The first annual Skunkwerks Jeep® ride and drive event took place today in Moab, UT.  Off-Road.com was invited to the exclusive event which gave off-road enthusiast writers like us the chance to get a closer look at the Skunkwerks vehicles, and maybe even drive them.

What is Skunkwerks you ask, well it’s a group of gearheads over at Daimler-Chrysler that likes to spend their extra time coming up with really cool concepts and making them a reality.  The group is made up of engineers, designers, admin, etc.  The only requirement is that you must be car crazy.  Some of the concepts brought to life by these enthusiasts have been the SRT8 Ram, SRT Charger, and many more.

Scott Brown, PR Manager for Daimler-Chrysler Jeep® put the special event together, and made it possible for us to meet some of the people behind the scenes for these concept vehicles.  We also got a chance to get a taste of what might be coming down the pipeline.

There were a total of five Skunkwerks Jeeps out for us to admire, test, and drool about.  These vehicles have time, love, and labor all over them.  Not only are they show quality, but they actual work.

Skunkwerks Jeep® JK with 6.1L Hemi and CJ like body mods

There was a wicked orange Skunkwerks Jeep® Wrangler JK equipped with a Superlift 6-inch lift, Bilstein Shocks, and some 37-inch BFG Krawlers mounted on 17-inch Hutchinson wheels.  The tangerine machine had some body modifications that resembled the old CJ-5.  This rig was by far one of the most aggressive vehicles out here today.  It looked mean, and was stout when climbing up the rocks or maneuvering around tight turns.  All the guys and gals out for the event were giddy about jumping in this Jeep®.

The diesel powered Jeep "Liberator" had some grunt for the trail

There was a little Jeep® Liberty dubbed the “Liberator”.  This little guy has a 2.3L diesel, is lifted and fitted with 35-inch tires.  It has a rear locker, and the torque to climb most of the hills and obstacles out in Moab.  I didn’t consider the Jeep® Liberty a wheelin’ vehicle before, but after getting some seat time in the “Liberator”, I am a believer. 

Jeep® Scrambler fans...you can stop drooling now

For those Jeep® Scrambler fans out there, we got a close look of the Jeep® JT.  This Jeep® is a two seater with an enclosed cab that has a separate truck bed.  It has a 5-speed stick with a torquee 4-cylinder.  It looked good, and it drove even better over the rocks. 

Jeep® Grand Cherokee with a 3.0L diesel engine...now available!

There was another diesel in the group that made plush and comfort rumble just a bit.  It was a Jeep® Grand Cherokee equipped with a 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel engine.  It drives nice, and had plenty of power to muscle up slick rock or bomb around the red sand dunes.  With just some mild modifications, this 35-inch tire, 3-inch lift road warrior made trail driving fun and enjoyable.

Jeep® Wrangler "50K" concept is both Show and Go

There was also a Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited (JK) that was being called the “50K”.  We didn’t get a straight answer as to why it’s called that, but after seeing it and driving it, we have some ideas.  It’s got a 6.1L Hemi under the hood, Mopar Jeep® accessories that are paint matched to the silver body.  Black leather interior with the latest electronic goodies, a Superlift 4-inch kit with 35-inch tires mounted on the Jeep® monster wheels—it had it all.  It was definitely a sweet looking ride that has the equipment to go tackle the trails, but also the sophistication for a night on the town.  The Jeep® “50K”is definitely a clean looking Jeep® with the Gucci touch.

Skunkwerks Jeep® team a.k.a. ORT

The Skunkwerks Jeep® event was a great time.  It was exciting for all of us to see and learn how passionate this group at Daimler-Chrysler is about coming up with cool concepts, and making project vehicles come to life for both shows and the trails.