Western Motors displays new military version of Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

"Jeep vehicles made their original military duty debut in 1941, and have built their reputation with more than 65 years as the world's benchmark for off-road capability and versatility for civilian and military vehicles," said Kamal Rafih, General Manager of Western Motors.

"The new Jeep J8 marks the brand's return to vehicle production for military and civilian government use - the same capability that makes the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited famous also makes the Jeep J8 a truly multipurpose vehicle," he added.

The production version of the Jeep J8 was first revealed at Euro Jeep Camp 2008, a customer event in Northern Germany, marking Jeep's return to commercial and military vehicle production in the form of a thoroughly modern vehicle designed to meet the highly demanding requirements of both non-government organisations 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," added Rafih. "The Jeep J8 also represents exceptional value, and is priced competitively against 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 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs.).

The rear axle is a Dana 60 model with brake discs engineered specifically for more demanding use. The rear suspension utilises a leaf-spring suspension system while the J8's Command-Trac four-wheel drive system allows maximum versatility and performance in both 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 400 Nm of torque. It provides a towing capability of up to 3,500kg. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

"The J8, which delivers best-in-class water-fording capability and ground clearance, features a unique air-intake system with special filtration and a hood-mounted air inlet that enables it to ford water up to 762 mm (30 in.) deep and operate in sandstorm conditions for up to five hours," added Rafih.

The Jeep J8 is available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for personnel or equipment transport and a four-door multipurpose vehicle. It can be produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in right-hand or left-hand drive variants. The two-door version, for example, can be configured as a personnel carrier with seating for up to eight.

While not designed for front-line combat operations, the Jeep J8 is armour 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 aeroplane or helicopter.

The Jeep J8 will be produced in the Chrysler LLC joint-venture facility in Cairo, Egypt.

Jeep in the Military

It was in June 1941 that the U.S. Army received its first shipments of the Willys MA, the rugged 4x4 vehicle that came to be called the Jeep. This predecessor to today's Jeep Wrangler would prove so vital to the Allies' World War II effort that General Dwight D. Eisenhower declared that the war could not have been won without the Jeep vehicle.

Jeep vehicles have been produced for various militaries around the world. The Jeep J8 marks the start of Jeep's renewed commitment to supply the defence community with the highest-quality 4x4 vehicles available anywhere in the world.