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Chrysler LLC has recently unveiled its Jeep J8 multipurpose vehicle at the 2007 Defense Systems & Equipment International (DSEi) military trade show which simply goes to show that the iconic Jeep is once again available for enlistment in military service.

Thomas Hausch, Vice President-International Sales, Chrysler LLC was quoted at a press release at worldcarfans.com as saying: "Jeep vehicles made their original debut in 1941 for military duty, and have built their reputation with more than 65 years as the world’s benchmark for off-road capability and versatility for civilian and military vehicles. The new Jeep J8 marks the brand’s return to vehicle production for military and civilian government use – the same capability that makes the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited famous also makes the Jeep J8 a truly multipurpose vehicle."

Jeep engineers have made use of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as its base for creating a Jeep with more capability and versatility. The structure of the Wrangler Unlimited was reinforced for increase off-road performance and to accommodate greater payloads up to a maximum of 1,339kg or 2,952 lbs.

Every components of the Jeep J8 including axles, brakes, and suspension are specifically designed to tackle demanding military and civilian government use. The J8’s Command-Trac® four-wheel drive system enables maximum versatility and performance both in on- and off- road conditions.

The Jeep J8 is powered by a 28 liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that revs up 118kW or 158 hp and 400Nm of torque plus a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg or 7,716 lbs.

The new J8 also features a unique air-intake system with special filtration and a hood-mounted snorkel that allows this new Jeep to wade in water up to 762 mm deep and then withstand sandstorm conditions for up to five hours. Amazing!

The J8 is offered as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for personnel or equipment transport. It also comes as a four-door multipurpose vehicle produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in either right-hand or left-hand drive.

Despite the remarkable features and capabilities, the J8 is not designed for front-line combat operations although it is fully armored and excels in a variety of duties ranging from command vehicle to troop cargo carrier, ambulance, communications vehicle and other similar duties. It heavy duty bumpers with tow eyes enable the Jeep J8 to be transported by means of airplane or helicopter.

The J8 will be built in a Chrysler LLC joint-venture facility in Cairo Egypt and will be offered in spring of 2008.