With respect to the Jeep Design team that produced concept vehicles for this year’s Easter Jeep Safari (Re: Stitch and Trailhawk II), the Mopar engineers also put serious effort into building its own concept vehicles based upon parts in its catalog or prototype parts that it may offer. Arguably the most eye-catching vehicle is the Mopar Recon, which is a serious JK Wrangler the team showed off to the media and public at the 2013 Easter Jeep Safari.

The naval-themed Recon has a host of prototype and currently available Mopar parts that provides it with the look and feel of a Wrangler that’s just begging to tackle obstacles.

First off, under the naval-themed 10th Anniversay Rubicon hood (with air “Heat Exhaust” air vents) the Mopar team replaced the stock engine with its 6.4-liter HEMI crate engine to provide the Wrangler with 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. They also installed a Mopar cold air intake on the HEMI for improved airflow. The powerful V8 engine is mated to a five-speed transmission, while Mopar installed a “Rock Trac” 4:1 transfer case for improved low-speed crawling performance on the trail.

Underneath the Recon is where it starts to get interesting. The Mopar 4.5-inch Stage III Long-Arm kit offering the company hopes will make its catalog before too long. The lift provides the Recon with plenty of space to fit the 39–inch BFGoodrich KM2 Mud Terrain tires that are installed on prototype eight-lug Mopar bead-lock wheels. Fox remote-reservoir shocks help the Recon perform admirably on the trail. Keeping the prototype theme alive are Dana 60 front and rear axles, which the team fitted with 4.10 gears to help spin the larger tires.

The front and rear bumpers on the Recon are part of a bumper system the team plans to offer soon, as both are modified versions of the 10th Anniversary Rubicon bumper with the front being the “Stinger” version of the eventual multiple offerings. High-clearance flat fenders (BWF10918) are found on the recon to provide plenty of clearance for the oversized tires. The rear bumper is also outfitted with a prototype spare tire carrier.

Although the Naval theme is visible on the exterior with the paint scheme and the “Pull Lever to Release Door” note under each handle, inside the theme is really pushed to the next level. The navigation unit is replaced with a sonar screen and the seat is reupholstered with camouflage material. The steering wheel, Jeep Logo Gauges and body color bezels (82213601) provide nice accents that match the paint scheme.  

The open-air feel of the Recon is made possible with the Front Half Door Kit (82212639), the Front Half Door Windows (82212132), the Front Half Door Interior Kit (82212639), the Rear Half Door Kit (82212123), Rear Half Door Windows (82212134), and the Rear Half Door Interior Kit (82212638). A prototype soft top is also found on the Recon.

Added trail protection for the Wrangler is seen in the Mopar Rock Rails (82219586), while a Warn 9.5ti XP Winch is fitted on the front bumper to aid in recovery. Prototype LED headlamps provide illumination for the Recon, while black Tail Lamp Guards (82210270AB) protect the rear lights.

Similar to its sibling the Sand Trooper, the Recon is like Mopar team’s prototype hotbed. Although there are many parts not yet available on the Recon, from the axles to the bumpers to bead-lock wheels, many of the prototype pieces will probably see the light of day – they’re not just something to drool over but never be able to buy.

To check out more of Mopar’s offerings for the Jeep JK and other vehicles, visit http://www.mopar.com/.

More Jeep and Mopar Concept Vehicles
Video - Jeep Trailhawk II Concept Vehicle

Jeep Stitch: 2013 Easter Jeep Safari Concept

Video – 2013 Jeep and Mopar Concept Vehicles from Moab