Autoblog drives 2011 AEV Hemi Wrangler

[haven]

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/2011-aev-jeep-wrangler-hemi-quick-spin-review/

Up close and personal with the AEV Hemi Wrangler, a vehicle some describe as the ultimate short-term ExPo vehicle. The key is that this truck is completely at home driving the Rubicon Trail at 2 miles per hour, and then driving home on the Interstate at 80 mph. (Short term only because a larger camper may be preferable for a trip of several weeks or more. For these longer trips, the Wrangler would need to tow a camping trailer, or mount a rooftop tent and an inside gear storage system, IMO.)

Price: $75K, including the 2011 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, the 5.7L Hemi engine swap, a 3.5 inch suspension lift, AEV wheels and your choice of 35 inch tall tires, and exterior upgrades like AEV's heat-extractor hood, front and rear bumpers, snorkel, high clearance fenders, rear bumper mounted spare tire carrier with backup lamp, driving lights, and a winch.

Sure, the price is high, but it's a bargain when compared to other ultimate vehicle contenders like Mercedes G500. Plus you can order through a Jeep dealer and get new vehicle financing and a new car warranty for the whole package. AEV will build the truck and deliver to you.

Let's hope that Overland Journal can provide more insights into the 2011 AEV Wrangler.

 

[K2ZJ]

You can also get the 6.4L Hemi, also from the dealership. My local dealership is an authorized AEV distributor.

 

[haven]

What other vehicles might fall into the category of ultimate new ExPo vehicle available in USA?

Well, there's the Mercedes G500, with prices that start at $105K. And the Toyota Land Cruiser, $68K. The Land Rover Discovery LR4, $52K, might be in the conversation. I think the Infiniti QX56, $62K (USA version of the Nissan Patrol) deserves consideration. All have good performance on pavement, and proven off-road heritage. All have enough aftermarket support to be upfitted to a level like the AEV Wrangler enjoys.

If you like solid axles and manual control over locking differentials, then the list narrows to the Wrangler and G500.

 

[trail-explorer]

The key is that this truck is completely at home driving the Rubicon Trail at 2 miles per hour, and then driving home on the Interstate at 80 mph.

correction, it's a JEEP, not a "truck". Journalists and non "JEEP" enthusiasts always refer to a Jeep as a "truck"... BOO HISS

 

[jeep-N-montero]

My Jeep will do the Rubicon and cruise at 80 with my off-road tent camper in tow, but kudos to them for replacing the anemic v6 crap with more power!! Another thing, it's paid for and I did the work myself without incurring any debt....

 

[jomobco]

correction, it's a JEEP, not a "truck". Journalists and non "JEEP" enthusiasts always refer to a Jeep as a "truck"... BOO HISS

Sorry but I always refer to my 88 YJ 5.7 chevy powered truck and my 11 JK 5.7 mopar powered truck (both jeeps) as trucks. I certainly wouldn't think I'm a non-jeep enthusiast.

 

[Hilldweller]

What other vehicles might fall into the category of ultimate new ExPo vehicle available in USA?
...
If you like solid axles and manual control over locking differentials, then the list narrows to the Wrangler and G500.

Ahem

 

[cwsqbm]

correction, it's a JEEP, not a "truck". Journalists and non "JEEP" enthusiasts always refer to a Jeep as a "truck"... BOO HISS

If its not a truck, its a car.

 

[Hilldweller]

If its not a truck, its a car.

If you call a Jeep a car, God kills a kitten.
And He's holding a penknife to Snowball's neck right now. Tread lightly...

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Some people consider any vehicle with a solid steel frame to be a truck, uni-body SUV's are the bastard child of the bunch.

 

[haven]

"If you like solid axles and manual control over locking differentials, then the list narrows to the Wrangler and G500."

(photo of Dodge Power Wagon)

OK, I should have said the list of SUVs. Dodge and Ford HD pickups have solid axles and lockers available, along with vehicles like the Fuso FG 4x4. There's a company in Australia that makes a locker for the Fuso front differential.

 

[Hilldweller]

OK, I should have said the list of SUVs. Dodge and Ford HD pickups have solid axles and lockers available, along with vehicles like the Fuso FG 4x4.

The Power Wagon is the illegitimate offspring of a Ram Pickup and a Jeep Rubicon.