There is no better-known name in the world of factory-backed aftermarket upgrades than Mopar and each year, the Chrysler Group’s performance parts division hosts one of the largest displays at the massive SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The actual SEMA Show was canceled in 2020, but it has returned to its in-person format for 2021 and as always, Mopar will have a huge display area, packed full of “Moparized” vehicles and attractions to draw in attendees.
Although the show doesn’t open until Tuesday, November 2, Mopar shared the key details and images on seven of the modified vehicles that will be on hand. This includes a Ram TRX and a second Ram 1500, a Dodge Challenger, three modern Jeeps and a cool classic Kaiser Jeep ambulance. While none of these vehicles have any parts which are big news, there are several “custom” components which could end up in either the Mopar or Jeep Performance Parts catalogs in the near future.
“With its dedicated enthusiast audience, SEMA is the best place to showcase our full catalog of quality-tested, factory-backed performance parts and accessories,” said Mark Bosanac, North America vice president, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care. “These seven new custom vehicles demonstrate the passion, creativity and innovation of the Mopar team.”
Ram 1500 TRX RexRunner Concept
When Mopar issued teaser images of their SEMA vehicles in early October, the most popular topic of discussion was what appeared to be a Ram 1500 TRX with blue tow hooks. The Wrangler 4xe hybrid has blue tow hooks and the Ram 1500 eTorque hybrid has blue badging, so many people thought that Mopar would introduce a TRX hybrid at the SEMA Show. Not surprisingly, Ram didn’t debut a hybrid supertruck at SEMA, but the TRX RexRunner Concept does have some features which improve performance – possibly pointing to them becoming an option in the performance parts catalog.
The performance improvements begin with a set of 37-inch Goodyear off-road tires on custom 18×9-inch Black Rhino Chamber wheels, offering greater stability at high speeds and better grip when climbing through mud and rocks. The more significant upgrade is the addition of custom metal front and rear skid plates. They look cool with the laser-etched Mopar logo, but they provide extra protection for the undercarriage when off-roading and the front plate increases approach angle of 32.5 degrees – up 2.3 degrees from the standard TRX.
A TRX with simple upgrades and greater capability is significant, but to get attention at the SEMA Show, a vehicle has to be fully decked-out. Mopar added a stunning black-and-blue stripe package over the Ash Gray paint, with blue accents on the grille badging and tow hooks working with the black wheels to create a menacing appearance. The RamBar has been fitted with 14-inch off-road lights and the bed-mounted spare tire carrier is fitted with the custom wheel and 37-inch spare tire, while the bed extender provides more potential cargo space than a traditional tailgate.
The final exterior touches include 5-inch exhaust tips, a custom fuel door that is similar in its design to the fuel door on the Dodge Challenger, a Mopar spray-in bedliner, a bed-step and rock rails. All of these items come together to create a Ram 1500 TRX that looks more aggressive and which offers greater capabilities than the standard production truck.
Mopar didn’t stop at the exterior, either. Anyone who has done much off-roading knows that you inevitably get dirt and mud inside the vehicle. To help make the Ram 1500 TRX RexRunner Concept easier to clean, Mopar has included the molded one-piece door panels and the vinyl flooring from the Ram 1500 Tradesman.
However, this TRX still has the flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters, the console-mounted shifter instead of the rotary shift knob on other Ram half-tons, the aggressive sport seats and, of course, the award-winning UConnect infotainment system with the massive 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Concept
While the Ram TRX will likely get the most attention in the Mopar SEMA display, the company understands that the vast majority of their customers will have some other trim level than the TRX. With that in mind, the Mopar team transformed a Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 into the Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Concept – a truck designed to work and play hard.
The most important features of the Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Concept are in the bed, starting with a conceptual two-height position aluminum bed rack system. This rack can carry ladders or lumber to the job site during the week while carrying a kayak on the weekends, while a 2-inch LED light at each corner of the rack lights up the bed or the areas around the truck.
