We had a chance to catch up with the 2017 Jeep Quicksand Concept this weekend at the FCA Design Cars + Coffee event at the Chrysler Technical Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Created for enthusiasts who love the sand life, the Jeep Quicksand is a loud, fast and fun hot rod.
The Quicksand concept is powered by a Mopar 392 Crate HEMI® engine with eight-stack injection, mated to a six-speed Getrag manual transmission. A “peekaboo” cutout in the hood and gasser-style downturned open headers add to the vintage hot rod feel.
This Wrangler-based concept features a longer wheelbase, with trimmed front and rear body and a chopped hard top and windshield. An open top and open windows allow for full enjoyment of Quicksand’s sound and wind-in-your-face freedom.
Inside, the minimalist interior features red accents, two front low-back bucket seats, flat aluminum door panels, tilt-out windshield glass and a chrome roll bar.
While the Quicksand was made for wheeling in sand, its off-road credentials ensure that it is fully capable in any terrain. Its staggered tire setup (a trait never before included on any Jeep concept) features 32-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in the front and 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in the rear, and coilover shocks, all on 18-inch vintage “kidney bean” alloy wheels.
The Quicksand concept also features a Warn winch concealed in a front-mounted Moon tank. A recovery rope is located in the rear, replacing the traditional drag racer’s parachute.
A fan favorite from the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari, it is very unlikely such a product would make it to market. However, the concept did officially show us the face of what would become the 2018 Jeep Wrangler (JL) several months in advance of the launch of the new Wrangler.
