SEMA 2022: Classic CJ Jeep reborn as EV
Mopar-developed Jeep CJ Surge electro-mod concept could preview ‘drop-in’ EV powertrainStellantis’ Mopar parts division has released pictures of the Jeep CJ Surge concept it has helped create for the 2022 SEMA show.
The concept car is an electro-mod based on the original CJ Jeep made from 1944-1986.
The Jeep CJ Surge features a single 200kW electric motor mounted under the bonnet with custom engine mounts. It draws energy from a 50kWh battery pack that lives where you’d normally find the rear seats.
Combined with an automatic transmission that sends power and torque to all four wheels via a traditional two-speed transfer case and a pair of Jeep Performance Parts Dana 44 axles, the Jeep CJ Surge is tipped to be near unstoppable off-road.
There’s no word on performance, nor range, but it’s hotly rumoured that Mopar is considering offering the show car’s pure-electric powertrain as a ‘crate motor’, mirroring what the parts and aftermarket accessories division already does with its V8 engine line-up.
Elsewhere, the CJ Surge features a chopped windscreen, a high-lift kit that raises the body a further two inches (51mm), adds wider fender flares and 18-inch rims wrapped with 35-inch all-terrain tyres.
Other extras that are likely to be offered by Mopar include Jeep Wrangler JK bumpers, a Warn winch, blue tow hooks and LED headlights.
Adding extra protection off the beaten track, the concept also wears rock rails and extra bash plates.
The concept is painted in Jeep’s Copper Canyon paint, with gloss black and Surg Blue accents.
Inside, there’s black and houndstooth trim, blue stitching and a centre console, rotary shifter and new instrument panel all borrowed from the Wrangler JK.
Mopar hasn’t provided any timeline for when it might introduce the crate EV powertrain alongside its other engine offerings, which includes not only the Hellcat engine but the mightier-still 1000bhp (746kW) Helephant supercharged 7.0-litre V8.
Related: Jeep Wrangler EV given thumbs up by 4x4 fans
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Related: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2020 Review
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