Next, the Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Concept features a modified Expertec bed-slide system provides dual rolling panels that slide in and out of the bed for easy loading and unloading of all sorts of heavy items. Each of these sliding panels will hold up to 2,000 pounds, so they will comfortably hold a whole lot of tools, camping gear or even two motorcycle. Flanking the slides is a set of Mopar bed rails with adjustable cleats, allowing you to safely tie-down items of most shapes and sizes.
Also, the tailgate has the Mopar RamGate task bench insert with conversion charts and a concept T-track mounting system that will help things in place while they are being worked on. Of course, the RamBox is included, offering extra dry storage space. The exterior is completed with the striking black-and-blue livery, 20×9-inch Black Rhino wrapped in 35-inch Continental tires with a Mopar 2-inch lift kit with FOX shocks providing the room needed for the extra rubber. There is also a set of Mopar lightweight tube steps with textured black paint, proving extra grip for getting in and out of the truck.
Inside, the Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Concept features seats with alloy-mech cloth centers, Mopar Blue Katzkin leather bolsters, Sydney Grey accents and embroidered Outdoorsman and Mopar logos. This package also includes a custom work surface that slides out from the center armrest, giving you plenty of space to fill out paperwork. The A-pillar handles and door pulls are wrapped in black vinyl, and armrests feature Mopar Blue accent stitching and all-weather floormats protect the carpeting.
When the carpeting does get dirty, the concept RamVac on-board vacuum system will clean up dirt from the worksite or bike trail, or french fries that have escaped younger passengers. This is a feature that we could definitely see coming to production in the future, as something similar is already offered in the Chrysler Pacifica.
Dodge Challenger Holy Guacamole Concept
Next up, we have the Dodge Challenger Holy Guacamole Concept and yes, that is really what it is called. This car started its life as a 2020 R/T Scat Pack Shaker Widebody 50th Anniversary Edition model, but with a handful of 1970s-styled changes inside and out, the name was shortened to the Holy Guacamole Concept. The goal was to showcase “the ultimate in heritage design and modern Dodge attitude”, and this Mopar muscle car does just that.
On the outside, the Holy Guacamole Concept showcases a custom dark green paint called “Rotten Avocado”, which looks a touch darker than the current F8 Green production option. That dark green paint is matched with a similar dark green 50th anniversary body stripe and a Shaker scoop painted “Gold School”. A set of staggered Forgeline 20-inch wheels with a thin-spoke design provide the classic feel with help from tires that are labeled Polyglas-GT E60-20 and G60-20.
For those who are not familiar with the old school tire sizing, the letters designated the load range of the tire, followed by the aspect ratio and then the wheel size, whereas modern tire sizes list the tread width, aspect ratio and wheel size. A Mopar coilover lowering kit helps provide a sportier stance over the old school rollers.
Inside, the most significant change to the Dodge Challenger Holy Guacamole Concept is the far-out plaid upholstery on the seats and door panels. When coupled with the wood trim on the dashboard and center console, this cockpit provides the perfect mix of classic hues and modern technology.
We have no doubt that if Dodge offered a classic cloth design like this, some buyers would absolutely pick it over the standard all-black layout. Of course, this green-and-yellow plaid would only work with certain exterior colors, but there is no question that it makes for a far more eye-catching interior.
The drivetrain of the Dodge Challenger Holy Guacamole Concept is pretty much stock, with the exception of a Mopar cold air intake kit with a conical air filter, which helps the Shaker hood scoop work more effectively in feeding the 485-horsepower Hemi.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L Breckenridge Concept
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the first ever Grand Cherokee to offer three rows of seats and since coming to market earlier this year, it has been hugely popular with Jeepers who want as much passenger space as possible. It is the best Grand Cherokee for road trips, like a skiing trip in Colorado, so at the 2021 SEMA Show, Mopar is showing off the customization possibilities of the new three-row SUV.
