As for the "Sarge" model, it's nothing more than a fantasy from Jeep's marketing gurus, a way to promote Mopar tuning accessories. This split-personality prototype is based on a mainstream product (Wrangler) and geared for military customers (J8).
J8 roots
The "Sarge" Concept is essentially an exhibition J8 aiming to make off-road enthusiasts drool. It uses most of the J8's mechanical components, such as the Dana 60 brakes and Dana 44 axles, which are stronger than those of the regular Wrangler Unlimited. The higher payload (1,339 kilos vs 1,150 for the Unlimited) would allow the J8 to receive armor plating, according to weapons experts.
Under the hood is a 2.8L, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This common-rail VM Panther mill produces 158 horsepower and a remarkable 295 lb-ft of torque through a 5-speed automatic transmission and a Command-Trac 4WD transfer box. That's the standard powertrain for all Wrangler Unlimiteds sold overseas.
Helping the vehicle in combat zones is a unique intake system with specially-designed air filter and hood-mounted snorkel. Thusly equipped, the J8 can cross a 30-inch deep river and withstand a severe sand storm for five hours!
The "Sarge" has also been upgraded with a Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential, 1.25-inch Superlift front coil spacers and more aggressively-treaded BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires (instead of the J8's ordinary Michelin LTX A/5 rubber). These tires allow extreme capabilities worthy of an Army truck. And let's not forget the Olive Drab body paint with military markings.
photo:Luc Gagné, Amyot Bachand
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| Does it look like a Wrangler Unlimited to you? No wonder, the "J8 Sarge" shares the same dashboard. |
J8 roots
The "Sarge" Concept is essentially an exhibition J8 aiming to make off-road enthusiasts drool. It uses most of the J8's mechanical components, such as the Dana 60 brakes and Dana 44 axles, which are stronger than those of the regular Wrangler Unlimited. The higher payload (1,339 kilos vs 1,150 for the Unlimited) would allow the J8 to receive armor plating, according to weapons experts.
Under the hood is a 2.8L, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This common-rail VM Panther mill produces 158 horsepower and a remarkable 295 lb-ft of torque through a 5-speed automatic transmission and a Command-Trac 4WD transfer box. That's the standard powertrain for all Wrangler Unlimiteds sold overseas.
Helping the vehicle in combat zones is a unique intake system with specially-designed air filter and hood-mounted snorkel. Thusly equipped, the J8 can cross a 30-inch deep river and withstand a severe sand storm for five hours!
The "Sarge" has also been upgraded with a Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential, 1.25-inch Superlift front coil spacers and more aggressively-treaded BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires (instead of the J8's ordinary Michelin LTX A/5 rubber). These tires allow extreme capabilities worthy of an Army truck. And let's not forget the Olive Drab body paint with military markings.
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| The long cargo box can serve various applications, from troop carrying to ambulance services. |
photo:Luc Gagné, Amyot Bachand
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