| New Military Version | Jeep Wrangler J8 |

Jeep resumes vehicle production for military use in the form of the Wrangler J8; with increased capability and versatility over the new 2007 Wrangler Unlimited on which it is based. The new Jeep is also suitable for civilian government applications, but will be most at home in a military environment where it originally forged its roots in the 1940s.

Unveiled at the 2007 Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEI) military trade show, Jeep engineers essentially take a Wrangler Unlimited and reinforce its frame for extra ruggedness and to allow greater payloads onboard - up to a maximum of 1,339kg. The axles, brakes and suspension (leaf-spring) are then engineered for the demanding military situations that the J8 is likely to encounter. The J8's Command-Track four-wheel drive system, which Jeep claims works efficiently on- or off-road, rounds off the under body alterations.

A 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel that produces 158bhp and 295lb.ft of torque provides ample towing capability and is mated to a five-speed automated transmission. The J8 features a special air intake system and filtration unit with what is basically a snorkel; it can operate in deep water and withstand sandstorm conditions for up to five hours.

The Jeep J8 is available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for personnel and equipment, or as a four-door multi-purpose vehicle. It can also be produced with various body and seating configurations and in right- or left-hand drive.

It's not likely, and indeed not designed, to hit the front-line; however, the J8 is fully armour capable and Jeep has designed it to cope with a variety of duties from command vehicle to troop carrier and communications vehicle. The new military Jeep can also be easily transported by airplane or helicopter due to its heavy duty bumpers and tow eyes.

The J8 will be manufactured in a Chrysler LLC joint venture facility in Egypt, and will be available to buy from spring 2008.

Richard Tanner - 20 Sep 2007