Jeep Concept & Future Off-Roading

 Jeep's CJ Surge Concept

                                        Source:  Jeep

Big, New Electromod - Retromod Trend

An important and growing trend in the automotive industry is called "electromod" or "retromod", which essentially entails taking a classic, retro car and modernizing it with new visual upgrades and new technologies, particularly an electric powertrain.  A hot, new example is Jeep's fully electric, classic, upgraded Wrangler off-roader called the CJ Surge.  This new concept is being unveiled this week at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Automotive experts say the electric technology behind the vehicle could trigger a revival of classic American muscle cars.  CJ Surge also provides a new look and fresh perspective on the future of classic off-roading.

Retromod

CJ Surge is a substantive restoration of a late model Jeep CJ7.  It's been modernized with an electric motor and full battery electric propulsion system along with extensive visual changes, like the metallic orange paint and black and surf blue stripes.  The resulting concept is very important to Jeep. It provides the opportunity to electromod many of their classic vehicles. We may start seeing many more electric retromod system vehicles being unveiled by a number of automakers. For example, both Chevy and Ford are into the game.  Ford is prototyping a BEV retromod system called the Eluminator.

Technology Specifics on CJ Surge

CJ Surge is powered by what Jeep calls a "scalable, 400-volt, 200 kW Electric Drive Module, that pumps out 268 hp.  It sends power through a 2-speed transfer case to all 4 wheels.  It's said to have as much power as a brand new V6 Wrangler, but with zero emissions. The system is backed up by 24 lithium-ion batteries.  Rather than manual transmission, it has a Wrangle JK center console with automatic transmission and a rotary shifter knob.

Off Roading into the Future

To off-road, CJ Surge is equipped with hefty, all-terrain tires, Dana 44 Crate axles, a 2-inch lift kit, amber LED fog lights and more.  No word on the vehicle's performance data and if or when it will go to market.  It's on display in Las Vegas at the SEMA Show through November 4th.  Experts are saying this vehicle is a harbinger of what the future of retromod off-roading will look like.