ADRIAN, Mich., April 3, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Venchurs VWerks used the annual Jeep Safari event in beautiful Moab, Utah – home of some of the toughest trails in North America – to take the wraps off its latest ultimate off-road vehicle, the JK8 Recon. The military inspired pickup features a VWerks Hemi V8 conversion, VWerks trail-ready bodywork, VWerks heavy-duty coil suspension that gives the Jeep 1.5 ton hauling capacity, 7/16 bed armor plating and a 360-degree rotary mount machine gun turret in the bed, as well as a full complement of military grade weapon mounts, tools, lighting and ammo boxes.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12280
Engineered as a rolling test bed for VWerks' line of off-road and military hardware, Recon is a follow up to the Red Jacket Firearms Jeep JK8 the company debuted at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas that was built for the cast of the Discovery Channel television show Sons of Guns. While Recon started life as a standard 2011 Wrangler JK four-door, it was completely disassembled and rebuilt in the VWerks engineering and fabrication department at Venchurs Vehicle Systems headquarters in Adrian, Michigan as a heavy-duty, trail-ready pickup with V8 power and an array of military hardware.
Highlights include a VWerks Hemi Conversion, which will soon be available to the public featuring a 5.7L VVT Hemi making 390 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 407 lb/ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm, backed by a five speed 5-45RFE automatic transmission upgraded for heavy-duty off-road use. Also of note is the suspension, which not only features a 4-inch lift thanks to the VWerks lift kit, but is now Super HD rated for extreme cargo hauling. Massive 39-inch BFG Krawler Tires are mounted on 17-inch Hutchinson Bead Lock Rims.
Other VWerks exclusives include a Rear Military style Bumper with Clevises and Shackles, a Military trailer Pintle Hook Hitch Combo, Rock Rails, front and rear Genright fenders, a functional cowl induction hood with additional static side vents – all of which are now available to the public through the VWerks website and select dealers.
Inside the Mopar half-doors, the interior features Katzkin leather with dark graphite backing and forest green stitching and VWerks floor mats. Mil-grade switches operate the 9.5ti Thermometric Self-Recovery Warn Winch and PIAA 520 ATP (All-Terrain Pattern) lantern. A custom VWerks canvas cover that shrouds the bed and full roll cage allows occupants to have a complete field of vision outside the vehicle while maintaining operation cover for bed occupants.
A VWerks 7/16 bed armor plate protects occupants and provides a perch for the gunner in chase scenarios, and a full bed cage provides overhead protection, cover and a wide array of mounting points for tools, storage and hardware. Military gear includes a MK93 Machine Gun Mount w/ ammo can, M240 adaptor for a 600-round ammo can and a 360-degree rotary mount with a M2 Ma Deuce Replica machine gun – all by Crane Technologies.
Climbing trails, hauling hardware through tough terrain around the world, the Recon JK8 is further proof that VWerks is on the forefront of premium off-road technology. To learn more about VWerks parts, accessories and complete turn-key vehicles, visit www.VVWerks.com.
About VENCHURS:
Venchurs, Inc. a successful minority owned business located in Adrian, Michigan has been serving the automotive OEM and aftermarket industries for more than 30 years, specializing in kit-packaging, order management, and service based logistics. Combining employee longevity with industry experience, Venchurs provides high quality projects and exceptional customer service. Their newest division, Venchurs Vehicle System incorporates a variety of vehicle programs, including VWerks, which manages, develops and markets specialty vehicle assembly and sales programs and CNG conversions for Ford as a QVM (Qualified Vehicle Modifier). For more information visit www.Venchurs.com or www.VenchursVehicles.com.
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Recon Specs
Base Vehicle: 2011 JK Wrangler
Powertrain
- 5.7l Hemi Conversion – 2011 DS VVT Engine with 390 HP @ 5,600 rpm along with 407 ft-lbs of torque @ 4,000 rpm
- 5-45RFE Transmission upgraded to all Steel plates and bands
- Atlas II Dual Stick Transfer Case
Drivetrain
- Axles - Dynatrac complete high clearance, high pinion ProRock 60 front assembly with ARB air locker, competition axle shafts and CTM u-joints. The rear axle was a Pro80 with a Detroit locker and it also has our competition axle shafts. Both axles have a 5.38 Ratio
- VWerks 3" drive shaft and Rear Drive shafts
Suspension
- VWerks 4.0" lift kit
- 1.0" Body lift by JACK-IT
- Super HD coil springs that can handle the additional payload on top of the manufactures recommended weight.
- Front coil
Load=1250 #'s @ 13.305"
Rate=191 lb./in.
- Rear coil
Load=1967 #'s @ 11.170"
Rate=275 lb.in.
Braking
- Front master Cylinder upgrade from Teraflex
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FoxShocks:
Ø 2.0 Body and reservoir
Ø 5/8 shaft
Compression damping adjuster
Race oil and high temp seals
High pressure air valve
Heavy valving to accommodate extra weight of the vehicle
Black zinc plating
Front:
25.69" extended
9.00" travel (16.69" compressed)
Mounting: Stem top and bottom Teflon lined spherical bearing
Rear:
26.12" extended
10.00" travel (16.12" compressed)
Mounting: top hourglass bushing & bar pin, bottom Teflon lined spherical bearing
- PSC Front Steering Ram Assist those massive 39" tires
Tires
- 39" BFG Krawler Tires (39 x 14.50 x 17")
- 17" Hutchinson Bead lock Rims
- Hi Lift Jack
Interior
- Full Combo Style Forest leather with a Dark Graphite backing with Forest Green stitching from Katzkin
- VWerks floor mats
Exterior
- VWerks Front Premium Bumper
- 9.5ti Thermometric Self-Recovery Winch by Warn
- PIAA 520 ATP (All-Terrain Pattern) is powered by PIAAs proprietary ATP technology that delivers a beam with the perfect combination of height, width and distance. This lamp is designed with a 12-volt Xtreme white H3 85-watt comparable 135-watt bulb.
- VWerks Rear Military Bumper with Clevises and Shackles
- VWerks Military trailer Pintle Hook Hitch Combo 2 in Ball 4 Hole Mount 16,000lb (8 Tons)
- VWerks Rock Rails
- VWerks Hood with functional Scoop
- Front and Rear Fenders
- Genright rear tire carrier capable of holding a 42" tire
- Mopar Half doors
- Custom Canvas that allows for the truck bed to be uncovered while maintaining the coverage of the passenger compartment. Each canvas allows for the occupants to see completely outside the vehicle while keeping complete privacy for the occupants. There is an independent front occupant cover and independent rear occupant cover.
Military Items
- Crane Technologies - MK93 Machine Gun Mount w/ Ammunition Can Holder
- Crane Technologies - M240 adaptor for MK93 w/ 600 round Ammunition can
- Crane Technologies - Full 360 Degree rotary mount with a M2 (Ma Deuce) Replica Machine Gun.
- A complete 7-16 bed armor plate not only allows for occupant protection, but gives the gunner a firm placement to stand.
- The roll cage was completely hand designed by VWerks engineering and fabricators to with stand the toughest of task.
Accessories
- ARB Air Compressor with a 2.5 Gallon air tank
- Military shovels
- Military pick axes
- Full control box for lights and air lockers
- Two full plastic water containers mounted on either side of the on board compressor
