Sometimes a movie hits theaters ahead of its time, and it isn’t until much later that the portents within reveal themselves as an accurate portrait of the world we inhabit.
Like Idiocracy. Or in this case, Terminator Salvation.
Set in 2018, the one memorable part of the otherwise forgettable film is a fleet of rough-and-tumble Jeep Wranglers that race about the film’s dystopian landscape. And here we are in actual 2018, and the folks at KAO Auto Styling are making that fleet a reality.
While not officially affiliated, the custom shop’s new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Custom has been dubbed “Terminator series,” and we’d gladly ride one into battle against cyborgs.
The Unlimited’s standard 3.6-liter V6 and four-door frame are supplemented with apocalypse-ready flourishes from tip to tail, including custom LED head and taillights, ancillary front LEDs from Rigid Industries’ Radiance Series and a menacing “Terminator” grille. Underneath, you’ll find a 5-inch suspension lift, 24-inch custom wheels with 37-inch mud-terrain tires and Fox Racing gas shocks.
But inside — not unlike the guy who played the original Terminator — this beast is a big softie. The Tuscan leather and suede interior looks comfortable as all get out, not to mention the wind that’ll be blowing through your hair from all directions via the minimal cage doors. (Don’t worry, the factory doors and three-piece Freedom Series hardtop are included should some extra protection be necessary.)
But we must come full circle and disappoint in the end: this particular build recently sold for $77K. The inspiration, however, is something all Jeep fans can take with them — preferably straight to KAO, who are willing and able to start a build upon your request.
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