Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

FCA Pushes Jeep Products to the Limit with Safari

Seven new Jeep concept vehicles, featuring an array of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts available to consumers, will conquer the challenging trails of Moab, Utah, at the Easter Jeep Safari.

by Staff
March 10, 2016
FCA Pushes Jeep Products to the Limit with Safari

Jeep Crew Chief 715 Concept. Photo: FCA 

7 min to read


Seven new Jeep concept vehicles, featuring an array of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts available to consumers, will conquer the challenging trails of Moab, Utah, at the Easter Jeep Safari, March 19-27. The event is celebrating its 50th, anniversary, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Jeep brand.

Ad Loading...

The 2016 crop of Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles utilizes both production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts. The Mopar brand is responsible for developing, building and ensuring that all Jeep Performance Parts meet rigorous specifications and with 4x4 capabilities in mind, allowing Jeep owners to further enhance their stock vehicle.

Ad Loading...

The seven new Jeep concept vehicles built for Moab this year were created by a team of dedicated, passionate engineers, designers and fabricators that have been customizing production vehicles since 2002, and have introduced more than 50 concept vehicles for the enthusiasts who attend the popular Easter Jeep Safari.

The 2016 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles include:

Jeep Crew Chief 715

Jeep Crew Chief 715 Concept. Photo: FCA 

The Jeep Crew Chief 715 concept vehicle was built as a salute to legendary Jeep military service vehicles, in particular the Kaiser M715. This open-air Wrangler Unlimited-based concept vehicle showcases a burly design with heritage styling cues. The Crew Chief 715 utilizes modern-day construction with a rear seat and extra doors for additional passenger capacity while staying close to its classic military roots, according to the automaker.

Original Jeep military service vehicles were legendary for getting troops through rugged terrain, and the Jeep Crew Chief 715 illustrates this legacy. Steel front and rear bumpers, 20-inch beadlock wheels and 40-inch NDT military tires pay homage to the original Jeep military vehicles. The Crew Chief 715 utilizes an on-board air system with a hard-mounted quick-disconnect fitting for airing up or lending assistance to other vehicles on the trail. Other features include a master cylinder brake upgrade, cold air intake and a modified exhaust, according to the automaker.

Exterior features, such as Jeep Performance Parts off-road rock rails, a winch mounted into the front and rear bumpers, Dana 60 front and rear axles and a 4-inch lift kit with Jeep Performance Parts/Fox 2.0 Remote Reservoir shocks, give the Crew Chief 715 increased capability. The “Tactical Green” color scheme runs from the custom modified M715-inspired front-end to the tailgate. The Crew Chief 715 features a military themed 5-foot cargo bed, according to the automaker.

Ad Loading...

The interior features leather bucket seats with canvas inserts, aircraft-inspired control switches and Mopar all-weather mats. The media center features a centrally located navigational compass, according to the automaker.

The Jeep Crew Chief 715 is powered by the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Shortcut

A  take on the Jeep CJ-5, this Wrangler-based concept vehicle invokes the spirit of 1950s Americana with a shortened body and functional simplicity, according to the automaker.

Exterior styling cues include a unique grille, hood, tailgate, front and rear wheel flares and custom chrome front and rear bumpers. The Jeep Shortcut features a modified exhaust, 17-inch red steel wheels, and 35-inch BF-Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires, according to the automaker.

Jeep Performance Parts featured on the Shortcut include a front and rear Dana 44 axle and a 2-inch lift with Fox shocks. Overall body length has been reduced by more than 12 inches to keep the Shortcut concept vehicle light and maneuverable on the trails, according to the automaker.

Ad Loading...

The simple yet functional interior features low-back leather bucket seats with plaid inserts, a red ball shifter handle, four-point safety cage and Mopar all-weather mats, according to the automaker.

The Jeep Shortcut is powered by the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine and mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Renegade Commander

The Jeep Renegade Commander concept vehicle is equipped with an assortment of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts. A 2-inch lift kit and 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels with 29.5-inch BF-Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires increase the off-road capabilities of the Jeep Renegade Commander.

The “Fluorescent Gray” exterior features Renegade’s MySky open-air roof with removable panels, custom body decal, Mopar off-road rock rails, skid plates and a modified exhaust. Also featured are the Mopar brand’s trailer hitch receiver and front and rear auxiliary lights, according to the automaker.

Inside, the Renegade Commander includes Katzkin seat covers, body color bezel accents, a pedal kit, Mopar off-road kit and Mopar all-weather floor mats.

Ad Loading...

