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The 2011 Mopar Ram Runner Catching Some Air
Turn Your Ram Truck into a Desert Racer
- Mopar® Ram Runner kit offers performance on par with off-road race trucks
- Suspension and shocks included in the Mopar Ram Runner kit are superior to the competition
- Mopar Ram Runner kit boasts aggressive, attractive styling that will also turn heads on the street
May 26, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Ram Truck owners may now transform their truck into a Mopar®-powered desert racer.
Just a little more than one year after Mopar debuted its Ram Runner image vehicle to much acclaim at the 2010 Moab Jeep® Safari, the brand today announced details of its new Ram Runner kit for off-road enthusiasts.
2011 Mopar Ram Runner
“At Mopar, our image vehicles showcase potential directions that we may take and the new Ram Runner kit is a good example. We saw the reception that Ram Runner received last year and quickly moved to offer kits that will allow off-road enthusiasts to transform their stock Ram 1500 into a desert racer.”
-Pietro Gorlier
President and CEO, Mopar
The Mopar Ram Runner Kit, developed with successful Baja off-road racer Kent Kroeker, includes the following: Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit, off-road front bumper, off-road front and rear fenders, off-road rear-tire carrier, sport performance hood and cat-back exhaust. Each element of the kit may also be purchased separately. The street-legal kit may be installed by do-it-yourselfers or in a Ram dealership.
The Mopar Ram Runner Kit is equal to or better than its competitors on a number of fronts. The heavy-duty suspension system can handle practically any abuse the off-road dishes out. Front upper and lower control arms, which are three inches longer than production arms, provide added width and allow greater wheel travel over rough dirt trails.
Front lower control arms are constructed of 4130 chrome moly steel in order to withstand off-road punishment. Upper control arms include rebuildable high-angle ball joints. Both inner and outer tie rods are substantially strengthened and contribute to the rugged, off-road steering characteristics and capabilities. Outer tie rods, constructed of forged steel, measure 1-inch in diameter. Inner tie rods also are nearly 20 percent beefier, increasing from 0.62 inches to .75 inches.
2011 Mopar Ram Runner
At the rear, a 5-link coil spring rear suspension is utilized and helps provide a 30-degree departure angle.
The Pre-Runner Stage II kit offers a boost in suspension travel, 14 inches both front and rear, which is superior to the suspension travel on the Ford Raptor. The Ram Runner kit, which includes Fox 3-inch internal bypass shocks, offers performance on par with that of an off-road Baja race truck and outperforms the 2.5-inch shocks of the competition.
Ground clearance is approximately 13 inches at the center of the front cross-member and 16 inches at the rocker panels.
Body parts included in the Mopar Ram Runner Kit, created with Trophy Truck inspiration, feature a tough-yet-stylish look built to handle the rigors of the off-road while turning heads on the street. The front bumper is constructed of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate. With a 41-degree approach angle, ample clearance is assured over the deepest off-road obstacles.
Front and rear fiberglass fenders are lightweight, tough and durable with wider wheel wells that allow for tremendous suspension articulation with zero tire-to-body interference. The three-inch wider track also provides an imposing, aggressive look.
The stamped aluminum, dual-scooped sport performance hood adds even more to the forceful appearance of the Ram Runner kit. The spare-tire carrier is located in the bed of the pickup and enables easier access and provides the ability to transport a larger spare tire, contributing to the overall appearance and “Baja truck feel”.
Ram Truck and Mopar are joint sponsors of The Off-Road Championship (TORC) Series in 2011. Both brands will share sponsorship of the Traxxas Racing team fielded by Mike and Mark Jenkins along with the Menzies Motorsports team owned by Steve Menzies. Ram will be the official vehicle of the TORC Series and the Mopar Ram Runner will serve as the official pace truck. The Mopar graphic that appears on the Mopar Ram Runner pace truck will also be made available to consumers.
