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Summit Apex Protocol

R008

Summit Apex Protocol

The Summit Apex Protocol transforms the 2020 Jeep Wrangler into a precision-engineered hill climb machine, tailored for the brutal demands of Pikes Peak. Its suspension is completely reimagined with a bespoke double-wishbone front setup and a massively widened track, trading traditional off-road compliance for razor-sharp handling and suspension travel optimized for high-speed elevation changes. The exposed carbon fiber bodywork is aggressively sculpted, featuring trapezoidal fender arches and vertical intake ducts that feed dual side-mounted intercoolers and advanced brake cooling systems, ensuring reliability and performance in the thin mountain air. Aerodynamics take center stage with a full suite of functional components including a twin-element rear wing mounted on carbon fiber pylons, a full-width diffuser with vertical fins, and vortex generators to maintain airflow attachment. Underneath, a heavily modified 3.6L turbocharged V6 with dry sump lubrication mates to a sequential gearbox, supported by extensive ducting fed through roof-mounted inlets. Forgeline GA3R wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires provide a planted, aggressive stance, turning this Wrangler into a formidable Unlimited Class competitor that combines brute force with aerodynamic finesse.

Summit Apex Protocol blueprint

Technical Dossier // R008

Track

Purpose-built for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Summit Apex Protocol’s suspension and chassis are engineered to handle rapid elevation changes and tight alpine corners. The front double-wishbone suspension provides precise wheel control and increased camber gain, while the rear setup maintains planted stability. Tuned for high-speed grip and responsive handling, this build sacrifices traditional off-road articulation in favor of track-focused compliance and feedback, enabling aggressive driving on the demanding hill climb course.

Body Modifications

Front track widened by 250mm with trapezoidal fender extensions
Rear arches extended by 270mm featuring box flares and 110mm overhang
Exposed high-gloss carbon fiber body with electric orange geometric stripes
Integrated vertical intake ducts behind front wheels for cooling

Aero Components

Twin-element rear wing on 400mm carbon fiber pylons spanning 1900mm
Full-width rear diffuser with vertical fins
Front splitter with upward angled dive planes projecting 150mm
Vortex generators along rear bodywork for airflow control

Aero

Aerodynamics are treated as a core performance element, with the Summit Apex Protocol featuring a comprehensive package that manages airflow for both cooling and downforce. The twin-element rear wing mounted on tall carbon fiber pylons generates significant rear downforce without compromising drag, while the full-width diffuser with vertical fins smooths airflow under the vehicle. Front splitter dive planes and vortex generators optimize front-end grip and maintain airflow attachment across the widebody, ensuring balanced aerodynamic performance throughout the climb.

Wheel and Tire Setup

Forgeline GA3R forged wheels
18x11 inches front and rear
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires sized 325/30R18 front
345/30R18 rear
Wide stance to complement extreme track widening
Lightweight construction optimized for unsprung mass reduction

Wheels

Forgeline GA3R wheels in an 18x11-inch size front and rear provide a robust yet lightweight foundation for the Summit Apex Protocol’s wide stance. Wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires sized 325/30R18 up front and 345/30R18 at the rear, this setup offers exceptional grip and durability under high load conditions. The wheels’ forged construction optimizes unsprung mass, improving suspension response and enhancing the car’s planted feel through high-speed corners.

Stance

The widened track and extended overhangs create a commanding and aggressive stance, with the front track expanded by 250mm and rear by 265mm to maximize stability. The pronounced fender flares and box arches not only accommodate the wide wheels but also visually emphasize the build’s purposeful aggression. This setup lowers the center of gravity and improves weight distribution, translating into confident, precise handling on the hill climb’s demanding terrain.

Powertrain Concept

Highly modified 3.6L V6 turbocharged engine with dry sump lubrication
Sequential six-speed gearbox tailored for rapid shifts
Dual side-mounted intercoolers fed by vertical intake ducts
Extensive cooling ductwork including roof-mounted air intakes

Engine

At the heart of the Summit Apex Protocol lies a thoroughly reworked 3.6-liter turbocharged V6, equipped with dry sump lubrication to maintain oil pressure through steep elevation changes and aggressive cornering. The engine’s turbo system is paired with dual side-mounted intercoolers, receiving cool air through integrated vertical ducts, ensuring consistent boost and thermal management during the demanding climb. This powertrain is married to a sequential gearbox engineered for rapid, seamless shifts, delivering power with precision and reliability.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain architecture abandons the Wrangler’s traditional off-road setup for a time attack-focused layout. A custom sequential transmission enables lightning-fast gear changes, while the rear-biased all-wheel-drive system is calibrated for maximum traction on paved mountain switchbacks. Reinforced half shafts and upgraded differentials complement the widened track and suspension modifications, forming a drivetrain package built to handle intense lateral loads and rapid directional transitions.

Fabrication Notes

Custom double-wishbone front suspension replacing factory solid axle
Reinforced chassis bracing to accommodate widened track and aero loads
Precision carbon fiber body panels hand-laminated for weight savings
Bespoke mounting points for aero components integrated into chassis

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