Chrysler and Activision have unveiled images of the upcoming 2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition, a gleaming, gunless black beauty with a hot paint job and a hefty price tag.
The word first came out in September that Activision was joining up with Chrysler to make a Call of Duty-themed Jeep Wrangler, not an RC toy but a real, live, go-get-some-groceries SUV. The plan was to tie in with the “hero vehicle” in the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops, which will also be a Wrangler, albeit one that’s a bit less shiny. And as Chrysler revealed today, the commemorative off-road classic will be very shiny indeed.
The 2011 Black Ops Edition of the Jeep Wrangler will be based on the Rubicon model, painted a high-gloss black with Call of Duty: Black Ops graphics on the roof and front quarter panels, taillight guards and a Mopar fuel-filler door. “Aggressive” 32-inch off-road tires on high-gloss Mineral Gray Rubicon wheels, live axles with locking front and rear differentials and a two-speed transfer case will also be standard. Gun mounts, however, will not.
“This is a dynamic and fully integrated partnership that brings together two iconic brands across a full array of consumer touch-points,” according to Activision Chief Marketing Officer Brad Jakeman, and while I’m not entirely clear on what that means I do have to wonder if there’s really enough crossover between hardcore Jeep and Call of Duty audiences to make this worthwhile. All that Black Ops goodness comes with a hefty price tag, after all: The two-door model will carry a MSRP of $30,625, while the four-door “Unlimited” model will list at $33,500. In other words, it’s probably not something you’re going to pick up on a whim.
I’m not a Call of Duty fan, but I have to admit that this Jeep is one sexy machine, and while I’d never fork over 30 grand to make it happen, I sure wouldn’t mind having one parked in my driveway. Those of you who would cough up that kind of green just to show your love for a famous videogame franchise won’t have to wait long to do it: The 2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops edition rolls into showrooms in November. Call of Duty: Black Ops, meanwhile, comes out on November 9 for the PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii.