2011 Mopar Ram Runner
Here’s more information on the Mopar Ram Runner kit, which is available for owners of 2009 to 2011 model-year Ram 1500 models:
MOPAR RAM RUNNER KIT (Each part of kit may be purchased separately)
- Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit: 5-link coil-spring rear suspension, 4130 chrome moly lower control arms, upper control arms, rebuildable high-angle ball joints and forged steel, high-angle tie rods. Fourteen inches of suspension travel in front and rear, 3-inch internal bypass Fox shocks. (MSRP: $13,270, Part No. P5155662)
- Off-Road Front Bumper: Steel construction with integrated aluminum skid plate, high approach angle of 41 degrees provides greater clearance over off-road obstacles. (MSRP: $1,250, Part No. P5155663)
- Off-Road Rear Tire Carrier: Rear placement allows for easier access and ability to carry larger tires needed for the off-road. (MSRP: $1,010, Part No. P5155664)
- Off-Road Front Fenders: Tough, durable fenders feature wider wheel wells allowing for tremendous suspension articulation, zero tire-to-body interference, and provide an imposing, aggressive look. (MSRP: $1,020, Part No. P5155665)
- Off-Road Rear Fenders (6’4″ bed): Tough, durable fenders feature wider wheel wells allowing for tremendous suspension articulation, zero tire-to-body interference, and provide an imposing, aggressive appearance. (MSRP: $1,020, Part No. P5155665)
- Sport Performance Hood: Stamped aluminum, dual-scooped hood with molded bezels adds to the forceful appearance of the Ram Runner Kit. (MSRP: $978, Part No. 82211065AD)
- 5.7L Cat-back Exhaust: Dual exhaust with chromed tips for bumper with cut-outs. (MSRP: $1,135, Part No. P5155280)
Mopar also shot some footage of the 2011 Mopar Ram Runner in action during the 2011 Moab Easter Jeep Safari last month. You can check out that video below! To see more photos of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Vehicles, simply click on any of the images in the post. Thanks again for checking out Chrysler Catchall!
Mopar '11 Charger
April 13, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Building on the success of last year’s Mopar® version of the Dodge Challenger, Chrysler Group LLC’s Mopar Division will launch a limited-edition Dodge Charger outfitted with select high-performance parts and appearance items straight from the Mopar parts catalog.
“The Mopar ‘11 Charger takes the ‘head- turning’ factor up a few notches,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “By adding some of the most distinctive accessories to an already strong performer, we’ve created a special-edition car for enthusiasts.”
Powered by the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® with 370 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque, the specially equipped Charger includes the “Super Trac Pac” option that pushes the capabilities of the Mopar Charger in acceleration, handling and braking. Already powerful, the 5.7-liter has been tuned to extract the maximum amount of torque from the engine with the inclusion of a specially calibrated engine controller. The controller matches maximum engine power and transmission shifting to the differential for the Mopar ’11 Charger.
Mopar 11 Charger
Backed with a proven five-speed W5A580 automatic, Mopar aficionados will appreciate the latest generation “Pistol Grip” shifter combined with Auto Stick. With Auto Stick, drivers may select a higher or lower gear while the transmission controller helps prevent the possibility of an over-rev condition. At the rear, the differential has been boosted up with a new 3.91:1 final-drive ratio for enhanced acceleration – unique to the Mopar Charger. Initial testing of the Mopar ’11 Charger has shown 0-to-60 mph blasts in the low five-second range.
Enhancements to the chassis include adding larger front 30mm solid stabilizer bar and rear 20mm solid stabilizer bar, increases from 27mm and 16mm (respectively). Adding to the overall stability and handling of the Mopar Charger are cross-car braces located at both the front and rear shock towers. For increased luggage space, the rear tower-to-tower brace may be easily removed.
Mopar '11 Charger
Specific-design, 20-inch x 8-inch Envy wheels are fitted with Goodyear F1 Supercar 245/45ZR20 tires at all four corners. Wheels are a five-spoke design with a 45mm offset, include specific Mopar center caps and are finished in a high-gloss black complementing the overall ”Pitch Black” exterior finish of the Mopar Charger.
Excellent stopping power is provided through vented rotors measuring 345mm x 28mm up front that are fitted with dual-piston, sliding calipers. At the rear, vented rotors measuring 320mm x 22mm, coupled with single-piston calipers are used.
Available only in a “Pitch Black” finish, exterior highlights of the Mopar Charger include a pair of specific Mopar Blue racing stripes running from the front air dam across the hood and over the roof ending at the bottom of the rear fascia. Ornamentation is limited to a front grille and rear-deck Mopar badge. A rear spoiler is standard on the Charger special-edition model.
Mopar '11 Charger
Inside, unique Katzkin leather seats are stitched in Mopar Blue thread. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is identically trimmed. Engine-turned instrument bezels and a special identification plaque identifying the vehicle as part of a limited edition of 1,000 are affixed to the instrument panel. Owners also receive a custom Mopar key fob badge.
