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London, Sept 13, 2007 -
Chrysler LLC today unveiled the
Jeep® J8 multipurpose vehicle at the
2007 Defence Systems & Equipment International (DSEi) military
trade show, making the legendary vehicle available for reenlistment in
active military service.
"Jeep vehicles made their
original debut in 1941 for military duty, and
have built their reputation with more than 65 years as the world's
benchmark for off-road capability and versatility for civilian and
military vehicles," said Thomas Hausch, Vice President - International
Sales, Chrysler LLC. "The new Jeep J8 marks the brand's return to
vehicle production for military and civilian government use - the same
capability that makes the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited famous
also makes the Jeep J8 a truly multipurpose vehicle."
With the all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited as the starting point,
Jeep engineers increased its capability and versatility. The
frame of the Wrangler Unlimited is reinforced for increased ruggedness
and to allow greater payloads - up to a maximum of 1,339 kg (2,952
lbs.). Axles, brakes and suspension components are engineered
specifically for more demanding military and civilian government use,
including utilising a leaf-spring suspension system in the rear.
The J8's Command-Trac® four-wheel drive system allows maximum
versatility and performance in both on- and off-road conditions.
The Jeep J8 is powered by a
2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine
that produces 118 kW (158 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of torque,
providing towing capability of up to 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs.). 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 the J8 to wade in water up to 762 mm
(30 in.) deep and tackle sandstorm conditions for up to five hours.
Available as a two-door with an
extended pickup bed for personnel or
equipment transport, or a four-door multipurpose vehicle, it may be
produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in
either right-hand- or left-hand-drive.
While not designed for
front-line combat operations, the Jeep J8 is
fully armour capable and excels in a variety of duties ranging from
command vehicle to troop/cargo carrier, ambulance, communications
vehicle and other duties - also making it suitable for civilian
government applications. Heavy-duty bumpers with tow eyes allow
the Jeep J8 to be easily transported by aeroplane or helicopter.
The Jeep J8 will be produced in
a Chrysler LLC joint-venture facility
in Cairo, Egypt, and will be available in spring 2008.
Jeep in the military In June 1941, the U.S. Army
received its first shipments of the Willys
MA, the rugged 4x4 vehicle that came to be called the Jeep. This
predecessor to today's Jeep Wrangler would prove so vital to the
Allies' World War II effort that General Dwight D. Eisenhower declared
that the war could not have been won without the Jeep vehicle.
Jeep vehicles have been
produced for various militaries around the
world. The Jeep J8 marks the start of Jeep's renewed commitment
to supply the defence community with the highest-quality 4x4 vehicles
available anywhere in the world.
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