This past weekend, we got to attend FCA Design Cars + Coffee. While the event was somewhat rained out, it didn’t stop everyone from gathering inside one of the parking garages at the Chrysler Technical Center (CTC) in Auburn Hills, Michigan. There we got a chance to spend some time with the 2018 Jeep® Jeepster Concept.
Making its official debut at the 52nd Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, the Jeepster Concept showcase many conceptual parts from Mopar’s Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) division. Based on the Wrangler Rubicon, the Jeepster concept evokes the color palette and speedy styling of the 1966 Jeep Jeepster.
The original’s classic two-tone graphic theme is mirrored on its modern-day counterpart with a Firecracker Red body, set off by a Bright White concept hardtop, chopped by two inches, and a Bright White custom windshield raked back 2.5-degrees to create a cropped, compact appearance. The customized windshield maintains the all-new Wrangler’s convenient fold-down feature. Bright White also accents the perimeter of the Rubicon fender flares and an upper portion of the concept half doors. Jeep badging is replaced with a tri-color Jeepster hard badge.
The Jeepster deftly balances concept possibilities with a range of presently available from JPP, includes a JPP hood and graphic, without the optional cold-air intake or snorkel. LED off-road lights in 5 and 7-inch applications illuminate the trail for the Jeepster, shining bright at up to 8,000 lumens. The LED lights are mounted to the A-pillar via light brackets. The Rubicon steel bumper features premium production LED fog lamps.
A 2-inch lift kit and 2.5-inch diameter aluminum body shocks work with oversized, 37-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tires to raise the Jeepster above off-road obstacles. Beadlock-capable 17-inch wheels are accented by body-color matching Firecracker Red Beadlock trim rings. Additional items from the JPP portfolio include a black fuel door, grab handles, and all-weather floor mats.
Inside the Jeepster, a concept tubular roll cage replaces the sports bar and an additional 38-inch tire is secured with a custom in-cabin spare tire carrier. The interior meshes off-road functionality with premium features, including black Katzkin leather seats with Rubicon Red Jeep grille logos embroidered on the seatbacks, and Rubicon Red accent stitching on the seat bolsters. The instrument panel inserts are Firecracker Red to tie in with the exterior.
Relocation of the spare tire to the cabin provides an opportunity for another custom touch: concept storage packs mounted to the tailgate for transport of gear and supplies such as food, water and tools. The packs feature a split design to accommodate the rearview camera. A concept rock step — a unique combination of a rock rail/side step — completes the Jeepster.
To order most of the parts featured on the Jeepster Concept, check out Mopar.com or visit your local Jeep dealer.
2018 Jeep® Jeepster Concept Image Gallery:
