Electrified power, legendary 4x4 capability and commanding performance will be front and centre during this year’s Easter Jeep Safari, the Jeep brand’s home away from home.
Thousands of off-roading enthusiasts and Jeep brand loyalists from all over the world are descending upon Moab, from April 9 to 17, for the weeklong annual tradition of trail rides and technical off-roading.
The Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar (JPP) team are bringing their A game with an extraordinary lineup of custom-built 4x4 and 4xe concept vehicles to conquer the iconic red-rock terrain in Moab, Utah.
The lineup is punctuated by the triumphant return of Jeep Wrangler Magneto, the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) concept from the Jeep brand. The even more powerful and capable Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 and four additional Jeep 4xe concept vehicles are testament to the Jeep brand’s commitment to Zero Emission Freedom.
Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Concept
A year ago, the Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept demonstrated that a battery-electric propulsion system would be true to the Wrangler’s heritage of on-road and off-road capability. A vehicle that demonstrates the Jeep Brand’s dedication to Zero Emissions Freedom.
Peak amperage in the propulsion system is more than doubled to 600 amps. That enables the Magneto 2.0 to instantly deliver up to 850 lb.-ft. of peak torque to the wheels – more than triple the torque output of last year’s concept – and 625hp for serious rock-climbing challenges. A new electric powertrain calibration maintains the peak amperage for up to 10 seconds – think of it as electronic nitrous oxide – which lets the Magneto 2.0 bolt from 0-60 mph in 2 seconds.
12 inches have been added to the wheelbase of the two-door Wrangler body style – creating some extra room for powertrain components and gives the Magneto 2.0 proportions similar to the “LJ” Wrangler Unlimited from 2004-06. Augmenting that stretch are a custom 3-inch lift kit and 40-inch off-road tires mounted on 20-inch wheels.
Custom, lightweight bumpers replace the factory units front and rear. Carbon-fiber wheel flares front and rear cover the wide tires without adding much weight. These elements enhance the Magneto 2.0’s approach and departure angles on the trail.
Surf Blue paint, a custom carbon-fiber B-pillar, custom bikini top and carbon fiber hood give Magneto 2.0 a powerful look. The custom hood includes a blue-tinted, transparent window that gives a view of the power unit underneath.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk PHEV Concept
This spring, the Jeep brand is launching the first-ever electrified Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, which will deliver 56 MPGe and 25 miles of all-electric range. Easter Jeep Safari gives the Jeep brand and Jeep design team the opportunity to take production vehicles like the Grand Cherokee 4xe to the next level.
The most 4x4-capable and sustainable Grand Cherokee ever, the new Trailhawk 4xe has conquered the Rubicon Trail in full-electric operation, and now it’s ready to tackle all that Moab has to offer.
Like the new production Grand Cherokee 4xe, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk PHEV concept is powered by two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum efficiency and capability.
The concept boasts a custom Industrial Blue exterior, along with signature 4xe Lagoon Blue tow hooks and glare-proof black-and-blue matte Trailhawk hood decal. Adding to its adventuresome appearance is 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 and custom vinyl side graphics for protection against debris. Mopar rock rails add further protection against nature’s less forgiving elements.
Jeep ’41 Concept
During Easter Jeep Safari, the Jeep brand pays homage to Jeep vehicles of the past. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the Wrangler Willys. The retro Willys concept blends military grit and determination with the Wrangler 4xe’s electric-vehicle technology. The concept’s 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain is capable of an estimated 49 MPGe and delivers up to 21 miles of nearly silent, zero-emission, electric-only propulsion, making it the most capable, technically advanced and eco-friendly Wrangler ever.
The Wrangler 4xe’s advanced powertrain provides a unique on- and off-road experience through the combination of two electric motors, a high-voltage battery pack, a high-tech 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine and robust TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.
