Sam Krahn 
FCA’s design program often puts out a challenge to fans they call the Sketch Battle. Earlier this year, they asked artists to envision the future of Ram trucks. This time, they asked Jeep fans to sketch their dream SEMA concept for the SEMA360 virtual show, and the winners have just been chosen by FCA Global Head of Design Ralph Giles and Ram and Mopar Head Designer Mark Trostle. The three finalists stretch the imagination of what a Jeep can be, and will get one on one time with both Giles and Tostle. Here’s an in depth look at the talented designs from the latest Jeep sketch battle.
The first sketch is a rather fantastic cab forward Jeep pickup that manages to look cute and angry at the same time. With the square stance from the enormous wheels, the truck really does look like the Jeep equivalent of a bulldog. This design might be intended for military use, as there is a reference to the original Willys Jeep in the first image. With a 4xe on on the hood above the grille, it’s probably a hybrid or fully electric.
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Next is what looks like an electric Jeep buggy. The most striking design element is the screen that replaces the traditional seven bar grille. In the first picture, the vehicle is charging and the screen displays the charge status as the seven bars, a nice detail. In the second picture, it switches to show the pitch and roll details. We are already used to screens on the inside telling us information, so this concept shows how they could one day more to the outside of the vehicle to do the same. Just look at the Hummer EV headlights, which use LEDs to show charge levels. The buggy also shows how a softer, more rounded design without the trademark grille can still look unmistakably Jeep.
The final Jeep sketch battle concept is the most futuristic design, and was made in honor of the Death Standing video game It can change its ride height, and when in the highest setting, it looks like it could glide over just about any obstacle. This design is by far the least Jeep like, with no direct design traits visible in the views they give us.
None of these models could be based on an existing Jeep product, making their likelihood as a SEMA concept slim. But still, they are some fantastic sketches and earned their spot at the top of the competition. Maybe with this work, and their one on one meeting with both Giles and Tostle, they could go on to be a designer at Jeep.
