The Wrangler features a K&N snorkel system for off-road adventures | For the past few months, students in the automotive technology program at Santa Fe Early College Opportunities School (Santa Fe ECO) have been diligently working on a very special vehicle build—sponsored by SEMA and twenty-three automotive aftermarket companies, including K&N. The vehicle—a highly-customized 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited—features over $20,000 in aftermarket parts, and is currently being auctioned to support the program’s vehicle build for the next school year. SEMA will donate 100% of the winning bid back to the school, and Bring-A-Trailer, the auction platform, is picking up the tab for the buyer fee.Along with traditional academic courses, Santa Fe ECO offers career and technical education courses including bio-medical sciences, business, computer science, engineering, construction, welding, and of course—automotive technology. The early college model allows students to pursue certifications and associate degrees while they complete their high school diplomas—allowing students who might not perform well in a traditional learning environment to thrive and develop skills relevant to their interests and career goals. 
Students at Santa Fe ECO have been working on the build since last fall | Santa Fe ECO’s goal is to create a self-sustaining auto technology program, allowing students to have real-world, hands-on experience each school year to develop the skills needed to be successful in the automotive industry. “When you make learning relevant, it does incredible things, and the Jeep build is a wonderful opportunity for us to do that,” commented Kelly Rinaldi, Assistant Principal of Santa Fe ECO.The customized Wrangler features the original 3.6L V6 engine with automatic transmission, and has been upgraded with an Edelbrock supercharger and Flowmaster 409S cat-back single exit exhaust system. K&N donated an Aircharger Snorkel System (63-1573), cabin air filter, and premium oil filter to the build. 
The original full hardtop and doors are included in the sale | Exterior modifications include front and rear bumpers, high clearance metal front and rear fenders, fender liners, and rocker sliders/steps (donated by Bodyguard Truck Accessories). Lund International provided four Rampage trail doors, and Rugged Ridge provided black hood catches and vents. The suspension has also been customized, and the Jeep has been outfitted with a new winch, headlights, tail lights, custom fuel door, premium seat covers, seatbelts, a floor mat kit, console cover, shift handle kit, sway bars, exterior lighting, and traction tools (among other new features). “It’s just an awesome opportunity for us to be working with SEMA, and all these different manufacturers to make this happen for us,” commented Chris Coriz, the auto technology instructor. One thing’s for certain—whoever posts the winning bid will not only receive a fantastic, one-of-a-kind off-road vehicle, they will also be supporting aspiring automotive technology students who have already proven themselves ready to meet and exceed challenges. Do you want to own it? You can view details of the build and bid on the custom Wrangler at www.bringatrailer.com. |
