Jeep details six New Concepts

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Jeep released details on six new concepts the company crafted at this year’s Easter Jeep Safari, including the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept. And while that vehicle boasts a slew of off-road goodies, including tow hooks, aggressive Goodyear Wrangler rubber and a rear light bar, we’re more interested in the wicked Mighty FC Concept.

Engineers built the Mighty FC as a tribute to the Jeep Forward Control that was offered between 1956 and 1965. Using a 2012 Wrangler Rubicon as a platform, the company stretched the wheelbase, stuck the cab ahead of the front axle and threw in a custom drop-side cargo box. Underneath, the Mighty FC uses a set of Mopar eight-lug portal axles, which offer a surprising amount of ground clearance without having to resort to a lift. If you like what you see, the axles are available for a combined price of $23,500. The truck rolls on 40-inch tires, and a King coil-over suspension handles the bumps and bruises of the trail.

Of course, the Jeep J-12 Concept is equally delicious in its own right. An extended version of the JK-8 pickup, the concept began life as a 2012 Wrangler Unlimited, though the frame has been stretched a total of 18 inches. With a full six-foot bed, custom hood and unique fenders, the concept is straight awesome. Build it, Jeep.

The automaker also showed off an accessorized version of the standard Wrangler as well as a Wrangler Traildozer concept (above, right). The latter of the two was built by partnering with the off-road gurus at American Expedition Vehicles. With a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter V8 and a Getrag six-speed manual gearbox, the machine has the go-bits to tackle any trail. Dana 44 axles with electronic locking differentials at the front and rear are also part of the package.

Likewise, the Wrangler Apache concept gets its power from the same fire-breathing Hemi, though that vehicle uses a Mopar conversion kit for the swap. With a beefy lift and 5.13 axles, the Apache should have no problem taking on the rocks of Moab.

(via Jeep drops details on six Easter Jeep Safari Concepts)

Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido Concept

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What’s Italian for thrilling? The Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido. (Well, it’s Italian for ‘thrill’ anyway.) And we see what they’re on about. The underpinnings come from parent company Volkswagen, including the supercharged 3.0-liter 360-horsepower V6 engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox. Coupled with an electric motor, this hybrid GT can scoot to 60 in 5.8 seconds while exhausting just 154 grams per kilometer of carbon dioxide. Slippery aerodynamics allow for a top speed of 171 miles per hour and also provide a sleek shape that can seat four passengers in comfort.

Though Giugiaro is quick to point out that this is a fully functional prototype, it’s got concept written all over it. Take, for instance, the giant gullwing doors that serve as portals for the front and rear seats, the two-sided instrument cluster full of LCD screens (including an iPad for the passenger) and joystick-style steering apparatus.

And if one Brivido Concept is good, two Brivido Concepts must be even better. Giugiaro brought along a second machine in race trim, sporting distinctive Martini Racing livery. We don’t have any details on what’s underneath the fetching bodywork.

Below, you’ll find the official video.

(via Giugiaro Brivido Concept is Italian for thrilling [w/video])

Touring Superleggera Disco Volante Concept

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It’s been 60 years since the 1952 Alfa Romeo C52 Disco Volante concepts lounged on the stages of the world’s auto shows, and Touring Superleggera has taken to marking the occasion with a Disco Volante of its own, a striking coupe that debuted at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

The modern flying saucer pays homage to its ancestors with flat-top fenders and a split grille. Even so, it’s hard to miss the vehicle’s donor. Not surprisingly, the new Disco Volante is built on the bones of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, and relies on the same 4.7-liter V8 found in that machine. As such, buyers can look forward to 443 horsepower pumped exclusively to the rear wheels.

That’s right. We said “buyers.” This Disco Volante will be available in limited quantities (the company isn’t saying how limited), though expect to pay a pretty penny for each one. Touring Superleggera says each example will be coachbuilt to order.

(via Touring Superleggera Disco Volante Concept looks Alfa familiar)

Special Edition Lotus Evora

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The F1 Evora GTE F1 Special Edition features the Lotus F1 team’s colors and graphics, including a large Lotus insignia on the rear wing and gold finish alloy wheels. There is also a “10” logo on the vehicle to represent the number used by Kimi Räikkönen’s team mate, Romain Grosjean, this season. The carbon fiber finish to the body is highlighted by copper accents to emulate traditional F1 livery and that color scheme gets thrown on the interior with specially trimmed bucket seats with gold piping and exclusive Lotus F1 Team Special Edition appliqués.

The standard Evora GTE is powered by a race-tuned 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a total of 444 HP, making it the most powerful Lotus road car ever built. That engine seems to be good enough for Lotus because that is exactly what is powering their F1 Special Edition. Performance, however, should be better considering the vehicle has dropped 100kg/220 lbs.

(via Kimi Raikkonen to unveil special edition Lotus Evora in Geneva)