Judging from the series of releases at the Beijing Auto Show, China is far and away the most important market for global automakers. A trend first started by high-end luxury brands, Jeep is hopping on the bandwagon by introducing the Jeep Wrangler Dragon design concept, a China-market-exclusive vehicle that features a “dragon design” theme to commemorate the Chinese calendar’s Year of the Dragon.
“The Jeep brand is committed to China and therefore we must design and tailor our vehicles to the specific tastes and preferences of chinese consumers,” said Jeep Brand CEO and COO for Asia, Mike Manley.
Mechanically identical to a China-market Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, the Jeep Wrangler Dragon design concept features a gloss black paint scheme as well as a black body-color three-piece hard top. Trim pieces across the vehicle are plated in bronze-gold details including the grille slats, headlamp surrounds, golden accents on matte black wheels, as well as golden Jeep badging front and rear. Rather than the customary “Trail Rated” emblem aft of the front fenders, the special Dragon design concept proudly displays a golden Chinese character for “dragon” instead. Other golden trims include a pad-printed engine cover, bolts for the fuel-filler door and the taillamp assembly, and wheel center caps.
Finally, the Wrangler Dragon design concept makes the biggest statement with a tone-on-tone dragon decal that runs along the length of the vehicle as well as another dragon decal on the gloss-black spare tire cover. An LED exterior lighting package completes the luxurious tone of the bespoke Jeep Wrangler.
The theme continues in the interior as the Wrangler Dragon design features glossy piano black surfaces with golden highlights.
While only a design study, the Wrangler Dragon design concept seems essentially production ready. Depending on its reception at the Beijing auto show and the demand from the Chinese, Jeep just might make it a reality.
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