Bright pedal covers, premium floor mats with the Mopar logo and front-door sill entry guards featuring the Mopar logo also are included with the package.
The Mopar ’11 Charger will be built in Brampton, Ontario, and completed at an upfit center in Windsor, Ontario. The Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the limited-edition Mopar ’11 Charger is $39,750, which includes destination fee.
Mopar 11 Charger- Original Sketch
Customers who purchase a Mopar ’11 Charger will receive a personalized owner kit in a customized Mopar ’11 box. The kit will include a certificate with the vehicle identification number (VIN), exact date of manufacture and the number of the vehicle. The kit will also include a brochure that highlights the unique features of the vehicle, exclusive Mopar ’11 merchandise.
Check out the video below to see them smokin’ the tires! Also, Tricia Hecker, Mopar’s Head of Marketing, breaks the car down for you and shows off some of the details. As always, click any of the images in this post to see more photos of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram vehicles! Thanks again for checkin’ out Chrysler Catchall!
April 13, 2011 , Center Line, Mich. – A new Dodge Avenger rally car was unveiled today at Chrysler Group LLC’s Mopar Complex in Center Line, Mich., heralding the first collaboration in the brand’s newly announced relationship with Magneti Marelli.
The public will get their first glimpse of the vehicle up close at the New York International Auto Show, April 22–May 1.
“Our Dodge Avenger Rally car showcases Mopar’s new relationship with Magneti Marelli,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “Our companies worked closely together to bring this vehicle to life in a joint build that utilizes proven, quality-tested performance parts and accessories from Mopar and Magneti Marelli. We will gauge reaction to this vehicle and determine which parts will go into production.”
Mopar’s choice of a rally car to christen the new alliance with Magneti Marelli found its roots in the Italian aftermarket parts supplier’s rich tradition in rally car competition in Europe, as well as the rising popularity of the motorsport in the United States. The build was conducted at Mopar’s accessory and performance parts lab in Center Line, Mich., where the vehicle was prepared. The result is a rally car that blends American flair with distinct European tradition.
“This is a purpose-built vehicle with collaborative parts from Magneti Marelli and Mopar,” said Dino Maggioni, CEO of Magneti Marelli Aftermarket. “We selected Magneti Marelli and Mopar parts, adapted them to the Dodge Avenger and made them unique. The result is a fascinating blend of these two iconic brands.”
Starting with a stock 2011 Dodge Avenger Heat, Mopar and Magneti Marelli engineers transformed the vehicle into a race-inspired vehicle equipped to handle the most challenging rally courses, while reducing the weight of the vehicle by nearly 200 pounds.
The Dodge Avenger’s interior was stripped down to bare essentials then outfitted with a variety of unique Mopar and Magneti Marelli parts to complete the conversion into a rally car, including a purpose-built center stack and console with a compact high-performance 1 GB data logger and an integrated GPS and inertial platform with real-time calculation of pitch and roll angles. A full 8-point Mopar roll cage, race seats with 5-point racing harnesses, steering wheel and diamond-plate foot well from OMP, a world-renowned racing component manufacturer, round out the interior transformation.
A new Dodge Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine powers the Dodge Avenger rally car, controlled by paddle shifts integrated into the steering wheel. To enhance performance, the exhaust system and Mopar cold-air intake boost horsepower from 283 bhp to 300 bhp. A high-performance Mopar/Magneti Marelli braking system provides a stable, solid braking performance under all driving conditions for the Dodge Avenger. As part of this braking package, a single-lever, dual-control rear braking system, which allows the driver to actuate both rear brakes in order to initiate the sudden slides and turns required in negotiating tough rally courses, is included.
A special Mopar/Magneti Marelli-modified suspension lowers the ride of the Dodge Avenger by 1.5 inches, improving handling, cornering ability and response as the vehicle zooms over rally course obstacles on durable Pirelli tires and unique Mopar/Magneti Marelli 18-inch alloy racing wheels. The exterior is finished in Brilliant Black and features a Mopar/Magneti Marelli graphics wrap with a rear spoiler, hood and mud flaps.
Upon completion of the vehicle, engineers conducted extensive performance testing at Chrysler Group’s proving grounds in Chelsea, Mich.
