SEMA 2006: Chrysler's Concepts

We’re going to try to keep the SEMA coverage light around here and just tackle the big stuff from the big manufacturers that may or may not make it to a dealership near you. First up is a handful of concepts from the Chrysler Group.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

The already all-new Wrangler Unlimited gets a 3.0-liter diesel engine with 230 hp and 390 pounds feet of torque to handle just about any off-road obstacle we can think of. Don’t forget 18 inch wheels and big mud tires matched to a tweaked suspension that allows for 35 inches of clearance.

Dodge Nitro Hemi

There hasn’t been enough time for gearheads to complain about the all-new Dodge Nitro’s power and there’s already a concept that shoves a 360 hp Hemi engine into one. This concept is all about power and while we doubt we’ll see this blackberry pearl painbt to hit the streets, a limited run of SRT Nitros could definitely be in Dodge’s future.

Dodge Nitro Panel Wagon

We showed you some early sketches of this concept last week but here it is in the flesh. The rear doors have been welded shut and the suspension lowered for better street performance. There’s a custom interior – of course – that also adds compartments for tools or other stuff a business might need if this ever became a reality.

Jeep Patriot Unnamed Concept

Jeep’s new Patriot small SUV/crossover hasn’t hit showrooms yet and there’s already this off-road themed version hitting SEMA. The Patriot is made with highways and suburbia in mind and not the trailways, but Jeep shows that with some slight modifications like a new suspension, the Patriot can become a serious off-roader.