Jeep reveals V8-powered convertible ute

Stellantis’ revival of the North American Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand has ventured into Jeep territory, with the new Wrangler Scrambler Concept previewing a future high-performance off-road model.

Announced back in May but only revealed overnight, the Wrangler Scrambler Concept is the first Jeep Wrangler-based model to wear the SRT badge, and it’s unlike anything the performance brand has done before.

Harking back to the classic CJ-8 Scrambler from Jeep’s AMC days, the new concept blends off-road performance with utilitarian practicality.

Based on the platform of the Jeep Wrangler, the Scrambler is a two-door with a removable roof, giving endless amounts of headroom, though there’s just as much space out back, where the rear end has received a ute/pickup conversion.

Its distinctive front-end look is unlike any current Jeep production model, reinventing the brand’s recognisable seven-slot grille with a more upright design, now with the bonnet hanging over its leading edge.

The wide wheel-arches preview the more distinctive changes behind the A-pillar, where there are now longer doors, an integrated pickup bed with a new tailgate, and a structural rollcage to give the Scrambler a tough new look.

Arguably the most striking feature of the Scrambler concept – aside from its Punk’n orange paint – are its two rear seats, which can face forwards or rearward, allowing the occupants to see all the dust it’s kicking up off road, though they can also be removed for added bed space.

Inside, the interior has been reworked to now feature Dark Graphite leather with orange inserts and contrast stitching, as well as SRT embroidery.

However, the selling point of the SRT Wrangler Scrambler concept is what’s under the skin.

Powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, the 350kW and 637Nm outputs are understood to continue to be sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Independent front suspension has been fitted to the Scrambler in what is a first for a Wrangler, providing up to 25.5cm of wheel travel. At the rear, a trophy-truck-style straight axle provides 38.1cm of travel, with both ends developed with off-road racing champion Casey Currie.

The new suspension is mated to new six-lug hubs, to which the 17-inch bronze beadlock wheels with 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 tyres are mounted.

“The original Scrambler became an icon because it broke the rules. It looked different, worked differently and represented a certain kind of freedom that resonated with enthusiasts then and still does today,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of American Brands, SRT Performance and Direct Connection division, Stellantis North America. 

“We asked ourselves a more provocative question: what happens when SRT stops treating the trail as the limit and builds the ultimate open-air desert weapon? The Wrangler Scrambler SRT Concept is our answer.

“The Wrangler Scrambler SRT Concept combines everything enthusiasts love about Jeep vehicles: capability, open-air freedom and authenticity, with the power, control and relentless performance mindset that define SRT.

“It is overbuilt and engineered around the idea that the desert can be every bit as demanding as a racetrack. It is unapologetic by design.”

While not confirmed for production just yet, the Wrangler Scrambler is expected to launch in the coming years, as it was recently included in an SRT product roadmap, being one of 10 SRT vehicles to be on sale in North America by 2030.