Mopar's New Buddies
April 13, 2011 , Center Line, Mich. – Last year, more than 2.6 million customers with competitive vehicles visited Chrysler Group dealerships for light maintenance, including oil changes and tire rotations. Today, Chrysler Group’s Mopar division announced a strategic agreement with Magneti Marelli and Shell Lubricants that will give its dealership network the ability to fully service competitive vehicles.
Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer, MOPAR
“After introducing a number of initiatives to improve service for our customers, including brand-specific customer-care lines, extended service hours during weekdays and weekends and a push for Mopar Express Lanes, taking care of owners with competitive vehicles is the next frontier. For customers with competitive vehicles, Mopar’s agreement with Magneti Marelli and Shell Lubricants effectively creates one-stop service shops at our Chrysler Group dealerships. And with the addition of 3,000 quality-tested parts, our dealership network will now have the ability to fully service customers who drive into our service lanes with competitive vehicles. In addition to customers with competitive vehicles, our dealers will now be able to supply independent repair facilities with a full line of premium parts,” said Gorlier. “With this unique collaboration, this move further positions Mopar as a leader in customer care.”
–Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar
Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand
Beginning this month, Magneti Marelli will begin supplying Mopar and Chrysler Group dealerships with brakes, shocks, struts, oil filters, air filters, fuel filters and cabin filters for competitive makes. Other product lines will gradually phase into the Chrysler Group dealership network.
“Over the past few months, we have worked closely with Mopar on distribution synergies and our parts range proposition. We are ready to develop our presence in the U.S. aftermarket, bringing our product expertise and becoming the brand source for the company’s all-makes parts.”
-Dino Maggioni
CEO of Magneti Marelli Aftermarket
In addition to Magneti Marelli, Mopar is also working with Shell Lubricants in order to further bolster the company’s move to offer dedicated express-lane services in its dealerships. Shell Lubricants provides dealer-level program and marketing support and supplies the Mopar oil program with premium Mopar and Pennzoil® motor oils for Chrysler Group vehicles and competitive makes.
Magneti Marelli hits the Shelves
In addition to Pennzoil passenger-car motor oils, Mopar’s oil program will feature Shell Rotella® heavy-duty engine oils. Both Pennzoil and Shell Rotella are the most preferred brands in the US in their respective categories and will be featured components of Mopar’s Express Lane program.
“We are very pleased to be working with Chrysler Group, the Mopar brand and its dealers. Chrysler Group builds some of the finest vehicles in the US, delivering cutting-edge design and performance, and we are proud to provide their dealers with our leading Pennzoil® and Shell Rotella® motor oils for the vehicles they service.”
–Lisa Davis– President
Shell Bulk Fuels and Lubricants, Americas
For more information, Check out the Chrysler News Release. In the spirit of announcements, Dodge has also released a Dodge Avenger Rally Car that they’ve built for this special occasion. Click here to read more! Thanks again for checking out Chrysler Catchall!
2011 Dodge Challenger with Mopar Drag Pak
April 8, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Less than one month after making its competition debut, the 2011 Mopar® Challenger V-10 Drag Pak is already rewriting the NHRA record books.
Dave Thomas, of Westchester, Pa., powered his 2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak to a record-setting 9.43-second elapsed time (ET) at 143.90 mph during a test session on Thursday, April 7 at the NHRA Division 1 National Open event at Atco (N.J.) Raceway (the test session allowed for record attempts). Thomas captured both the ET and mph records in the AA/SA class just two weeks after taking ownership of his Mopar Drag Pak, and with only a few passes under his belt in the new V-10-powered beast.
“In less than one month of competition, our 2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak has made its presence known in the NHRA Sportsman ranks,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “Mopar is the only source for racers who want to purchase a factory-built, V-10-powered race-ready package car.”
2011 Mopar® Challenger V-10 Drag Pak
“The first run we made in the car was last Sunday,” said Thomas, who backed up his record with a 9.46 ET run. “We only had eight passes in the car prior to our first run down the track yesterday, which was the record-setter. I know I could have gone quicker. On the second run, the car left good but I let off at the end of the pass.”
“It’s a spectacular car,” added Thomas, who has been racing since 1971, in vehicles including a HEMI® Plymouth Barracuda. “We basically added weight bars to make minimum weight, and that was it. On its first-ever run, the car went a 9.79 at 137 mph. It’s a turn-key operation. There are no headaches involved in setting it up at all. You just get in there and drive it. It’s neat that the factory can make something like this.”
