Jeep's idea behind the J-Wagon concept was to build a premium Wrangler using Jeep Performance Parts.
If there remain any urbanite Wrangler owners who want to get dirty, the Sahara-based J-Wagon is Jeep's version of the meme, "Get you a man who can do both." The sleeper expedition truck plays up cosmopolitan detailing, warm gray exterior paint accented by deep orange highlights on badge edges and tow hooks, and wheels with a Brass Monkey finish. The rock rails, roof rack, and the plow-through stitching in the leather Katzkin seats feature the same geometric pattern.
Mopar will eventually offer the J-Wagon's concept hood in three configurations: plain, as on the Jeepster concept; with an additional vent on the passenger's side for a cold-air intake, as on the Nacho; and with the side vent, snorkel, and cold-air intake as on the J-Wagon. The snorkel should be available in May, and although not required, a Mopar rep recommended using the snorkel with the cold-air intake.
The only things the J-Wagon lacked were a smooth ride, and character. Engineers hadn't finished tuning what was effectively a concept suspension, utilizing the 2.5-inch Fox shocks from Mopar's two-inch lift kit inside the standard suspension springs and arms.
The pallid driving experience couldn't be helped; this is a world-class expedition vehicle on 35s traipsing through a course designed to reduce the odds of journos destroying things. We don't blame the J-Wagon, but we could feel it yawning the entire time.
