Jeep is heading for the 56th annual Jeep Easter Safari in Moab, Utah, and with them is a series of unique concept vehicles from across their current lineup.
The bespoke vehicles were designed using current models, powered by available, upcoming and conceptual drivetrains, then further customized by Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP). In total, 10 distinctive vehicles from Jeep and JPP will make their way to the Safari.
The Jeep Easter Safari is an annual off-road outing hosted by Utah’s Red Rock 4-Wheelers club. While Jeep does not directly host the enthusiast event, they have been longtime supporters.
“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.”
One of the most noteworthy examples is the battery electric (BEV) “Magneto 2.0” Wrangler, a sequel to the original Magneto which made an appearance at last year’s Safari. It still features an electric powertrain and manual transmission– the “tranzilla,” originally sourced from a Hellcat and, believe it or not, beefed up to handle the Magneto’s output. That’s 625 horsepower and an instantaneous 850 lb-ft of torque; it hasn’t been confirmed, but engineers hinted at a sub-3 second 0-60 mph time. To accommodate all the muscle, the Magneto was built with an extra 12-inches added to the wheelbase of the two-door Wrangler. It rides on a custom 3-inch lift, 40-inch off-road tires, and 20-inch wheels. They are covered by carbon fiber wheel flares; further weight savings were crafted through custom bumpers forward and aft.
Another standout was a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, celebrating its 20th anniversary since its 2003 inception. Originally built to be a short-running edition of the Wrangler, the Rubicon makes up roughly 30 percent of today’s Wrangler assembly. The gussied-up 20th anniversary model is powered by the Rubicon 392’s V8, connected to an active dual-mode performance exhaust. The bodywork consists of performance scoops, custom half-doors, and a Sky One-Touch powertop with removable side panels, all of which is dressed in a matte gray wrap and a darkened hard top.
Standing at attention is the Wrangler 1941, paying homage to the Willys of old in an olive drab green wrap and khaki soft top. The nostalgically-rugged military throwback is driven by the modernized 4xe drive system, consisting of two electric motors tethered to a high-voltage battery pack and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, capable of an estimated 49 MPGe, and modern day operators may appreciate the 21 miles of silent electric-only maneuvering.
The Jeep D-Coder is a wild venture into the world of technology– but not because of an electrified powertrain. The Gloss Black Jeep is contrasted by a whole lot of red– used to signify more than 35 JPP and Mopar accessories. To make it even easier for consumers to “add to cart,” each part features a QR code for onlookers to scan with their smart devices. Said code then transfers scanners to the Mopar eStore. Other standouts on the D-Coder include the Rubicon three-piece modular bumper, TYRI 7-inch LED off-road lights, the Rubicon Warn winch, the JPP 2-inch lift with FOX shocks, and the JPP 17×8.5-inch five spoke beadlocks carrying all four corners; they’re wrapped by BFGoodrich KM3 37-inch tires.
As much love as the Wrangler (deservingly) received, Jeep made sure to represent other segments of their lineup, too, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk PHEV concept. This plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is based on the all-new Grand Cherokee 4xe, capable of 56 MPGe and 25 miles of all-electric range thanks to two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. That being said, JPP took things a step further with the Trailhawk 4xe, which has already conquered the Rubicon Trail in full-electric operation, by adding a custom roof rack with integrated tie downs, black Rhino Liner on the roof, Mopar rock rails and unique LED projector fog lights. The custom-painted Industrial Blue vehicle rides atop custom 20-inch wheels painted in Neutral Gray, surrounded by fender flares and trimmed wheel wells.
The Jeep Bob is based on the Gladiator pickup, and derives its name from its bed having been “bobbed,” or shortened, a full foot in length. As explained by Jeep, the Bob stands out not because of what it has gained, rather, what it is missing; all four doors and B-pillars have been removed, and a customized hardtop has been perforated for an open-air concept. The top is covered up by a canvas soft top to provide some shelter from the elements. That being said, the Bob does feature a 3-inch lift kit, 40-inch tires on 20-inch beadlock wheels,and Dynatrac Pro-Rock 60 axles. It is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter Eco-Diesel V6.
Returning to the Wrangler for one last concept, the Jeep Birdcage Concept by JPP further tackles the open-air concept whilst being powered by the aforementioned 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. Custom rock-slider skid plates help improve the front approach angle, connecting two rounded 2-inch steel support bars integral to the custom seven-slot grille. The slider plate sheaths a recessed Warn winch, and two low-mount Surf Blue closed-tow hoops are attached behind the skid plate.Outfitted with a JPP 2-inch lift with FOX shocks, the Birdcage rides atop 17-inch five-spoke beadlock wheels and BFGoodrich KMw 37-inch tires. They are guarded by custom flat-fender flares and wheel liners, the former designed to hold the removable daytime running light covers. In back, the Mopar-designed Add-A-Trunk concept decklid provides additional security for items when the roof is removed. Gas-assisted shocks lift the decklid panel away for easy access, and eight tie-down loops and five bag hooks provide extra functionality. And if that still isn’t enough, a 600-pound capacity Rhino-Rack cargo basket is fixed atop the roll cage.
Along with these vehicles, three 2021 SEMA concept Jeeps will make their way to MOAB. These include the custom Wrangler 4xe, Wrangler Overlook three-row off-roader, and the Kaiser Jeep M725 concept.
Keyword: Jeep Showcases Offerings for Moab Easter Safari