The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is made out of tough stuff. How tough? Tough enough to be the basis for the Hendrick Dynamics Commando, an ultralight tactical vehicle designed for use by the U.S. military.
In testing, drivers preferred Wranglers – most of which were Rubicons – over those offered by competing manufacturers, according to FourWheeler. Aside from their agility, one of the Wranglers’ main selling points was their Electronic Stability Control because rollovers are some of the most common Army vehicle accidents that result in fatalities.
The military Commando uses a 197-horsepower/339-lb.-ft. 2.8L turbodiesel to carry up to 3,300 of payload on a cargo tray directly attached to the frame. Three body styles are offered; the pickup Commando S is based on a JKU with a JK-8 kit.
Inside, the civilian-friendly trim is gone. However, the Commando does get gear such as suspension seats and four-point harnesses. Underneath, the Rubicon’s electronically disconnectable anti-sway bar has been removed to save weight and complexity.
The company is partnering with DSI (Dealer Services International) to bring a civilian version of the Commando to market. They’ve created a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6-powered concept vehicle with a Rubicon Express adjustable front track bar, an upgraded front driveshaft, a lift, and an engine oil skidplate. Other parts include heavy-duty upper and lower control arms and 3.5-inch coils and shocks.
Pricing hasn’t been determined for the non-military Commando model, but the plan is for the vehicle to be available with a warranty at Jeep dealerships.
For all of the details about both Commando variations and to see an extensive gallery of pictures of them, hit the FourWheeler link below.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
