Jeep Not Dodging History With First-ever Srt-badged Concept

Jeep kicked off the opening of SEMA in Las Vegas with its Wrangler Scrambler SRT Concept, the first-ever SRT-badged Jeep in the brand’s history.

The Scrambler harkens back to the 1970s-era CJ-8 Scrambler pickup that eventually spawned the Jeep Gladiator. The concept takes some of its iconic traits and amps them up for an open-air off-roader that certainly gets the attention of Jeep mavens past and present.

Built on a Jeep Wrangler foundation, the concept channels the original Scrambler’s spirit of adventure and individuality through dramatic proportions, rugged utility and an uncompromising SRT performance vision — a high-speed desert machine conceived to go far beyond the boundaries of a production Jeep vehicle.

“The original Scrambler became an icon because it broke the rules. It looked different, worked differently and represented a certain kind of freedom that resonated with enthusiasts then and still does today,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of American Brands, SRT Performance and Direct Connection division, Stellantis North America. 

“We asked ourselves a more provocative question: what happens when SRT stops treating the trail as the limit and builds the ultimate open-air desert weapon? The Wrangler Scrambler SRT Concept is our answer.”

While the SRT badging is tough to ignore, it’s the pair of reverse mounted seats in the Scrambler’s bed that catches the eye. The seats allow you to enjoy the big blue sky just like a Wrangler. However, the seats are removable so when it comes time to head to some difficult terrain, you don’t have to worry about losing any friends.

The concept is seasonally correct with its Punk’n Orange exterior and its brand correct with its sharknose front design, which includes the 7-slot grille that make something a Jeep. The integrated pickup bed and durable spray-applied liner make utility central to the design, while the wide stance, lifted suspension and oversized off-road tires visually communicate performance and capability from every angle, officials noted.

Add in the bronze-painted beadlock wheels and SRT badges and you know you’ve got a high-performance machine at the ready.

Move inside to see performance-focused seating that firmly supports occupants during high-speed off-road driving, while Dark Graphite leather, orange inserts, contrast stitching, bronze accents and SRT embroidery balance durability with premium craftsmanship. Unique grab handles, trim treatments and a rear-seat Jeep Multi-panel System reinforce the concept’s functional character.

“The Wrangler Scrambler SRT Concept combines everything enthusiasts love about Jeep vehicles: capability, open-air freedom and authenticity, with the power, control and relentless performance mindset that define SRT,” Kuniskis added. “It is overbuilt and engineered around the idea that the desert can be every bit as demanding as a racetrack. It is unapologetic by design.”

[Images: Stellantis]

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