This concept vehicle begins on the outside with a slick two-tone metallic matte Magnetite and gloss black paint scheme with satin bronze badges and grille inserts. A set of gloss black 21-inch wheels add a touch of uniqueness while looking sportier than any stock wheel option while the Thule cargo box mounted to the dual Mopar roof cross bars provide extra storage for a long trip.
If you like the unique exterior color, you will really love the interior of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Breckenridge Concept, featuring custom quilted Atmospheric Blue Palermo leather seats and door panels, satin walnut dash inserts and bronze trim throughout the cabin.
The combination of the light blue leather, the dark wood, the bronze and the adjustable ambient lighting is one of the most premium-looking cabin layouts we have seen and we sincerely hope that this look is offered at some point in the future.
This cabin is truly worthy of every “wow” it draws, and that is before you get to the award-winning infotainment system, the advanced gauge cluster with night vision and head-up display and the premium sound system. Stainless steel pedal covers and all-weather floormats throughout the cabin complete this package.
This Grand Cherokee L has more luxury-sport attitude than anything from Europe, and it was created with relatively simple upgrades. A Grand Cherokee L owner who wants an SUV like this could easily achieve the look with an exterior wrap, a set of wheels and a set of aftermarket leather seat skins – such as the offerings from Katzkin. The toughest part would be replicating all of the bronze trim inside and out, but in the long run, this SEMA concept vehicle shows how easily the L can become a whole different vehicle with simple upgrades.
Jeep Wrangler Overlook Concept
The Jeep Wrangler Overlook Concept is probably the most dramatic build based on a production vehicle in the Mopar 2021 SEMA Show display. What started as a standard production Wrangler Unlimited in Sahara trim was transformed into a three-row off-roader that can carry seven people in the lap of luxury.
The Jeep Wrangler Overlook Concept began with the rear portion of the body being extended 12 inches, with a bumper extension connecting the rear flares to the rear bumper, bridging the gap created by elongating the body. Next, a custom removable top has a rear section that is raised by 5 inches, allowing for more headroom in the rear seats and better outward visibility, with two windows on the side of the custom top and three more facing forward. Also, the custom Freedom Top has a flip-up glass sunroof, so there are lots more places to look out of this Wrangler when the roof is in place.
After creating the unique roof panels and longer body, the team turned to adding some upgrades to make this Wrangler a better off-roader. This includes a JPP stamped steel front bumper that allows for an improved approach angle, LED fog lights, a Satin Black grille, a concept hood, black tubular side steps, 5-inch LED off-road lights with Platinum Chrome housings on the A-pillar, a Tailgate Reinforcement System, an oversized spare tire carrier kit and a Center High Mounted Stop Light Relocation Kit. This Jeep rides on 20-inch Black Rhino York wheels on 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 off-road tires, with a JPP 2-inch lift kit with Fox shocks providing the extra space for the bigger rubber.
Obviously, the most significant aspect of the cabin of the Jeep Wrangler Overlook Concept is the addition of a third row of seats and the extra space. This vehicle also has Katzkin black leather seats from front to rear, with more black leather on the dashboard, with Sahara Bronze accent stitching on all of that black leather.
The center of the seats have Raven Black suede with a hex stitch pattern while the front seats have the Jeep grille logo embroidered on the upper seatbacks. Black sill guards aren’t noticed by many, but they prevent passengers from scratching up the painted metal when getting in and out of this unique Wrangler.
Jeep has already introduced the first-ever three-row Grand Cherokee and the third row of seats are one of the key features of the new Wagoneer lineup. This concept shows that Jeep could conceivably create a Wrangler with three rows of seats while maintaining the familiar proportions of the legendary off-road SUV.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe Concept
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the bestselling plug-in hybrid in the United States, but more importantly, the first hybrid Wrangler offers the advantages of electrification without any compromise in off-road performance. This was first proven by the brand at the media first drive event, where we punished the Wrangler 4xe in deep mud and large rocks, and it performed every bit as well as the non-hybrid models. More recently, the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe took the top two spots in the 2021 Rebelle Rally and the odds are good that this hybrid will win more off-road races in the future.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Concept is packed with Jeep Performance Parts upgrades which make it a more capable off-roader, starting with a 2-inch lift kit with Fox shocks and BFGoodrich KM3 37-inch tires on beadlock capable wheels. A JPP steel bumper includes a hoop mount for LED off-road lights while the slot in the middle provides a home for the Warn winch.