2011 Mopar® Challenger V-10 Drag Pak
The 2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak, the first and only 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag race package car, was unveiled at the Dodge Viper Owners Invitational in October 2010. Based on the 2011 Dodge Challenger and finished in a Stock Eliminator and Super Stock configuration, the vehicle features competition wheels and tires, a Mopar solid rear axle with performance gear ratio, a 2-speed drag race transmission with integrated roll control, a complete competition fuel system with fuel cell, and a complete interior with gauge package.
2011 Mopar® Challenger V-10 Drag Pak
The race-ready package car made its competition debut when Frank Teuton Jr. entered his Mopar V-10 Drag Pak at the NHRA Gatornationals less than a month ago. Frank’s brother, Joseph Teuton, took the car to its first class (AA/SA) win at the JEGS Cajun SPORTSnationals on March 18.
For complete information on the Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak, including ordering information, visit http://www.mopar.com or your local Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer.
I’ve also included one of the new Chrysler 200 Commercials released today. You can check that out below. As always, click any of the images in the post to see more pics of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram vehicles! Thanks again for checking out Chrysler Catchall!
2011 Ram 1500 Express
April 7, 2011 , Dallas- The Ram 1500 Express — originally announced Feb. 15, 2011 under the code name Adventurer — is a new Ram Truck model aimed squarely at first-time buyers and owners who are looking for a vehicle with performance and style that they can customize and make their own.
“We’re excited about the addition of this new model to the Ram 1500 lineup. There’s nothing that compares to the high-performance value represented by the Ram 1500 Express. Ram 1500 Express combines great looks and MPG along with HEMI horsepower, torque, towing and payload, all at a fantastic price. It gives the youth or first-time truck buyer an opportunity to show off a great looking ride, with unsurpassed V8 entry-level capability, in a tremendous value-priced package.”
-Fred Diaz
Ram Truck President and CEO
Head of National Sales – Chrysler Group LLC
2011 Ram 1500 Express
Plans to launch the new Ram 1500 Express were pulled ahead after company executives saw a groundswell of support for the then-just-announced Ram Tradesman.
The Ram Tradesman — unveiled Feb. 9, 2011 at the Chicago Auto Show — is a value-priced, HEMI®-powered Ram 1500 regular cab truck that appeals to a cost-conscious, new-vehicle buyer who doesn’t want to give up performance and capability.
The new Ram 1500 Express — like the Ram Tradesman — offers buyers a standard HEMI V8 engine with a 20 mpg rating for the same price competitors are charging for their V6 engines.
Mopar has announced that it will have hundreds of accessories available for buyers who are looking to personalize their Ram 1500 Express.
2011 Ram 1500 Express
“Given that the Ram 1500 Express is an aggressively priced truck, owners will have plenty left over to personalize and customize their ride. For this truck, Mopar will offer more than 300 quality-tested accessories from which to choose.”
-Pietro Gorlier
President and CEO of Mopar
2011 Ram 1500 Express
Loaded with Features
In addition to the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with 390 horsepower and 407 lb.-ft. of torque, Ram 1500 Express comes loaded with features that emphasize its high-performance character.
The first thing drivers will notice is the Ram 1500 Express’ racy, monochromatic paint scheme. A body-colored grille with black honeycomb inserts, body-colored front fascia and body-colored rear fascia with chrome-tipped dual exhausts shout “high-performance.” The new Ram model will also get fog lamps and 20-inch aluminum wheels with locking lug nuts. There’s also a locking tailgate, cargo lamp, rear-bumper step pad, 6” x 9” side-view mirrors and rear wheel-well liners.
Standard features also include a 160-amp alternator, 26-gallon fuel tank, 3.55 rear axle ratio, 700-amp maintenance-free battery, four and seven-pin trailer wiring harness, heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers, front and rear stabilizer bars, power rack-and-pinion steering, halogen headlamps, heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling and a full-size spare tire.
Inside, the 1500 Express will get a heavy-duty vinyl 40/20/40 split-bench seat, and buyers will have a choice of vinyl or carpeted floor covering. Other features include air conditioning, an instrument cluster with tachometer and 120-mph speedometer, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, four-spoke tilt steering wheel, six-speaker media center with CD and MP3 player, as well as audio jack input for mobile devices, automatic headlamps, behind-the-seat storage bins, driver and passenger assist handles, power accessory delay, rear dome lamp, rear-view day/night mirror, tinted glass windows, tip start and variable intermittent windshield wipers.
