showcasing the latest accessory offerings, and the division's 2012 SEMA lineup is no different. Among the trucks and SUVs it will showcase at the show are two Jeeps and a Ram.
The Urban Ram concept brings power and style to a 2013 Ram 1500 in the form of a 392 Hemi V-8 producing 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Although not a factory offering in the Ram, you may recognize the engine from other Auburn Hills hits such as the Grand Cherokee and Dodge Charger and Challenger SRT8. Highlighting the truck's performance credentials are Mopar headers, cold-air intake, and dual exhaust with chrome tips. A Mopar handling kit and 22-inch hyperblack wheels and SRT brake calipers and rotors round out the performance enhancements.
Styling and accessory upgrades also include a color-matched fiberglass tonneau, bed rug, ambient lighting kit, and Mopar badging, as well as a signature Mopar Blue double paint stripe running down the left side of the truck.
Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper
It sounds like an extra out of a Star Wars movie, but the Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper concept is built more for the dunes of the desert Southwest. Also featuring Hemi power in the form of the 5.7-liter V-8 with 375 hp and 410 lb-ft, the Sand Trooper features Mopar portal axles suspended by Fox Shox for added ground clearance, 42-inch off-road tires, and matte-black painted bead lock wheels. A full-length underbody skidplate keeps it from getting hung up on protrusions. The Sand Trooper also features a Warn winch, LED off-road lights, rock rails, and a hitch receiver.
On the inside, the Sand Trooper features black leather Katzkin seats with tan stitching, a rearview camera, prototype Mopar CB radio, all-weather slush mats, hood lock, Mopar Add-a-Trunk and trailside winch kit.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Half & Half
Its name may conjure up the requisite dairy additives needed to choke down office coffee, but the Grand Cherokee Half & Half instead offers a side-by-side comparison of what a Grand Cherokee looks like unadorned, versus kitted out with all the latest in Mopar accessories. The right side of the vehicle is a standard, unaccessorized Grand Cherokee Laredo riding on 17-inch wheels. The left side features 20-inch accessory wheels, chrome mesh grille inserts, tube steps, chrome mirror caps, and a luggage carrier, among other items. On the inside, the Half & Half features Grand Cherokee logo door-sill guards, a bright pedal kit, all-weather floormats and cargo tray, Katzkin leather interior, and a remote-start system.
VWerks 6.4 Hemi V-8 Conversion Program
The added power and refinement from the 2012 Wrangler's new Pentastar V-6 is a big and welcome improvement from last year's 3.8-liter engine, but hard-core Wrangler enthusiasts have been pleading for years for a V-8 option, and thanks to VWerks, now they have one, with a 6.4-liter, 465-hp Hemi conversion available for Wranglers. The engine package is being showcased in the division's first production model, nicknamed Steel-Bender, which features a JK8 pickup conversion, 4-inch lift kit, Pro Comp wheels and tires, and VWerks custom front and rear bumpers.
VWerks Dealer-Direct Custom Wrangler Program
For those who don't quite have the need for the massive power of the Hemi, but still want to get the custom touch on their Wrangler, VWerks is offering a dealer-direct program for Wranglers that offers five stages of modification and customization ranging from a 3-inch spring spacer kit with performance shocks and Pro Comp wheels and tires, all the way up a to 4-inch lift kit with steering stabilizer, custom bumpers and a Warn winch.
VWerks Ram Baja KTS Series
For Ram truck enthusiasts that like the look and style of the Ford Raptor, but want to stay loyal to their brand, VWerks is offering two stages of modification for the Ram 1500, starting with the Baja Series package offering an aggressive look and stance. For those that actually want to put their trucks through their paces off-road, the KTS package adds long-travel suspension capable of high-speed off-road desert driving.
ICON D200 - 1965 Dodge D200
Icon mixes a little bit of old school with new school with its latest project to be shown in Las Vegas at the 2012 SEMA show. Together with diesel experts Banks Power, Icon has created a one-off Dodge D200 truck dubbed the Icon D200.
Based off the 1965 Dodge D200 crew cab pickup, the truck may look old on the outside, but everything underneath that vintage skin is new. A modern Dodge 3500 chassis lays the foundation, and sits on a 4.5-inch Baja 1000 Chase lift kit equipped with Fox shocks. Meanwhile, a tweaked 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six provides power for the retro pickup, packing a whopping 975 lb-ft of torque. Other upgrades include a Banks Brake exhaust system, Six-Gun Diesel Tuner, Monster Ram intake manifold, and Banks Monster Diesel dual exhaust.
