VIDEO: Mopar’s Jeep J7 Stripper and NuKaiser 715, and Ram Power Wagon Concepts

Most likely, you have read our preview on Mopar's SEMA-bound tuned vehicles. If that's the case, then you may also be interested in the video after the break, as Jeep's Chief Designer, Mark Allen, does a show and tell on three Jeep and Ram concept vehicles.

First up is the Jeep Wrangler J7 Stripper that was enhanced by removing several parts, as Mark Allen's team decided to follow the "less is more approach". Amenities like carpets and fog lights are gone, in come 35-inch Mickey Thompson tires and a two-inch lift, which promise to make this Wrangler even more capable off-road.

Next up is the Jeep NuKaiser 715, which borrows most of its components from the J8 military truck. It relies on a 2.8-liter diesel engine to get it through rough terrain, as well as Dynatrac heavy-duty axles with air-lockers and 38-inch BF Goodrich tires. Also, to further resemble the original Kaiser truck, Jeep's designers chopped the top and added the bed of an AEV (American Expedition Vehicle).

For the grand finale we have the Ram Power Wagon, based on the most capable off-road truck that the Chrysler Groups sells today. The SEMA version has a 120 inch (3,05 meters) wheelbase, monstrous 40-inch tires and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. It has "sort of a desert off-road flavor", as Mr. Allen puts it. Scroll down to watch the video.

By Csaba Daradics

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IED Turin Students Envision the Common Future of FIAT and Chrysler

Back in February, well before Fiat and Chrysler worked out the final deal, a group of second-year students at the Turin-based IED (istituto Europeo di Design) were asked to design a vehicle capable of combining to the best advantage the technical know-how, the platforms and the values of the two brands. The students worked individually and among the designs presented, the team that oversaw the project picked out 13 proposals, including those of Vasily Kurkov and Roberto Testolin that were then selected to be produced as 1:4 scale models.

First up is the Biov that is the work of by Roberto Testolin. The idea behind the small pod-like automobile is the creation of an affordable and ecological vehicle positioned in the A segment that's aimed at young and eco-conscious buyers. The vehicle's body panels are made of lightweight plastic materials that are said to reduce the car's "production complexity" and "engineering costs".

The second and comparatively more realistic proposal is the Jeep Pygmy by Vasily Kurkov. The odd-looking three-door SUV is based on the platform of the Fiat Panda Cross 4x4. According to the designer, the exterior styling blends European and American aesthetics while the interior that can seat two, is said to combine retro features with high-tech details.

We thank IED Turin's Valentina G. for sending us the high-res photos

SEMA '09: Mopar Transforms Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon to a Go-Anywhere Campervan

The forth Mopar-prepped concept to be exhibited at the SEMA Show next month is the Jeep Wrangler Overland. Based on the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, the Overland ditches the rear seats in favor of a flat, rubberized utility floor while an ARB two-person Simpson II tent is mounted to the cargo rack on the rooftop. The interior of the Overland features water-resistant front-seat covers, rugged slush mats, a Daystar dash bin and lower switch panel that powers the added accessories.

To further improve the Wrangler's off-road credentials the Mopar team added a an American Expedition Vehicles three-inch suspension lift and a Full Traction rear sway bar while the vehicle now rides on 35-inch tires mounted on 17-inch steel Mopar winter/off-road wheels.

Other modifications include AEV steel bumpers, a Warn 9.5ti winch, heat-reduction hood and snorkel kit plus additional lights mounted on the windshield and front bumper.

SEMA '09: Mopar Transforms Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon to a Go-Anywhere Campervan

The forth Mopar-prepped concept to be exhibited at the SEMA Show next month is the Jeep Wrangler Overland. Based on the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, the Overland ditches the rear seats in favor of a flat, rubberized utility floor while an ARB two-person Simpson II tent is mounted to the cargo rack on the rooftop. The interior of the Overland features water-resistant front-seat covers, rugged slush mats, a Daystar dash bin and lower switch panel that powers the added accessories.

To further improve the Wrangler's off-road credentials the Mopar team added a an American Expedition Vehicles three-inch suspension lift and a Full Traction rear sway bar while the vehicle now rides on 35-inch tires mounted on 17-inch steel Mopar winter/off-road wheels.

Other modifications include AEV steel bumpers, a Warn 9.5ti winch, heat-reduction hood and snorkel kit plus additional lights mounted on the windshield and front bumper.