by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
We’ve had Jeep’s CJ66 concept debut during the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association show. We’ve had the Overlook. Even a Kaiser ambulance took center stage last year. Additionally, while not technically a SEMA release, the beautiful Chief 715 also made an appearance under the Las Vegas lights.
And now, this year, we may get something no one has ever seen.
An electrified CJ.
Or should we call it a CJe?
Well, that may be getting ahead of things a bit, but Jeep recently released a forward-looking rendering of what appears to be at least a hybrid CJ-style vehicle. That release also made it clear “Mopar is charged up for the 2022 SEMA show.” Mopar is the official parts and accessories manufacturer for, among other things, Jeep.
The brand dubbed this latest orange-hued concept Surge, with the ‘e’ done up in a light blue marking exactly like what it does with the highly-successful Wrangler 4xe badging.
Sadly, the released rendering doesn’t reveal too much, they never really do, but the rounded front end sure does have a CJ-type look. Although, like any good movie trailer, that could just be some intentional deception.
Another possible powertrain hint lies right next to the door sill, where designers saw fit to include a small silver ‘EV’ badge in the artwork which could signify a fully-electric vehicle.
One thing is clear though, like just about every concept Jeep brings along into the southeastern Nevada desert this time of year — there will be plenty of products on the thing to show off its Performance Parts division.
This year’s SEMA show runs November 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
