The 2014 Jeep Wrangler has kicked off the new selling season pretty much the same way it ended the last one, putting up an ongoing streak of monthly sales records that also brought its Q1 sales total to a quarterly record 34,674 units. That volume was some 8.8 percent ahead of the Wrangler's pace from the same time last year and compares to a 1.4 percent overall industry gain for the first three months of 2014.
Which brings us to a fantastic foursome of concept vehicles designed to show that the 2014 Jeep Wrangler plans on remaining relevant far into the future, too.
The first three all made their debuts at the 2014 Easter Jeep Safari, held as always in the off-road playground of Moab, Utah. Actually, the brand brought a full half dozen concepts to the event, also including three Jeep Cherokees, with each one leveraging the efforts of the Chrysler Group's Mopar division.
Said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO of the automaker's service, parts and customer-care brand: “This year, we’re showcasing a combination of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts on our vehicles for off-road enthusiasts to see a variety of customization and personalization options. Since 2002, Jeep and Mopar have teamed to create more than 40 unique concept vehicles for enthusiasts who attend the popular Easter Jeep Safari.”
Take the 2014 Jeep Wrangler Level Red. Created to push the ol' off-road performance bar to "the highest level of difficulty," this concept benefits from a 2-inch lift kit and Dana 44 crate axles fore and aft, both with 4:10 ratios, along with a Rock-Trac transfer case with 4:1 low range. Providing the power is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that's been upgraded with a cold-air intake and low-restriction exhaust, with power managed by a six-speed manual transmission.
But along with all that hardware, as well as protoype bumper ends and plenty of underbody protection, the 2014 Jeep Wrangler Level Red shows off some equally aggressive styling, too. Not only does it ride on massive 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires, mounted on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, it also sports "TorRed" striping, a Pitch Black exterior, a half-door kit from Mopar and rock rails from Jeep Performance Parts. A Flame Red cabin set off by TorRed accents helps to heat up the interior, which also features a concept Jeep Cargo Management system.