The annual Easter Jeep Safari event is welcoming a new set of extreme Jeep vehicles in 2022. Seven one-of-a-kind Jeep concept models are headed to Moab, most promoting the company's vision of a zero emissions future.
The Utah destination is the spiritual home of the Stellantis brand. "Easter Jeep Safari is the perfect opportunity for the Jeep brand to push the limits of four-wheel-drive development and, most importantly, to stay connected with our customers," said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America.
"Moab is a rite of passage for many Jeep owners, and to own a Jeep is to truly understand the lifestyle – it's what the Jeep brand is all about. Whether it's a Jeep concept or the latest Jeep production vehicle, our customers have the chance to get up close and personal with our passion projects during this event."
Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Concept
The lineup of models at the event includes the Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Concept. A year ago, the company demonstrated what a battery-electric Wrangler would look like for the first time. This Magneto 2.0 Concept pushes the limits further.
Jeep has installed a six-speed manual transmission in the electric vehicle, which is powered by four lithium-ion battery packs. The SUV's inverters are derived from race cars. The Wrangler Magneto 2.0 can deliver 625 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque instantly.
The SUV is 12 inches longer than the typical Wrangler, giving extra room for powertrain components, making it similar to the "LJ" Wrangler Unlimited, which was around from 2004-06. It also has a 3-inch lift kit and rides on 40-inch off-road tires mounted on 20-inch wheels.
Carbon fiber wheel flares and Surf Blue paint make the concept instantly stand out from the crowd. Its custom hood is transparent, with a blue tint.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe Concept
This concept model shares much of its components with the Grand Cherokee 4xe that's coming to market this spring. Its Industrial Blue exterior, 4xe Lagoon Blue tow hooks, and glare-proof black-and-blue matte Trailhawk hood decal give it a unique look.
A custom roof rack with integrated tie downs, black painted Rhino Liner roof for added durability, custom fog light bezels with quad LED projector fog lamps, Mopar rock rails and custom vinyl side graphics give the model a rough-and-ready appearance.
The custom rig rides on 20-inch painted Neutral Gray metallic matte wheels wrapped by 33-inch BFG mud-terrain tires.
Jeep's SUV is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's paired with a 400-volt battery pack and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
A Quadra-Lift air suspension helps the SUV's ride quality and performance. A sway-bar disconnect allows for impressive articulation along the trail.
The interior features custom saddle-colored upholstered seats with "Rodney" houndstooth inserts, the 4xe Trailhawk badge and Surf Blue stitching.
Jeep '41 Concept
Jeep has installed the latest in powertrain technology inside this concept SUV that was designed to pay homage to the long history of the Jeep brand.
Built on what the Wrangler 4xe already offers, the model has an olive D.R.A.B. '41 matte green exterior paint job, with color-matched mirror caps and black powder-coated steel bumpers. A Warn winch and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) bumper hoop.
The SUV is topped with a tan soft-top. Exit is through JPP half doors. A custom stenciled graphics package by Jeep Graphic Studio and accent-colored tow hooks finish the exterior modifications.
Jeep has given the '41 concept a retro shifter with a custom cap, canvas-covered seats with digital camouflage inserts and Serafil 1043 stitching. A Rhino-lined heavy texture floor, colored to match the exterior, adds durability. The color continues over to the concept's instrument panel, which houses a cluster that displays custom Willys retro graphics.
Jeep Rubicon 20th Anniversary Concept
This concept builds on the good in the Wrangler Rubicon 392 adding new equipment and features to the V8-powered SUV.
It has an active dual-mode performance exhaust, a performance hood with a center scoop, custom-built half doors, and a Sky One-touch power roof with removable side panels.
Wearing a Granite Crystal vinyls wrap, the model's looks have been accented with gold tow hooks and badging, a Rubicon 20th anniversary hood decal, American flag fender decal, and Mopar swing gate air compressor.
JPP has supplied a 2-inch lift kit that is matched with 17-inch Mopar beadlock-capable wheels wrapped in 37-inch mud-terrain tires. Steel bumpers and hoop with Warn winch and steel belly pan have been added.
Jeep Bob Concept
The new Jeep concept was designed to blur the lines between the Wrangler SUV and Gladiator truck. Based on the Gladiator Rubicon, the model deletes all four doors and B-pillars, and adds a custom perforated hardtop to create an open air atmosphere.
