If you're racking your brains wondering where you've seen this special edition Jeep Wrangler ->ke425 before, we're going to spare you the trouble. The Wrangler Year of the Dragon Concept was first shown at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show->ke2062 to mark the Chrysler->ke21's return to the Chinese market.

A little over a year after the concept made its debut, Jeep->ke40 decided that it was about time it was turned into an actual production car. So it did so, giving birth to the 2014 Wrangler Dragon Edition, which, ironically, will be sold in the North American market.

Surprise, surprise, to say the least.

The production model retains most of the design characteristics of the concept version and, though the actual Year of the Dragon has come and gone, the model will likely still get its share of undivided attention given its status as a limited-run, special-edition model.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Jeep Wrangler Dragon Edition

jeep-wrangler-dragon-edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: jeep-wrangler-dragon-edition
Pros
Cons

2014 Jeep Wrangler Dragon Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Dragon Edition
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 284
  • Torque: 256
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Following up on last year's concept, the 2014 Wrangler Dragon Edition comes in the same black color setup with matching Bronze Satin Gloss details spread throughout the body, particularly inside the front grille slats, the headlamp surround and on the Jeep badging. Gloss-black appliques were likewise done on the front and rear bumpers, adding balance to the color scheme that's further highlighted by a design that fits right into the special-edition Wrangler's name: a Dark Charcoal dragon decal that's prominently featured on the body of the Wrangler, running from the hood all the way along the driver's side of the vehicle.

A Mopar fuel-filler door was also added, as was a black spare tire cover with its own dragon decal.

Rounding out the exterior modifications are a new set of 18-inch, five-spoke, matte-black alloy wheels with the same Bronze Satin Gloss on its outer edge.

Interior

The interior of the special edition Wrangler Dragon Edition also receives some snazzy upgrades, beginning with the black-and-bronze theme of the body. From there, Jeep puts in heated black Nappa leather seats with Satin Bronze Dragon Scale on numerous panels of the cabin, including the outer bolster surfaces, the center console armrest and steering wheel.

The instrument panel is also spruced up and now features high-gloss black bezels while the steering wheel spokes and the passenger-side dashboard grab handle gets the accompanying Satin Bronze accent trim. Finally, the floor mats also receive matching bronze treatment while the gauge cluster is given a unique dragon graphic overlay.

Drivetrain

Since the model is based on the Wrangler Unlimited model, the special edition Dragon Edition comes powered by the 3.6-liter, V-6 that delivers 284 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque. This Pentastar V-6 mates to a five-speed automatic transmission, netting an estimated 0-to-60 mph time of seven seconds to go with a top speed of 130 mph.

Pricing

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Dragon is set to hit dealerships on a limited production scale this fall in North America with a $36,095 price tag.

Competition

2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser serves as a notable competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, although how much appeal it will have relative to this limited-run special edition remains to be seen. But for the standard version, the Toyota utility vehicle has the same dust-collecting, mud-swamping credentials as that of the Jeep.

For one, its powered by a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers a total of 260 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of peak torque. The FJ Cruiser’s numbers aren’t too far off from the Wrangler, except that it comes with a slightly bigger engine and a less powerful output.

Conclusion

The Jeep Wrangler Dragon Edition combines the best of East and West with the best of American functionality and the artistic history of the Chinese. The only thing we're apprehensive about with this model is its limited edition run, which makes taking out on the off-road something we're apprehensive about doing lest we get this bad boy all muddied up.

But other than that, the Wrangler Dragon Edition gets great marks from us.