A Gorilla Glass windshield helps protect against branches or rocks that hit the front of the vehicle while a pair of 5-inch LED off-road lights provide even more forward illumination. The key feature with these off-road lights is the driver’s side bracket, which does not interfere with the charging port of the 4xe drivetrain.
Out back, a Swing Gate Hinge Reinforcement will carry the added weight of the larger spare wheel and tire and a Center High-Mount Stop Lamp Relocation Kit allows others on the road to see the third brake light with the 37-inch spare in place. This Jeep Wrangler 4xe is painted Ivory White, as are the JPP tube doors, while the rock rails and all of the factory black trim inside and out have been painted Dark Neutral Metallic Grey. Custom graphics and badges all around complete the exterior aspect of the package.
Inside, a set of Mopar Blue Katzkin leather seats is the most obvious change, as these bright blue seats could be spotted from the space station. A custom instrument panel rail system will hold your phone, camera or other devices on top of the dash, JPP door grab handles make it easy to close the tube doors and a concept three-piece vinyl floor liner has four drain plugs to make for easier cleaning.
Finally, the Jeep Wrangler Overlook Concept tailgate has a custom cargo management system, a swing-gate flip-down table and a custom on-board compressor that has been integrated into the tailgate.
Kaiser Jeep M725 Concept
Last, but most certainly not least, is the Kaiser Jeep M725 Concept. What started as a military ambulance back in 1967 has been transformed into what the brand calls the “ultimate off-road support machine and rolling mascot for JPP”. In reality, it looks like the coolest rolling bar that we have ever seen.
The team began by improving the performance capabilities of this Kaiser Jeep M725 in every way, starting with a reinforced frame, a heavy-duty link/coil suspension system and a 392-cubic inch Mopar Hemi crate engine mated to a TorqueFlite 727 automatic transmission.
With 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, this antique military Jeep must be a blast to drive, with a set of custom 20×12-inch, eight-lug Black Rhino Armory wheels wrapped in 40-inch tires providing the grip. Rock rails protect the body between the wheels and an array of LED lights up front and out back provide plenty of lighting in the darkest driving situations.
The body of this Kaiser Jeep M725 Concept was widened to accommodate the big wheel-and-tire package, but that was just one of the exterior upgrades. The custom roof panel is designed to extend up 16 inches, making plenty of space for people to talk around the rear cargo area.
Why would anyone want to walk around in the cargo area? To serve beer and other cold beverages, of course. There is a cooler system mounted front-to-rear behind the driver’s seat, with beer taps sticking up out of the counter top while the large body side panel running along the coolers swings open to create an ideal service station.
Inside, the Kaiser Jeep M725 Concept isn’t just a bar on wheels. Up front, it has classic style low-back seats wrapped in tan canvas, a custom steering wheel and column, an instrument panel with modern gauges and a screen to display the backup camera view. There is also a plaque mounted on the dashboard, providing the key details on this wicked cool Jeep concept.
Finally, a repurposed ammunition box is mounted to the floor below the dashboard, serving as the mounting location for the transmission and transfer case shift levels, while the entire floor is painted with bedliner for a safer grip with muddy shoes.
This concept obviously has the fewest production implications, but every so often, Mopar builds a cool vehicle to serve drinks at events like SEMA. In past years, a Mopar-branded ProMaster with a cooler and tap system distributed drinks at the Vegas event, but it seems likely that this year, the Mopar beer will be served from this cool classic Jeep.
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