The Jeep Renegade Commander is powered by the 2.4L Tigershark engine with MultiAir2 mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive Low.

Jeep Comanche

Based on the Jeep Renegade, the Jeep Comanche concept vehicle is designed to be off-road ready with practical utility. A nod to Jeep pickup trucks of years past, the Comanche concept takes styling cues from military and civilian Jeep heritage.

The Comanche’s “Beige Against the Machine” concept exterior paint is accented with a Satin Black hood, a concept lower front fascia, winch, steel rear bumper, soft top and spare tire in the bed. The wheelbase has been stretched an additional six inches versus a production Renegade to accommodate Comanche’s 5-foot bed, according tot he automaker.

Inside, the Comanche features custom seat covers, pedal covers, door sill guards and Mopar all-weather mats. Jeep Performance Parts like off-road rock rails, a 2-inch lift kit and a winch bolster the Comanche’s off-road capability. The Comanche rolls on 16-inch painted wheels and 32-inch BF-Goodrich All Terrain T/A tires, according to the automaker.

The Jeep Comanche is powered by a 2.0L diesel I-4 engine and mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive Lock, which includes low range and a locking rear differential.

Ad Loading...

Jeep FC 150

The 1960 Jeep FC 150 concept vehicle is rich with heritage and built to tackle both challenging rocky trails and the harshness of a western cattle ranch. Originally built from 1956 to 1965, the FC 150 is based on the CJ-5 keeps overall length to a minimum for maneuverability, but maintaining a full-length cargo box for utility.

This heritage Jeep vehicle continues to utilize its original steel body that proudly bears “battle scars” while components underneath have been revamped. The FC 150’s off-road prowess has been enhanced courtesy of a 2005 Jeep Wrangler chassis modified to accept a Dana 44 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle and 17-inch white steel wheels wrapped in 33-inch BF-Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires, according to the automaker.

Inside, the FC 150 features vinyl seat covers, a custom headliner wrapped in a vintage duck hunting pattern, CB radio, analog compass and Mopar all-weather mats, according to the automaker.

The Jeep FC 150 heritage vehicle is powered by a 4.0L PowerTech I-6 and is mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Trailcat

The Jeep Trailcat concept vehicle is designed to be equally at home on Moab’s rugged trails or a high-speed section.The Trailcat is equipped with the supercharged 6.2L HEMI Hellcat V-8 engine, and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a custom shifter ball featuring an embossed Hellcat logo.

Ad Loading...

To get the 707-hp Hellcat engine into the Trailcat, designers stretched the wheelbase an additional 12 inches while chopping the windshield two inches for a sleeker look. Mopar exterior enhancements include a power-dome vented hood, Satin Black grille, LED headlamps and fog lamps and rock rails, according to the automaker.

The robust off-road look is further aided by steel front and rear bumpers, 17-inch beadlock wheels and 39.5-inch BF-Goodrich Krawler T/A KX tires, front and rear Dana 60 axles and Fox shocks.

Subtle design cues, such as a Hellcat decal on the front quarter panels and a “Trailcat” decal on the side of the hood, hint at the horsepower that lurks beneath, making this much more than a typical production Wrangler. The Trailcat’s interior is simple yet functional and features sport bucket seats from the Dodge Viper, made from carbon fiber and featuring Katzkin leather seat covers with accent stitching, according to the automaker.

Jeep Trailstorm

Jeep Trailstorm Concept. Photo: FCA

The Trailstorm concept vehicle is a Jeep Wrangler designed for exploring off the beaten path. Offering room for extra gear and fuel tanks, it is based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, and delivers elevated capability to conquer trails with ease.

Off-road capabilities are enhanced with several Jeep Performance Parts, including 17-inch concept off-road wheels wrapped in 37-inch tires, a 2-inch lift kit with Jeep Performance Parts/Fox shocks, a Jeep Performance Parts Rubicon winch, and Dana 44 front and rear axles. Half doors offer a clear view of obstacles ahead and a bedlined interior makes cleaning up after a day on the trails easy, according to the automaker.

Ad Loading...

Mopar exterior enhancements include a winch guard, Satin Black grille, 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. Finishing the Trailstorm’s exterior upgrades are a steel front and rear Rubicon bumper and a Jeep Performance Parts tire carrier. The Trailstorm is wrapped in camouflage allowing it to blend into its surroundings in the Utah desert, according to the automaker.

The Trailstorm’s bedlined interior also features Katzkin seat covers and Mopar all-weather floor mats. The Jeep Trailstorm is powered by a 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.


Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

More Upfitting

Rear view of a Jeep Wrangler at a mountain campsite, featuring an open tailgate and DECKED storage drawer system loaded with camping gear, while campers sit around a fire in a snowy landscape.
Upfitting•October 28, 2026

DECKED Expands Signature Drawer System to Most Popular SUVs

DECKED's signature Drawer System, a fixture in truck beds since 2014, now fits a full lineup of SUVs, including the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, Toyota Land Cruiser, and more.

Read More →
Red Ram and Ford crew cab chassis trucks parked on a gravel lot, with oversized off-road tires, front winches, auxiliary lights, and exposed rear frame rails.
Upfitting•by Lauren Fletcher•October 28, 2026

Acela Adds Ford and Ram Platforms With DuraLink Suspension

Acela adds Class 3-5 Ford and Ram chassis with DuraLink suspension, giving upfitters new options for demanding on- and off-road fleet applications.

Read More →
Work Truck graphic with a truck engine and the text “Rerating GVWR — What Fleets Need to Know.”
Safety & Compliance•by Staff•October 22, 2026

Re-rating Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR): Why and How it's Done

Sometimes, it is not in a fleet’s best interests to have a vehicle at a given GVWR. Changing the GVWR to a special value can be done, but the process is complicated.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Interior view of an empty commercial cargo truck body featuring smooth aluminum flooring, white sidewalls, enclosed wheel wells, and a translucent roof designed to allow natural light into the cargo area.
Upfitting•October 19, 2026

Tekmodo Introduces CargoBright Brand of Translucent Roofs

CargoBright is designed to diffuse daylight across the cargo area while performing as a working vehicle roof. Its reinforced composite construction is designed for impact, abrasion, moisture exposure, and UV exposure.

Read More →
Buyers Products Company Guarddog aluminum headache racks displayed in silver and black finishes against a blue background, featuring protective metal grid designs for pickup truck rear windows.
Upfitting•October 16, 2026

Buyers Products Expands Popular GuardDogg Headache Rack Line

Buyers Products’ aluminum GuardDogg headache rack is now available to contractors, construction crews, and utility fleets that want to reduce vehicle weight without sacrificing functionality.

Read More →
A worker refills agricultural spraying equipment beside a white pickup truck equipped with a Weather Guard transfer tank, with tools and supplies visible in the truck bed.
Upfitting•October 15, 2026

New Weather Guard Transfer Tank Engineered to Reduce Downtime and Improve Fleet Productivity

Weather Guard completely redesigned its line of transfer tanks to improve durability, simplify installation, and keep equipment running in demanding field conditions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Work Truck graphic showing an open cargo van equipped with storage and a machine lift holding equipment, with the headline “Benefits of Machine Lifts.”
Upfitting•by Wayne Parham•October 5, 2026

How Machine Lifts Drive Safety & Efficiency for Fleets

What is a machine lift, what fleets need them, and how do they improve safety and drive efficiency? What advantages do they have over ramps and liftgates?

Read More →
Weather Guard van configurator showing a transparent Ford Transit with shelving, storage, flooring, and roof rack equipment, alongside a pricing summary totaling $10,064.40
Upfitting•by News/Media Release•September 30, 2026

New Weather Guard Configurator Simplifies Planning and Design of Van Upfits

The Weather Guard Configurator combines vehicle-specific product compatibility with real-time 3D visualization to streamline design, quoting, and ordering for fleet managers, upfitters, and professional users. The latest version is now available for vans, with truck upfitting being added in early 2027.

Read More →
South Greenville Fire District red Isuzu box truck featuring Community Risk Reduction graphics, parked outside a fire station with a red-and-white fire engine in the background.
Upfitting•by News/Media Release•September 29, 2026

Isuzu Donates New N-Series NRR Truck to South Greenville Fire District to Support Community Outreach

Isuzu North America Corporation donated a new Isuzu N-Series NRR, equipped with a Morgan truck body and a Palfinger liftgate, to support fire safety education, community engagement, and outreach programs throughout Southern Greenville County, South Carolina.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic featuring EBY and Bostick Truck Center logos over a road map of Michigan highlighting cities including Detroit, Flint, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor.
Upfitting•by News/Media Release•September 18, 2026

M.H. Eby Announces Bostick Truck Center as Michigan Distributor

Bostick Truck Center in Pontiac, Michigan, is now the official distributor for Eby Truck Bodies in Michigan. It will have access to Eby’s Ford, GM, and Ram chassis pool programs.

Read More →