The white Icon D200 wears 17-inch matte-black wheels shod with BF Goodrich all-terrain 37-inch tires. The interior is upholstered in "American Indian Reservation bison leather," and will feature a custom audio system. Icon designed exterior touches like the custom tailgate latches, mirrors, and other trim pieces, which were produced with help from Loner Industries.
Though the D200 is currently a one-off SEMA build, it’s possible Icon could one day offer the truck alongside its Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, Jeep CJ, and Ford Bronco replicas.
1947 Jeep CJ-2A Fire Truck, 1944 Willys Jeep SAS by Omix-Ada
Omix-Ada teamed up with Jeep Jamboree USA to restore this 1947 Jeep CJ-2A fire truck. The classic specimen is nearly stock except for supply boxes added to store hoses, supplies and tools. The Jeep also features an extra pump unit on the front for added fire-fighting versatility and capability.
In a fitting tribute to those that served during World War II, Omix-Ada also showed a restored 1944 Willys outfitted with the usual equipment to do duty in battle, including jerry cans for water and fuel, and two .30 caliber machine guns, presumably unloaded.
1978 Jeep CJ-7 Expedicion de las Americas by Omix-Ada
At first glance, this 1978 CJ-7 may not look like much, but the vehicle has a history and pedigree unmatched by almost any other 4x4 in history. This humble Jeep was driven by Jeep legend Mark Smith on the 1978 Expedicion de las Americas, in which six off-road enthusiasts drove from the southernmost tip of South America to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, a journey totaling 21,000 miles, and some of the most challenging terrain in the world.
The Jeep is much as it was more than 30 years ago, with some storage racks for ladders and jerry cans, but otherwise not much different from when it made that epic journey.
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon by Omix-Ada
Although Omix-Ada had several vintage Jeeps on display at the show, the company didn't forget about modern-day Jeep enthusiast either, with fully-outfitted 2012 Wrangler Unlimited featuring a laundry list of Rugged Ridge's accessories, including performance intake and exhaust systems, half-doors, wheel spacers, front and rear aluminum bumpers, a 10,500-lb winch, and an A-pillar switch kit.
Other accessories on the Wrangler include a 6-inch TeraFlex long-arm suspension system, Fox Racing remote-reservoir shocks, 37-inch Nitto Mud Grappler tires, RRC rock rails, In.Pro LED taillights, HID off-road lights, and a Horn Blasters train horn kit. To help get out of those tricky off-road situations, the Jeep also features a Hi-Lift jack and a Power Tank on-board C02 system. Rhino Linings sprayed the interior of the Jeep for optimum durability.
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon by Truck-Lite
Truck-Lite's project Wrangler Unlimited looks ready for action with a TeraFlex 4-inch lift and front and rear driveshafts, Doetsch-Tech shock absorbers, and Warrior Products front and rear bumpers. The interior features a Katzkin leather package and Drake Off-Road Billet Accessories. Naturally, exterior lighting comes courtesy of Truck-Lite LED headlights, work, flood and spot lights. Engine mods to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 are limited to an Airaid intake and Gibson cat-back exhaust.
Other accessories on the Wrangler include a 6-inch TeraFlex long-arm suspension system, Fox Racing remote-reservoir shocks, 37-inch Nitto Mud Grappler tires, RRC rock rails, In.Pro LED taillights, HID off-road lights, and a Horn Blasters train horn kit. To help get out of those tricky off-road situations, the Jeep also features a Hi-Lift jack and a Power Tank on-board C02 system. Rhino Linings sprayed the interior of the Jeep for optimum durability.
2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited by BorgWarner Turbo
Jeeps and especially Wranglers are not at all uncommon at SEMA, and have been a fixture in the truck and off-road section of the show for decades. So what makes this one different? A Cummins 4BT four-cylinder diesel under the hood. The stout and proven engine is backed up by a GM 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission, and power gets to the ground through front and rear Dana 44 axles, spun by Tom Woods driveshafts.
The suspension features Synergy long arms, a high steering arm with a chromoly tie rod, hydraulic ram-assist steering and a hydroboost brake conversion. Synergy rock sliders and roll cage, and Trek Armor seat covers and a Baja basket round out the modifications.
2011 Jeep Wrangler JK Sport by Roadwire
Roadwire's interpretation of the Wrangler takes a more comfort and convenience-oriented theme with its 2011 Wrangler project featuring the company's MyTop power convertible top and custom leather interior. Underhood, the engine breathes easier with a Volant intake and Gibson cat-back exhaust. Other exterior modifications include Delta off-road lights, custom body and hood graphics, an N-Fab nerf step bar, Poison Spyder Customs front and rear bumpers, and a Warn winch.
