AEV has great connections with the executives at Jeep. Here's one scenario:
Step 1: AEV convinces Jeep executives to sell some Jeep J8 chassis sans engine and transmission to AEV. The 4 cylinder diesel used in the J8 doesn't meet 2009 USA emissions standards.
Step 2: AEV convinces Jeep to sell some Mercedes V6 diesels, as used in the Grand Cherokee, to AEV. Jeep likes this, since they are planning to introduce a new version of the GC in 2010, and would prefer to dump the diesel in favor of a hybrid drivetrain to better compete with Explorer and Tahoe.
Step 3: AEV makes the USA-legal diesel fit in the J8, and adds seatbelts, turn signals, airbags and other mandatory safety equipment from the Wrangler parts bin.
Step 4: AEV now has a USA-legal diesel J8 to sell to the rest of us. It would make a perfect platform for a new, slightly longer version of the Earthroamer XV-JP, for example.
Oh, regarding the leaf springs, the J8 is made with leafs rather than coils and a stronger rear axle (Dana 60) so it can have a greater carrying capacity for military duty. I read on the Jalopnik page that the J8's Dana 60is available to be ordered in the Jeep parts catalog. Can anyone confirm?
Chip Haven