Outback Racer – AEV Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

Few places are considered harsher than the Australian Outback. The Australasian Safari is looked at as one of the toughest seven-day endurance races that rivals even that of the Dakar Rally thanks to that improbable terrain. Team Lerner Reina set out with a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon that was modified by American Expedition Vehicles. Let’s take a quick look into this amazing machine.

To finish first, you must first finish. The AEV Wrangler was the only production vehicle to finish the Australasian Safari. This also meant they earned an entry spot for the 2014 Dakar Rally by winning the Dakar Challenge. Amy Lerner was also the fastest female driver of the Safari in the AEV JK.

AEV kept things rather simple by using the stock Pentastar 3.6L V6 and transmission. However, they did add the AEV Snorkel Kit to keep the air intake above water and dust.

The body was modified by using the AEV Heat Reduction Hood, while AEV front and rear bumpers and an AEV Front Skid Plate protected the chassis. A pair of IPF-900 lights was installed on the bumper for improved visibility.

For suspension duty, the AEV 3.5 inch lift kit was matched to a set of Bilstein Remote Reservoir shocks and LT 285/70 R17 Falken Wildpeak AT tires were bolted to the AEV beadlock wheels.

Navigation was done by a Terra Trip 303 GPS-based rally computer that read out precise distance, speed, and timing information.

In April, Team Lerner looks forward to competing in Mexico’s Rally Diabolico. In the meantime, take a look at the video from the Australasian Safari.