Jeep's Moab concepts revealed

Jeep has revealed its seven concept cars for the Moab 50th anniversary Easter Jeep Safari.

All the vehicles have been customised and equipped to convey a sense of go-anywhere, do-anything practicality, but each vehicle embodies its own distinct theme.

The Crew Chief 715 is described in the company's press material as "a salute to legendary Jeep military service vehicles". Resembling the Kaiser M715, it's based on the Wrangler Unlimited, and is powered by the 3.6-litre petrol V6 driving through a five-speed automatic to 20-inch beadlock wheels shod with 40-inch NDT military tyres. An on-board air system with "a hard-mounted quick-disconnect fitting" can raise or lower the tyre pressures of the Crew Chief and other vehicles encountered in its travels. Other upgrade features include a master cylinder brake upgrade, cold air intake and a modified exhaust.

Like all the concept vehicles, Crew Chief 715 is a showcase of Chrysler's parts division, Mopar. Bolt-on bits for the Crew Chief 715 include off-road rock rails, front and rear winches, Dana 60 axles, a four-inch lift kit and Fox 2.0 Remote Reservoir shocks. Finished in 'Tactical Green', the Crew Chief 715 features a military-themed 1500mm cargo bed.

The cabin is kitted out with leather bucket seats (with canvas inserts), Mopar all-weather mats, a media centre with a centrally located navigational compass, and switchgear inspired by the aviation industry.

A very different kind of vehicle, the Jeep Trailcat is a short-wheelbase Wrangler featuring the 6.2-litre Hellcat V8 under the bonnet, driving through a six-speed manual transmission and finished in a lime green colour. It's sort of a Baja racer tribute.

To fit the Hellcat engine the Trailcat's wheelbase was stretched by about 300mm. Its purposeful looks were achieved by chopping the windshield 50mm and fitting Mopar's 'power-dome' vented hood, a grille in satin-black finish, LED headlights, fog lights and rock rails.

Riding on 17-inch beadlock wheels and 39.5-inch BF-Goodrich Krawler T/A KX tyres, the Trailcat also features Dana 60 axles front and rear, plus Fox shocks. Sport bucket seats are lifted from the Dodge Viper and feature Katzkin leather over a carbon-fibre construction.

Another military tribute – but one that harks back to the first gulf war, supposedly – is the Jeep Trailstorm, which is finished in faux desert camouflage and rides on 37-inch tyres and a two-inch lift kit, with drive provided via Dana 44 axles. Wheels measure 17 inches in diameter and are wrapped in 37-inch tyres. Parts from Mopar include Fox dampers and a Jeep Performance Parts Rubicon winch.

Other goodies include a grille finished in satin black, LED headlights and fog lights, high-top fenders, 'power-dome' vented hood, Mopar off-road rock rails with a step, Big Brake Kit, a concept fast-back soft top, tail light guards and a Mopar fuel filler door.

Power is derived from a combination of 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with five-speed automatic transmission.

Looking more a truck than an SUV, the FC 150 is described as a "heritage cab-over design, rich in history and capable of tackling any terrain." Clearly the 'FC' refers to forward control.

The vehicle is the real deal – a truck dating back to 1960 and based on the CJ-5 from that period. Jeep has partly restored the FC 150, taking care not to dispense with some of its wear-and-tear legacy. Under its original bodywork, the FC 510 rides on a 2005 Wrangler chassis with a Dana 44 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle and 17-inch white steel wheels with 33-inch BF-Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tyres. Power is supplied by a 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder driving through a three-speed automatic.

The Jeep Shortcut recalls the CJ-5 (Civilian Jeep) that pioneered the offroad craze in North America and opened up hard-core tracks like the Rubicon Trail. Also based on the Wrangler, the Shortcut features customised exterior styling, a modified exhaust, and 17-inch steel wheels with 35-inch BF-Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tyres.

The 3.6-litre V6 under the bonnet is matched to a five-speed automatic and Dana 44 axles. Shorter by 300mm overall, the Jeep Shortcut rides higher, thanks to a two-inch lift kit.

Based on the Renegade, the Jeep Comanche is essentially a ute that the manufacturer claims "to be off-road ready with practical utility."

And lastly, the Renegade Commander is closer to the production vehicle base, but tweaked for getting away and reaching "secluded wilderness".

“Every year, the Jeep team looks forward to pushing the limits with new, exciting and capable concept vehicles for our most loyal enthusiasts at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, where we receive a tremendous amount of valuable feedback,” said Mike Manley, Head of the Jeep Brand.

“This year is extra special, as together with our biggest fans, we celebrate Jeep’s 75th anniversary, as well as the 50th running of the Jeep Safari. We’re delighted to share seven of the most capable and eye-catching concept Jeep vehicles we’ve ever created at this year’s historic event.”

The Easter Jeep Safari for 2016 runs from March 19 to 27. It's the 50th year for the event, and marks Jeep's 75th anniversary too. Thousands are expected to visit the Utah township for the festival, according to Jeep.