In recent times, North Carolina-based Signature Autosports has been rebuilding modern sports cars with bodies that look vintage, like a Porsche Boxster that mimics a Porsche 356 and a Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing replica built on Mercedes SLK bones, but now it’s gone in a different direction by shoving a supercharged Hellcat engine under the hood of a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The company’s one-off combines the off-road capability of the iconic SUV with hardcore supercharged power, and it’s for sale, but while the price tag isn’t six figures long, it gets extremely close.
One Change Transforms the Wrangler
Signature Autosports
Signature Autosports
Signature Autosports
The build is based on a 2018 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with leather upholstery, a body-color three-piece hardtop, and a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6. This made a total of 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI from a Challenger Hellcat now makes 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. To avoid confusing the automatic transmission, it’s been recalibrated, but the original 4:10 low-range gearing remains for the selectable four-wheel drive system, and the electronic sway bar disconnect still works. As is evident when peeking through the seven-slot grille, Signature Autosports needed to upgrade the cooling system of the Wrangler, adding a new engine oil cooler and better radiators with dual electric fans, and it’s got heavy-duty driveshafts to ensure the power goes to the ground and not into leaving you stranded.
To let the V8 clear its throat, a stainless-steel exhaust breathes through dual exits. 20-inch FUEL wheels in Mineral Gray, shod in Nitto Ridge Grappler tires, complete the mechanical upgrades, while AMP Research folding electric side steps make it easier to climb in and out.
Leather-Filled Interior and a Price Flirting with Six Figures
Signature Autosports
Signature Autosports
Signature Autosports
Now, Jeep fans know that the 2018 Wrangler is particularly susceptible to the infamous “death wobble,” and since Signature Autosports intends for this to continue being an off-road vehicle, the only change to the setup is the addition of Falcon Piggyback Shocks, so we’d avoid drag racing the build too often. Chewing up the off-road tires on a trail seems like more fun, especially with the whine of the supercharger accessible with a blip of your right foot. With heated front seats, an Alpine nine-speaker sound setup connected to the Uconnect 6.5-inch touchscreen, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel in the tan cabin, it’s a comfortable place from which to venture off the beaten path, though the experience isn’t particularly cheap — this Hellcat-powered Jeep costs $99,950.
Signature Autosports
Signature Autosports
Signature Autosports
Signature Autosports
Signature Autosports
About the author
Sebastian Cenizo
Senior Editor, Autoblog