BOLD RIDE
For years, the Jeep faithful have begged the company to build a pickup truck variant of its perennial strong-seller, the Jeep Wrangler, and come 2018 it appears they’ll finally get one. We won’t string you along—this isn’t it, however some Jeepers will surely wish it was.
To start, Starwood began the formidable project with a garden variety 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. If its now-commanding stature and claimed 700 horsepower weren’t enough to convince you otherwise… it’s far from “garden variety” anymore.
First, the obvious modifications. It’s a pickup truck! Starwood says they added a full 48 inches to the Wrangler’s body and frame in order to accommodate its new slab-sided long bed pickup box.
Inside it there’s enough room for all the trail gear you’ll ever need, or of course groceries for a month if you fancy a dash to the shops.
It’s also a bit taller than it used to be, and meaner. The Bandit rides atop a new TeraFlex long-arm adjustable suspension and features a mix of Fox Racing and Synergy Suspension shocks, which allow the fitment of the Jeep’s massive 40-inch Nitto tires.
Its off-road presence is further emphasized by its pumped-up fender flares at each corner, Fab Four bumpers, Warn winch, and enough LED lights to make midnight in the desert look like a beating midday sun.
Its paint? That’s actually a DuPont Kevlar blend in “Military Tan,” which should be able to stand up to the elements… and just about everything else too.
The 700 horsepower fury under the bonnet? It may not be one of the famed Hellcat V8s, but trust that this Hemi engine can surely get the job done.
Starwood says the 7.0-liter V8 “stroker” motor features forged internals, a high-performance fuel system, and a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger. What results is a veritable blast of power, which is all relegated to the Jeep’s rebuilt and reinforced automatic transmission and transfer case.
Over the top? Perhaps, then again the rig does need to turn 40-inch tires and super-tall 5.38 gears, stuffed in big Ford nine-inch axles.
As with all of Starwood Motors’ larger-than-life Jeep builds, this ‘Bandit’ Jeep Wrangler pickup is indeed for sale. Step stool not included.
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