2010 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually by Truxedo For sheer road presence, it's hard to beat a dually, so to make a big statement with its SEMA show vehicle, that's what TruXedo chose to showcase its latest offerings. Starting with the limousine-like Mega Cab model, the company slammed down the big bruiser on a Firestone air-ride suspension featuring Art Busche design bags, pumped up by Viair compressors and controlled by a Dakota Digital controller. The truck rolls hard on 285/40-24 Toyo Proxes ST tires on American Racing wheels.
But the upgrades go further than mere cosmetics. Underhood, the Cummins diesel engine is fortified with an H&S performance intake manifold, 5-inch turbo-back exhaust, and Mini Max programmer, a Snow Performance water-methanol injection system, and an S&B filters cold air intake. Exterior highlights include a TruXedo tonneau, paint and graphics by Art Busche Designs, Racemesh grilles, and Retro Shop HID headlights. The interior is finished off with Roadwire leather seats covered in Alcantara suede.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Superlift Matchbox 60th Anniversary
In commemoration of 60 years of Matchbox die cast toy cars, Superlift created this full-size custom Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. To ensure it's as much fun to drive as the Matchbox cars are to play with, a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 powers the rig to give it plenty of power. That power gets to the ground through Dynatrax axles, and the Jeep features a Superlift 4-inch lift with Bilstein shocks and stabilizers, and huge 42-inch Interco Super Swamper tires on Stazworks Beadlock wheels.
Ram 1500 Little Red Express
Those Mopar aficionados among you probably remember the 1978 Dodge L'il Red Truck, a unique-looking street truck equipped with big-rig style exhaust stacks, a wood-accented flare-fendered bed, and a hot (for the time) 360-cubic-inch V-8. In a paraphrase of Elwood Blues, the engine had a cop carb, cop manifold, and a performance cam from the 1968 340 V-8. The spirit of that model lives on in the Ram 1500 Little Red Express concept with exhaust stacks, a wood-paneled bed, 22-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and a custom Katzkin interior.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Apache What would you get if you cross-bred a Challenger SRT8 and a Wrangler Rubicon? Probably something a lot like the Wrangler Unlimited Apache. Major Mopar muscle beats under the hood of this Jeep in the form of a 6.4-liter high-output Hemi V-8 shared with Chrysler's family of SRT8 vehicles. The heart transplant comes courtesy of Mopar's Hemi conversion kit.
The Apache also showcases a 4.5-inch long-arm lift kit, Mopar 5.13 ratio front and rear Dana 60 axles, prototype beadlock wheels, a Mopar performance hood, half-doors, flat fenders and a Warn winch.
1949 Jeep CJ-3A Jeep Rod by Omix-Ada
This unique take on a classic Jeep was built by Jesse Spade. To build the Jeep Rod, Spade started with a CJ-5 frame that was stretched to a 103-inch wheelbase. The unpainted metal body features a number of Omix-Ada products, including the grille, lights, modified front and rear bumpers, and a "Willys" branded tailgate. Unlike most CJs and Wranglers, the Jeep Rod has an independent front suspension, with four wheel disc brakes all around. Putting the "hot" into the Jeep Rod is a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 from a 2008 Dodge Ram pickup with a performance cam.
The interior features Omix-Ada CJ-3A style seats and a steering wheel re-wrapped in brown leather, a stainless steering column and custom aluminum console.
One Lap Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 The list of custom equipment on this Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is short, but significant, as it could foreshadow some future accessory offerings from Mopar. This particular example is outfitted with Viper front seats and racing harnesses, which probably won't be factory options, but for those that are determined to romp the 5000+ lb SUV around a track, the One Lap SRT8 features a Sport Bar (not quite a full roll bar) a prototype lowering kit, lightweight wheels and rear spoiler.
Looking like it just drove out of a toy package, the Power Ram showcases Mopar's 3-inch lift kit, bed step, tri-fold tonneau cover and bright pedal kit. Other goodies on this visually-loud concept include Mickey Thompson tires on 17-inch Hutchinson beadlock wheels, a Warn front winch, and neoprene seat covers.
Jeep enthusiasts have been screaming for a pickup from the brand for years. For those that just can't wait, Mopar offers the JK-8 conversion kit that transforms any JK Wrangler Unlimited into a pickup. This show vehicle features the JK-8 conversion, a four-inch lift kit, Mopar differential guard, locking center console box, prototype beadlock wheels, front and rear bumper, fender flares, and a Warn winch.