Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda launched the new wider third generation ‘JK’ Jeep Wrangler at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit by driving it up the steps of the hosting Cobo Convention Centre and through a plate glass window just as his predecessor Robert Lutz had done when he launched the Jeep Grand Cherokee in 1992.

Third generation Wranglers, descendents of the originals built by American Bantam, are built in short wheel base 2 door or long wheel base 4 door Unlimited form like the 2009 model seen in these photographs taken in Australia.

This particular vehicle called Rockzee belongs to my friend Chantal who for several years has been working far off road with communities in the Australian outback where often a lone tree or an unusual pile of rocks in the landscape are her only navigation aids.

Rockzee is powered by a VM Motori 4 cylinder 2,766 cc / 168.8 cui turbo diesel R428 double over head cam (DOHC) motor, note Chantal has recently had an air intake snorkel fitted for trailing through even deeper waters than the Reynolds River in Litchfield National Park seen here.

Enjoying her off roading at work Chantal bought Rockzee 3 years ago from a Doctor in New South Wales and had the ARB Bull Bar and spot lights fitted, to enjoy off roading in her spare time.

Next Chantal hopes to get the suspension adjusted to lift the chassis by 3 inches so the that the wheel arches can accommodate some more serious off road tyres.

Since recently relocating from Alice Springs to Darwin Chantal has hooked up with like minded Jeep enthusiasts the NT (Northern Territories) Jeepers which was founded by Andy Swaka, any one passionate about the four letter word JEEP can get in touch with the NT Jeepers on the facebook page linked here.

My thanks to Chantal for sharing her photographs taken at Alice Springs and in Darwin and for arranging for us to see the photographs taken by Andy Swaka’s partner Brenda who took the photo’s of Rockzee wading through Litchfield National Park.

Thanks for joining me on this “Snorkeling Down Under edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres”, I hope you will join me again tomorrow when I’ll be looking at a California Highway Patrol car. Don’t forget to come back now.

Wishing all Psychoontyres readers and contributors a Happy and Healthy New Year.