The production version of the Jeep J8 was recently revealed at Euro Jeep Camp 2008, a customer event in northern Germany. The J8 marks the Jeep brand's return to commercial and military vehicle production with a modern vehicle designed to meet the needs of nongovernment organizations and government agencies.
"The new Jeep J8 combines the legendary capability and dependability that makes the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited famous with unmatched cargo capacity and an exceptional towing rating," said Thomas Hausch, Chrysler LLC's vice president of international sales. "The Jeep J8 is also exceptional value, priced far below other vehicles designed for humanitarian and military duty."
With the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as the starting point, Jeep engineers increased the capability and versatility to create the Jeep J8. The frame of the Wrangler Unlimited has been reinforced for increased ruggedness and to allow greater payloads--up to a maximum of 2,756 pounds.
The J8's rear axle is a Dana 60 model with brake discs engineered specifically for more demanding use. The rear suspension used a leaf-spring suspension system while its Command-Trac four-wheel drive system allows maximum versatility and performance in on- and off-road conditions.
The Jeep J8 is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 158 HP and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, providing towing capability of more than 7,700 pounds. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The J8 also features a unique air-intake system with special filtration and a hood-mounted air inlet that enables the J8 to ford water up to 30 inches deep and operate in sandstorm conditions for up to five hours. The Jeep J8 features best-in-class water-fording capability and ground clearance.
The Jeep J8 is available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for personnel or equipment transport, or a four-door multipurpose vehicle. It may be produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in either right-hand or left-hand drive. The two-door version, for example, can be configured as a personnel carrier with seating for eight.
While not designed for front-line combat operations, the Jeep J8 is armor capable and excels in a variety of duties ranging from command vehicle to troop/cargo carrier, ambulance, communications vehicle and other duties, also making it suitable for civilian government applications. Tow eyes and heavy-duty bumpers allow the Jeep J8 to be easily transported by airplane or helicopter.
The Jeep J8 will be produced in the Chrysler LLC joint-venture facility in Cairo, Egypt. There are no plans to offer the J8 through Chrysler dealers to civilian customers.
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