Mopar Brings Three New Concepts to the 2022 SEMA Show
Back in October, custom auto parts store Mopar teased some information about some new concept vehicles it would be bringing to the Las Vegas Auto Show, scheduled from November 1-4, 2022. Well, the time has finally come, and although a specialty custom model has yet to be announced – an annual pattern for Mopar – these three new custom concept vehicles remind us what the company can do. A subsidiary of Stellantis, Mopar is known to regularly customize popular models from the automobile group. Showing up at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, Mopar debuted concept vehicles for Jeep and Ram Truck.
“With a spotlight on electrification, Mopar is in a great position to fully enhance the customer experience with quality-tested, factory-backed parts and accessories…The Jeep CJ Surge concept explores a future zero-emission propulsion system kit and supports the Jeep brand’s mission to become the leading electrified SUV brand in the world. Separately, our Ram 1500 Backcountry X and TRX Gold Shot concepts showcase a truckload of innovative Mopar accessories for our award-winning full-size trucks.” – Mark Bosanac, North America senior vice president, Mopar service, parts and customer care
Jeep CJ Surge Concept
We knew one of the concepts was going to be based on a Jeep with Mopar custom auto parts, and going with the flow, the Jeep CJ Surge Concept is powered by a battery-electric propulsion system that can be integrated into classic Jeep models to usher in new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) parts kit applications. This could let Jeep and other car enthusiasts to convert their vehicles into a zero-emission model. As a prime example of this, the Jeep CJ Surge Concept is powered by a scalable 400-volt, 200-kW Electric Drive Module, with power generated by 24 lithium-ion battery modules, and a two-speed Jeep transfer case with selectable gearing to transfer torque. The battery modules come enclosed in a custom shell mounted in the rear passenger side of the interior cabin.
A small boost in ground clearance, the concept comes with a 2-inch lift kit and rides on matte black 18-by-9-inch Black Rhino Solid wheels wrapped in 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The exterior is highlighted with Surf Blue accents, fender flares, and a 2-inch cropped windshield. Always made with 4×4 action in mind, Front and rear Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) Dana 44 Crate axles aid in all that rock crawling, and a JPP Wrangler JK Rubicon Bumper Kit adds a JPP Rubicon Warn winch up front, Surf Blue tow hooks, and amber LED fog lamps. The underbody is protected from rocks and sharp objects with JPP Rubicon skid and front-bumper plates and JPP rock rails.
Inside, the driver and passenger seats come installed with concept seat risers and feature Surf Blue stitching on black Sedoso cloth with houndstooth fabric inserts. The center console features a rotary shifter knob, Mopar instrument-panel gauges, and a charge indicator to inform the driver about remaining battery life. On that note, a custom BEV charge port can be found right behind the driver-side door. There are also come Mopar all-weather floor mats to keep the cabin a little more clean. Lastly, a custom-built roll cage can help protect passengers in worst case scenariors, and a custom-shaped bikini top offers some shade, rain or shine.
Ram 1500 TRX Gold Shot Concept
Built on the 702-horsepower Ram 1500 TRX, this concept comes with a Satin Bitter Yellow/Satin Black concept with TRX side graphics. Custom-designed, Vintage Bronze 18-by-9.5-inch Black Rhino Chamber wheels come wrapped in 37-inch BFGoodrich tires for added performance. Capability has been enhanced with easy access to the truck bed and loaded equipment with a Mopar bed step, and it’s easier to see the road ahead with a pair of concept 14-inch TYRI rectangular LED lights. The truck bed is also protected by a black, Mopar spray-in textured bedliner. Custom metal skid plates feature laser-etched Mopar lettering and protect the underbody, along with Mopar rock rails, and the front skid plate adds to the approach angle by 2.3 degrees, bringing it up to 32.5 degrees. For a small sporty touch, a pair of 5-inch black Mopar exhaust tips are just below the rear bumper.
Inside, the TRX Gold Shot concept comes with the features one would find in the award-winning Ram 1500 TRX production model, including the center stack instrument cluster, a flat-bottom steering wheel with prominent paddle shifters, and the center-console-mounted floor shifter. Alaska Gold stitching and accents bring the interior to life, and sport seats are premium wrapped with Capri leather and perforated Alcantara suede inner bolsters add luxury and comfort. For an added touch of style, Gold Spinneybeck leather chaser stripes have been added to the black front and rear seats, and the front seats come with TRX logos embroidered on the upper back panels and Mopar logos on the shoulder bolster. Also to keep the interior cabin clean, the floor is made of vinyl.
Ram 1500 Backcountry X Concept
For those that need to get work done, the Ram 1500 Backcountry X concept builds on the classic work truck and the class-exclusive RamBox cargo management system with a custom-designed RamPack and RamRack for securing storage and the functionality of the pickup bed. Storage space has been expanded by more than 68% (up to 12.3 cubic feet), and the multiple compartments and a pair of tie-down loops provide more security. The custom RamRack also adds onto the telescoping storage-rack system designed with additional Thule cross rails above the bed for mounting more gear and accessories.
Capability continues with 2-inch TYRI LED lights and a Center High Mount Stop Light that adds a third brake light to the rear crossbar. The truck bed is protected by a durable Mopar spray-in bedliner. Riding on Mopar 2-inch lift kit with FOX shocks, matte-black 20-by-9-inch Fuel Heater wheels wrapped in 37-inch BFGoodrich tires, a Mopar tubular grille guard with four Mopar 5-inch LED off-road lights, Black-painted Mopar tube steps, and Mopar rear bed step add to the functionality of the Ram 1500 Backcountry X Concept. It’s all adorned with a two-tone Matte Iced Silver Titanium and matte-black exterior.
The interior comes with tone-on-tone neutral green front and second-row bucket seats with orange accent stitching that flows throughout the cabin. Backcountry X and Mopar logos can be found embroidered onto the seat backs of the front bucket seats, and a 12” x 14” workspace can be deployed between them. Mopar all-weather mats protect the cabin floor, and a concept RamVac on-board vacuum can be found installed under the second-row bench seat.
Wow, now that’s a lot of tweaking for these three Stellantis models. Jeep and Ram have always been seen as some of the strongest of the group, so it’s no wonder Mopar is celebrating its 85th Anniversary with these two brands. Learn more about Mopar and what’s going on at the 202 SEMA Show when you follow us on Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram social media.