The concept’s exterior colour, including wheel flares and mirror caps, is honorably decorated in an olive D.R.A.B. ‘41 matte green finish, with black powder-coated steel bumpers, Warn winch and JPP bumper hoop. The retro trim cap accentuates a tan soft-top, while JPP half doors offer an enhanced open-air experience to let even more of the outside in. A custom stenciled graphics package from the Jeep Graphic Studio and accent-coloured tow hooks are the finishing touches fit for a five-star general.
Jeep Rubicon 20th Anniversary Concept
The Rubicon 20th Anniversary concept, based on the quickest, most powerful Wrangler yet – the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 – continues the legacy established two decades ago by setting the benchmark for performance and capability with its 6.4-liter V-8 engine, customised exterior and stunning interior.
The modified four-door Wrangler Rubicon 392 features an active dual-mode performance exhaust that switches between wild and outrageous, a performance hood with centre scoop, custom-built half doors and Sky One-touch powertop with removable side panels for open-air freedom.
The concept’s matte Granite Crystal exterior vinyl wrap is accentuated with gold tow hooks and badging, a Rubicon 20th anniversary hood decal, American flag fender decal and Mopar swing gate air compressor.
Jeep Bob Concept
Designed to blur the lines between two mighty off-roaders, the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, the Jeep Bob concept is a playful spin on the popular trend of “bobbing” the long overhangs of pickup truck beds in order to make it the ultimate terrain tackler.
The Gladiator bed has been “bobbed” a full foot of length. Custom steel front and rear bumpers improve the vehicle’s approach and departure angles, and are built to withstand all the rigors of off-road use, while maintaining a stylish and sophisticated appearance. Inspired by the off-road performance world, high clearance flares make room for the larger rolling stock.
All four doors and B-pillars have been removed for the ultimate open-air freedom. Additionally, a customised hardtop has been perforated and a canvas top has been stretched over top in order to provide shelter from the elements while allowing natural light through.
Off-road capability is further amplified by a 3-inch lift with custom off-road suspension components, Dynatrac Pro-Rock 60 axles that are supported by a mix of King Coils and Bypass shocks, plus massive 40-inch tires that are mounted to 20-inch beadlock wheels that, all combined, provide ultimate four-wheeling confidence.
Jeep D-Coder Concept by JPP
The gloss black Jeep Gladiator D-Coder concept carries more than 35 JPP and Mopar accessories, each painted in contrasting Maraschino Red and labeled with QR (quick response) codes, making this high-performance off-roader a rolling catalog of factory-tested and factory-backed items available for customer purchase.
Each scannable QR code provides a live link to the Mopar eStore consumer website for specific part numbers, specifications and pricing information. Enhanced QR codes on the bedside and hood link to the current JPP catalog.
The distinct Maraschino Red contrasting theme continues inside the cabin of the Gladiator D-Coder concept with Katzkin leather covering both rows of seats. An enhanced QR code on each seat links directly to the Katzkin website for details on customisable leather options, including colours, stitching and accents, along with real-time pricing information.
Jeep Birdcage Concept by JPP
Designed as a wide-open-air extreme 4x4 machine, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Birdcage concept showcases a variety of custom accessory innovations from JPP and Mopar, while also proving its industry-best capability, as well as its class-exclusive, off-road 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Riding on an industry-first JPP 2-inch lift kit with FOX shocks, specifically engineered and tuned for the plug-in hybrid electric Wrangler 4xe, the vibrant Eagle Brown off-roader features Granite Crystal metallic and various signature Jeep 4xe Surf Blue accents.
For the serious off-roader who craves true open-air wheeling, the windshield and windshield wipers are removed. The design team tastefully closed off the instrument panel and created custom cowl and windshield-wiper filler panel covers, creating a smooth factory appearance while protecting against dirt and debris. Three concept header-mounted 14-inch JPP TYRI off-road LED lights provide sleek, modern lighting.
On the interior, Tobacco Leaf and Cocoa Brown leather seats feature distinctive seat inserts and Surf Blue accent stitching, which carries through on the instrument panel, steering wheel, shifter boot and emergency-brake handle.-- TradeArabia News Service
