China is the largest auto market in the world. So to celebrate the opening of the Beijing International Auto Show this week, Jeep unveiled a very special custom Wrangler. Mixing an iconic creature from Chinese mythology with an iconic American SUV produced this beautiful and stylish concept car. Enter the "Dragon."
Credit: Chrysler
The "Dragon" started as a stock Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited. The body is basically unchanged, but it's the paint job that really catches the eye. Jeep blacked out the design and added bronze-gold highlights. Dragons can be found on the sides of the car and throughout the interior.
Credit: Chrysler
Black and gold leather dominates the interior. Gold snakeskin bolsters complete the dragon motif. But the "Dragon" is more than a paint job. If demand is high enough, Jeep has every intention of producing and selling these custom Jeeps in China.
Credit: Chrysler
"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," Mike Manley, CEO of the Jeep brand, said in a press release. "The Wrangler Dragon design concept is the first Jeep vehicle designed specifically with Chinese elements in mind and showcases the opportunity for special editions that might be available for China in the near future."
Credit: Chrysler
Lifting the hood reveals yet another gold dragon hovering over the engine. The engine itself is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which the Jeep Grand Cherokee also uses.
Credit: Chrysler
Jeep's parent company, Chrysler, sells more Jeeps in China than any other market besides North America. China has been good to Jeep, and the "Dragon" is Chrysler's attempt to return the favor.
Credit: Chrysler
"According to the Chinese Zodiac, this is the Year of the Dragon, which is held with high regard in Chinese culture." Chrysler's press release states. "The dragon symbolizes strength and power and is an aspirational character normally associated with royalty and good fortune. It was these characteristics that inspired the upscale design of the Jeep Wrangler Dragon concept."
Credit: Chrysler
While the exterior is mostly monochrome, Jeep actually uses several different styles of black on the "Dragon." Glossy blacks and muted matte colors combine to create this sleek, sinister vehicle.
Credit: Chrysler
Dragons adorn nearly every aspect of this custom Jeep. The spare tire cover features a fearsome gold dragon. The bronze-gold color used throughout the car is traditionally associated with dragons.
Credit: Chrysler
Chinese dragons symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rain and winds, and their more severe weather phenomena. Dragons are symbols of the natural world, adaptability and transformation
Credit: Chrysler
Bronze-gold accents adorn the front grill of the "Dragon."
Credit: Chrysler
In a press release, Chrysler acknowledges that, "China is the Chrysler Group's most important market outside North America."
Credit: Chrysler
Attention to detail is apparent throughout the Jeep Wrangler "Dragon." The headcovers feature laser-stitched dragons.
Credit: Chrysler
The unique 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels are matte black with a bronze-gold high-gloss outer edge and feature 35-inch off-road tires.
