VWerks RedJacket Jeep
The VWerks Jeep is the first creation from the minds of VWerks, a specialty vehicle outfitter based in Michigan. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
The Jeep has a 4-inch lift kit and 1-inch body lift, highlighted by massive, 40-inch tires on 17-inch Hutcheson Beadlock rims. The axles are Dana 44s. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
The biggest downside to this build kit was a limited turning radius caused by the massive 40-inch tires. It’s worth noting that they were chosen more for show than true off-road performance. Most buyers will opt for something in a smaller, more practical size. Like 37 inches. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
The Jeep also includes a JK-8 conversion kit (this one was $13,919, including installation). This gives you a 50-inch bed that’s 44-inches wide (between the wheel wells). It harkens back to the early 1980s, when Jeep took its CJ-7, stretched the wheelbase and added a short bed and called it the CJ-8 (a.k.a. Scrambler). (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
The VWerks Jeep highlights a number of the products the company offers, including a VWerks front bumper with a Warn 9500 winch (held together with welds clean enough to be put in a museum); VWerks rear bumper and rear differential cover; and a custom hood with cowl induction. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
Power comes from a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 making 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It’s the same engine and output as a stock 2012 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
The price of this one-off creation is $115,000. But before you scoff, know this is a showcase vehicle for both Red Jacket and VWerks and that price includes a $40,000 custom paint job. Figure $75,000 for the same vehicle sans the fancy clothes. Now scoff. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
Low-speed crawls and faster trail-running were handled with ease. The longer wheelbase of the Jeep Unlimited versus the standard Wrangler gives you plenty of stability and climbing prowess yet is still short enough to be maneuverable in tight spots. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