Safety features include advanced multistage front air bags, supplemental front curtain and side air bags, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability control, height-adjust shoulder belts, sentry key theft deterrent system and tire pressure monitoring warning lamp.
Ram 1500 Express is available in Bright Silver Metallic, Bright White, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl; Deep Water Blue Pearl; Flame Red, Hunter Green Pearl and Mineral Gray Metallic.
2011 Ram 1500 Express
Options for Personalization
Buyers can choose their own options. In addition to a Class IV receiver hitch, Ram 1500 Express is available with long list of options.
Factory-installed exterior options include Mopar chrome tubular side steps, Mopar chrome steel bed rails, folding and heated trailer-tow power mirrors with supplemental signals and courtesy lamps, spray-in bedliner and under-rail bedliner.
Inside, buyers can choose a cloth 40/20/40 split-bench seat, Uconnect voice command with Bluetooth, rear-view auto-dim mirror, remote USB port, sliding rear window, cruise control, instrument cluster with vehicle information center display screen, tire pressure monitoring display, power one-touch windows, remote keyless entry, Sirius Satellite Radio and either carpet or rubber floor mats.
There’s also choice of two optional rear-axle ratios (3.21, 3.92), anti-spin differential, engine block heater and trailer brake controller.
Ram 1500 Express comes as a regular cab, short-bed model, with a choice of 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain. When equipped with an optional Class IV hitch, the new Ram 1500 Express will tow a maximum trailer weight of 10,450 lbs.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the new Ram 1500 Express will start at $23,830, including $975 destination charge. It will arrive in Ram Truck dealerships in second quarter 2011.
To see more photos of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Vehicles, simply click any of the images in the post! I’ve also included the most recent edition of “Under The Pentastar” below. Thanks again for checking out Chrysler Catchall!
Jeep Wrangler JK-8 Independence
At the 2011 Moab Easter Jeep Safari preview Thursday morning, Mopar® brand unveiled a new JK-8 kit that will allow four-door Jeep® Wrangler owners to transform their ride into a Wrangler pickup.
With “excitement” in the marketpalce for pickup trucks, and more than 500,000 Jeep Wrangler vehicles on the road, Mopar CEO Pietro Gorlier said the kit will meet a this growing demand.
Wrangler JK8 Independence
Head of Mopar Sales & Marketing Jim Sassorossi said the JK-8 kit also was “inspired” from Jeep enthusiasts’ reaction to past pickup trucks, like the Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 from the mid 1980s, the Jeep Nukizer unveiled last year, and the J-8 military Jeep currently in operation.
Sassorossi said DIYers can transfrom their four-door Wrangler using the JK-8 kit in as little as a weekend. (Though, Sassorossi said they’d have to hurry to do so.) Or, Wrangler owners can have a dealer do it. During the Easter Jeep Safari preview, the JK-8 kit was showcased with a Wranger JK-8 Independence.
Wrangler JK8 Independence Bed
Sassorossi said Mopar is still getting feedback from its dealer network on pricing, and looking for more feedback from the 2011 Moab Easter Jeep Safari before finalizing all details — with planned release during late summer.
The bed length (right) is 50 inches and the width between wheel wells is 44 inches. The Mopar team created body panels to cover the second-row entrance and removed all of the interior parts behind the front seats—transforming the vehicle into a two-seater with just enough room for gear inside, and a pickup style bed to be used for outside cargo.
JK-8 drivetrain is fitted with a Mopar/Dynatrac ProRock 44 front axle and stock Dana 44 rear axle, both spun with 4.88 gears. Linking the axles to the frame is a 4.5-inch long-arm suspension kit and 37-inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrain KM2 tires make the connection to the ground.
JK-8 kit includes bed floor, inner/outer body panels, half hard top (works with Freedom Top panels), and a new bulkhead.
I’ve also included some photos below from the 2011 Moab Easter Jeep Safari Preview. Mopar kitted out a handful of Jeeps as well as setup one of the new Ram 1500’s with the Mopar Ram Runner Package. Check out Chrysler Media’s Blog Post for more info about the Special Moparized Jeeps and Ram. As always, click any of the photos to see more photos of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Vehicles.
Mopar Ram Runner
Jeep Compass Canyon
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Wrangler "Pork Chop"
Jeep Wrangler Renegade
Built For Export 2011 Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Wrangler Blue Crush
Chrysler Catchall 