KEY POINTS:
Move over Hummer. Well, sort of. Jeep has returned to its roots with a new model aimed specifically at military and commercial users.
With the Wrangler Unlimited as the starting point, engineers of the Jeep J8 have reinforced the frame and rear axle, including the brakes.
The J8 is powered by the Wrangler's 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 118kW and 400Nm of torque, providing towing capability of up to 3500kg.
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 it to ford water up to 762mm deep and operate in sandstorm conditions for up to five hours.
The J8 is available as a two-door with an extended pick-up bed for personnel or equipment transport, or a four-door multi-purpose vehicle.
It may be produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in either right-hand or left-hand drive. The two-door version 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. Tow eyes and heavy-duty bumpers allow it to be transported by plane or helicopter.
It will be produced in the Chrysler LLC joint-venture facility in Cairo but there are no plans to offer the J8 to civilian customers.
