Mighty Mopar® Machines Arrive in Moab
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Auburn Hills, Mich. , Mar 31, 2010 – Chrysler Group LLC arrived with truckloads of head-turning, “Moparized” Jeep® vehicles to showcase at the 44th annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.
“Our customized production vehicles show how Mopar can accessorize Jeep and Ram vehicles that are on the road today while our image vehicles showcase directions we could take in the future,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer – Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. “We will gauge reaction to these vehicles. And as we develop our next generation of new Mopar parts and accessories, we will listen closely to this dedicated group of hard-core off-road enthusiasts.”
“Moparized” Vehicles
The Mopar design team is a small group of dedicated engineers, designers and fabricators who are led by Mark Allen, Chief Designer – Head of Jeep Design Studio, Chrysler Group LLC. The Mopar design team has been customizing production vehicles since 2002 and has introduced nearly 20 concept vehicles to enthusiast crowds at the Moab Jeep Safari.
The Mopar off-road engineering team is led by Keith Montone, Manager – Mopar Jeep and Ram Off-road Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. This experienced group of vehicle engineers is dedicated to providing Jeep customers with the best off-road parts and accessories. The team has introduced many new parts and played a key role in developing the first aftermarket lift kits available from an automotive manufacturer.
“Moab is a proving ground for us to test our vehicles on extreme trails alongside our customers,” said Allen. “We will take all of the feedback we get from our customers right back to the design studio with us.”
Following are six “Moparized” image vehicles that will be shown in Moab:
Jeep Wrangler J7
Built off of a four-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Jeep Wrangler J7 is designed to have the basic appeal of military-issued vehicles. The Mopar team removed standard content including carpet, fog lamps, alloy wheels and the stereo system before adding front and rear steel bumpers, ‘helicopter hooks’, a heavy-duty tailgate and steel wheels. Off-road capability is increased with a Mopar 2-inch suspension lift and 35-inch Mickey Thompson tires. The unique Mustard Plug exterior paint is highlighted with Jeep Wrangler J7 graphics.
Vehicle information:
Engine: 3.8-liter V6
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Overall height: 74.3 inches
Overall width: 78.6 inches
Wheelbase: 116 inches
Weight: 4,482 lbs.
Tires: 35-12.50R/17 M/T Baja Claw radial