Robert Vasquez: Jeep Wrangler Sunriser Concept Is Hellaciously Orange

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Jeep Wrangler Sunriser Concept Is Hellaciously Orange

–

Long a foundation of Jeep and Mopar’s domestic promotional efforts, only recently have Wrangler-based concepts begun making regular appearances at overseas auto shows. We noticed an uptick in activity starting last year, when Jeep took a quartet of concepts to Beijing, followed closely by the Yankee-baiting, diesel-powered Wrangler Stealth from Paris and the Rocks Star from Geneva. (Prior to that came the super-confusing Wrangler Nautic concepts for the Paris boat show.) Now the maker has turned up at the 2015 Frankfurt event with the fittingly named Wrangler Rubicon Sunriser concept.

–

We’ve seen plenty of orange Wranglers before, but the Sunriser’s finish is matte, which, when combined with the four-inch lift and beadlock wheels, imbues it with a bit of rugged, “what, me worry?” attitude otherwise lost in the sheen of a perfectly manicured glossy finish. (Of course, once everyone gets onboard with the matte-Jeep vibe, some of the effect may be lost.) Mopar bumpers with a pair of front tow hooks; an engine-protecting skid plate; a set of half-doors; and LED DRLs, spotlights, and rear lamp clusters are among the Sunriser’s other custom touches. Black leather with matte-fluorescent orange trim covers the interior, taking the theme just about as far as one might want to. Hey, taste is subjective, right?

–

As with the Wrangler Stealth mentioned above, the Sunriser calls on FCA’s 2.8-liter diesel engine to provide power to feed the front and rear axles. Frankly, though, as cool as this thing is, we want a diesel-powered U.S. Wrangler more than any of this concept’s goodies.

–