Custom front and rear bumpers, high clearance flares and a bobbed bed, improve approach and departure angles over a traditional Gladiator.
The SUV has a 3-inch lift with a custom off-road suspension featuring Dynatrac Pro-Rock 60 axles supported by King Coils and bypass shocks. The model rides on 40-inch tires that are wrapped around 20-inch headlock wheels.
Jeep's designers have given the model a multi-finish paint scheme that mixes gloss and matte finishes. A vented carbon hood competes the look.
Bright bed-lined floors and custom trimmed seats are changes over the traditional Gladiator Rubicon interior.
Jeep D-Coder Concept by JPP
The D-Coder Concept was created to show the breadth of the JPP lineup. It carries more than 35 JPP and Mopar accessories, each painted in contrasting Maraschino Red paint and labeled with a QR code that links to the Mopar eStore.
The Gloss Black truck features a Rubicon three-piece modular bumper and a winch guard. A pair of TYRI 7-inch LED off-road lights illuminate the road ahead from above the Rubicon Warn winch.
A JPP 2-inch lift kit with Fox shocks is paired with JPP 17-by-8.5-inch five-spoke beadlock wheels riding on BFGoodrich KM3 37-inch tires.
JPP's snorkel keeps water out of the 3.6-liter Pentastar engine allowing air into the Mopar cold-air intake system. A free-flowing Mopar cat-back dual-exhaust system completes the powertrain modifications.
The JPP Gorilla Glass windshield offers up to three times the strength of a standard windshield. A pair of TYRI 5-inch LED lights mount in JPP A-pillar mounting brackets on each side of the hood.
Heavy-gauge steel JPP rock rails sit below JPP tube doors, fitted with JPP tube-door mirrors on both sides. Additional rock rails,with a replaceable nylon rock-rail trim cover, protect the truck bed behind the rear wheels.
Mopar grab handles assist are fitted to the cabin, while a Mopar mesh sunbonnet delivers an enhanced open-air experience.
Katzkin leather covers both rows of seats. Mopar accessories, including four door-sill guards, stainless-steel pedal covers and all-weather floor mats feature throughout.
The truck bed is protected by a spray-in textured Mopar bedliner. A set of mounted Mopar bed rails carry a Thule low-profile cargo basket.
Jeep Birdcage Concept by JPP
The Jeep Birdcage Concept also shows off JPP and Mopar parts. It's built on the Wrangler 4xe and features a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain accordingly.
It wears a JPP 2-inch lift kit with Fox shocks that have been specifically tuned to withstand the rigors of a plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV). The model features an Eagle Brown paint job accented by Crystal metallic and Surf Blue accents.
Jeep has given the model a custom rock-slider skid plate that connects two rounded 2-inch steel support bars. The plate protects the recessed Warn winch. Two closed-tow hoops connect behind the skid plate and onto the frame.
JPP 17-inch five-spoke headlock wheels are shoed with BFGoodrich KM3 73-inch tires. Custom fender flares and wheel liners help give the model added ground clearance.
The concept wears the first 50-state legal fender flare with original equipment manufacturer daytime running lights and meets 50-state tire coverage requirements.
Underbody rock lights at all four corners illuminate the ground below.
The windshield and windshield wipers have been removed. The instrument plane has been closed off and custom cowl and windshield-super filler panel covers have been created. Three header-mounted 14-inch JPP TYRI off-road LED lights sit high.
Designers have installed Tobacco Leaf and Cocoa Brown leather seats that have distinctive inserts and Surf Blue accent stitching. Mopar stainless-steel pedal covers, an Armorlite vinyl floor, and JPP instrument panel accessory rail finish off the cabin enhancements.
The Add-A-Trunk concept decklid panel provides security for accessories when the roof is removed. It uses gas-assisted shocks to lift the decklid panel out of the way allowing for easy access when the swing gate is open.
A 600-pound capacity Rhino-Rack cargo basket has been added on top of the roll cage. Finally, a JPP swing-gate flip-down table delivers a working or eating space.
The vehicles will hit the dusty road, joining thousands of other off-road models April 9-17, during a weeklong celebration of trail riding and technical off-roading.
About the writer
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull leads the Autos team at Newsweek. She has written extensively about the auto industry for U.S. News & ... Read more
