Spotted at the Easter Jeep Safari: European Jeep Wrangler Diesel caught uncovered

Spotted European Diesel Wrangler in Moab
Spotted during the 2014 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, UT we saw (and heard) this Jeep Wrangler diesel as it was being moved in the official Jeep display. Sure, the handlers of the Diesel Wrangler wanted to keep it quiet as they moved it; however, it’s hard to hide the rat-a-tat-tat of a diesel engine which Roman and I clearly heard.

Just to be clear: Jeep has yet to make any announcements about an American Jeep Wrangler Diesel. In fact when when we asked Jeep about this vehicle they said in no way does this mean the European Diesel Wrangler is coming to America.

This Euro Jeep Wrangler Diesel most-likely had a 177 horsepower, 2.8-liter VM Motori turbo-diesel that makes about 295 lbs of torque (about 339 lbs-feet according to the Jeep UK website). Now, we all know that Jeep has a nifty new 3.0-liter, V6 diesel available in the United States that makes up to 420 lbs-feet of torque. We all know it will fit in the bay of the Wrangler easily and that the Wrangler boys have the desire to lower their CAFE score – which can be helped dramatically by a diesel.

So what’s the deal? Why is this Euro Diesel Jeep Wrangler here? Is there some sort of conspiracy going on? Is Elvis involved?

I am going to leave all of that to you to surmise. Still, there are a few points that I would like to mention:

  • This could be a concept for Jeep to play with – American Jeep Wrangler Diesel precursor perhaps?
  • It may be in Moab to test out the same obstacles other Jeeps have mastered.
  • This engine may be some tarted-up test variant that may be on the docket for another date.
  • It could be the basis for a Jeep prototype/concept for a later date. Actually, probably not. Jeep is moving away from far-out concepts (which people loved as it showed the soul of Jeep’ designers) and moving to a rolling cacophony of consumer-ready parts. Bummer.

So, what do you think? Why was this rig here and why was it being hidden?

Let us know what you think!

Speaking of the 2014 Easter Jeep Safari – here’s a video postcard!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.