Jeep Shortcut Concept Goes Back to the 1950s [2016 Easter Jeep Safari]

Jeep® Shortcut Concept
Jeep® Shortcut Concept

The Jeep Shortcut Concept embodies many of the original elements that made Jeep so popular on the trail. Back in the day, no other vehicle had the dimensions and capability of the tiny Jeep. Built on a modern Jeep Wrangler chassis with nips and tucks to bring down size and weight, the Jeep Shortcut Concept rings of the Jeep CJ-5.

Here’s Jeep’s take: “Jeep Shortcut – A carefully crafted take on the beloved Jeep CJ-5, this Wrangler-based concept vehicle invokes the spirit of 1950s Americana with a shortened body and functional simplicity.

Exterior styling cues include a unique grille, hood, tailgate, front and rear wheel flares and custom chrome front and rear bumpers. A modified exhaust, 17-inch red steel wheels and 35-inch BF-Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires help the Jeep Shortcut maintain the look of an icon.

Jeep® Shortcut Concept Interior
Jeep® Shortcut Concept Interior

Jeep Performance Parts featured on the Shortcut include a front and rear Dana 44 axle and a 2-inch lift with Fox shocks. Overall body length has been reduced by more than 12 inches to keep the Shortcut concept vehicle light and maneuverable on the trails.

Inside, the simple yet functional interior features low-back leather bucket seats with plaid inserts, a red ball shifter handle, four-point safety cage and Mopar all-weather mats.

The Jeep Shortcut is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.”

Jeep® Shortcut Concept
Jeep® Shortcut Concept

TFLcar has been fortunate to interview many of the Jeep designers in the past. One reoccurring theme that seems to resonate with Jeep Design is: add lightness. Some Jeep Wranglers are tipping the scales at over three tons when they are heavily outfitted. Heavy weight makes for hard-going on the trail. With the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the overall size has become challenging on the trail too.

The Jeep Shortcut Concept reminds us of what a Jeep Wrangler’s job description originally was.

We will be covering the Jeep Shortcut Concept at the 2016 Easter Jeep Safari, along with several other concepts. Look for our videos on TFLcar, TFLtruck video channels, our websites and social media!

Speaking of smaller and lighter, check out the Jeep Stitch Concept!


nathan adlen 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.