Posted on Friday 14 September 2007
Chrysler has unveiled a new military version of its Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, dubbed the J8, which has been designed for a variety of duties including acting as a command vehicle, troop carrier or ambulance. Changes to the regular model include a reinforced frame for increased ruggedness and greater payloads, and the axles, brakes and suspension components have all receive upgrades as well.
Powering the J8 is a 2.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 158hp (118kW) and 400 Nm (295lb-ft.) of torque, providing towing capability of up to 3,500kg. 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 snorkel that enables it to wade in water up to 76cm deep as well as drive in a sandstorm for up to five hours.
Available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for extra storage or a four-door MPV, the car’s available with several vehicle-body and seating configurations and comes in either LHD or RHD. The J8 will be produced in a Chrysler joint-venture facility in Egypt and should be ready for sale early next year.
I’ve driven my friend’s new Wrangler unlimited 4 door, and it is a pig. It is the slowest accelerating vehicle I have ever driven, even compared to my grandmother’s VW beetle fro the 70’s, and I am not kidding.
I hope the diesel offers more acceleration, otherwise some troops will be hit from behind. By camels.