Jeep's new concept vehicles take center stage
The annual Easter Jeep Safari is an off-roading event that takes place in Moab in the United States. It’s a venue where media, enthusiasts, Jeep owners, and fans come together for nine days to do trail rides and technical off-roading.
It’s also the location for the Jeep brand to showcase its latest concept vehicles. That being said, this year’s event saw Jeep bring in a mix of electrified and hybrid concept vehicles to conquer the challenging red-rock terrain in Moab, Utah.
One of them is the Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0. Essentially, it’s a Wrangler that demonstrates the brand’s dedication to Zero Emissions Freedom, featuring a battery-electric propulsion system to go with the trademark Jeep on-road and off-road capability, and then some.
Last year’s event was the first time the Magneto was brought to Moab, but for its 2022 return, it was made to be more powerful. From having 281 PS, the Magneto 2.0 now has a whopping 616 PS and triple the amount of torque at 1152 Nm. According to Jeep, the high-performance off-roader could go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.0 seconds.
Another electrified Jeep concept that took on the Moab trail was none other than the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe. Set to be launched in spring 2022, the plug-in hybrid SUV has a stealthy performance to go along with its overlanding-inspired concept.
The Grand Cherokee’s new class-exclusive sway bar disconnect gives the SUV improved suspension articulation and traction on rocky and uneven terrain, and has already proven itself by conquering the notorious Rubicon trail in full-electric mode. With the SUV delivering 24 kilometers per liter and 40 km of all-electric range, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe, according to Jeep, is their most 4×4-capable and sustainable Grand Cherokee to date.
Jeep also paid tribute to the original World War 2-era Willys MB with the Jeep ’41 Concept. Like the Grand Cherokee, the ’41 concept has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that does 21 kilometers per liter and up to 34 km of electric range.
Finished in matte green paint, the ’41 Concept has half-height doors, black powder-coated steel bumpers, and a khaki-colored soft-top to complete the full military Jeep look. In addition, it also sits on a Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) lift kit and runs a set of 17-inch Fifteen52 wheels wrapped in 35-inch mud tires.
In total, Jeep had seven concept vehicles in the Easter Jeep Safari. They also had the 20th anniversary Rubicon Concept and the Jeep Bob Concept, while JPP’s D-Coder and Birdcage Concept completed the Jeep lineup in the annual off-road party.
“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. From a fully capable BEV off-roader to rugged and powerful terrain tacklers, every concept is a true reflection of what our customers tell us they want and give a taste of where the future of the Jeep brand and off-roading can go.” said Jim Morrison, Senior Vice President and Head of Jeep Brand North America.
Keyword: 2022 Easter Jeep Safari electrifies iconic Moab trail