The Jeep Easter Safari is back and with it a complete collection of seven concept cars from the American manufacturer designed for the hardcore off-road enthusiast. In Moab, Utah, from 1 to 9 April all “Jeep addicts” will meet as usual, as Jeep design chief Mark Allen says: “Taking part in this event is a unique experience and really makes you understand what it means to love this brand. We brought, as is now customary, seven concept cars, five developed by our style centres and two by Mopar”. Electrified power and command performance are the themes addressed this year by the prototypes that will be driven through the rocks of Utah.
Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0
This is the third time in Moab for this zero-emission off-road beast. When the Jeep design team started building the Wrangler Magneto concept, the intention was always to use the platform to test, discover and push the limits of a pure electric 4×4. The Jeep Magneto 1.0 concept was first unveiled in 2021 as fully capable, stealthy, quiet, fast and with unmistakable climber power. Jeep brand engineers and designers have updated and improved it again, creating a 4×4 that offers new levels of efficiency and extreme performance on and off-road. Based on a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon two-door, the Jeep Magneto features a custom-built axial-flow electric motor that runs at up to 6,000 rpm and connects to a six-speed manual transmission. The compact electric motor was initially tuned to deliver up to 285 horsepower.
Jeep Scrambler 392
Originally introduced in 1981, the Jeep Scrambler (CJ-8) was the brand’s first compact convertible truck. Highly capable and versatile, this unique small pickup was similar to the CJ-7, but featured a longer wheelbase of 261 cm (103 inches) and a long rear overhang to increase cargo space. 40 years later, the Jeep Scrambler 392 concept takes a cue from its origins with a touch more power. Although the V-8 engine has never before been offered in the CJ-8, the 392 Scrambler concept offers impressive power and torque with its 6.4-litre HEMI V-8 engine (470 horsepower). Built on the basis of a four-door Wrangler Rubicon, it also emphasises lightweight off-road performance, achieved through carbon-fibre bodywork. The transformation showcases the Scrambler’s new two-door aesthetic with a free-spirited personality. The windscreen is set back 12 degrees and is combined with a lower roof. The modified silhouette winks at the “chopped top” hotrods.
Jeep Cherokee 4xe 1978
Another trip down memory lane leads to this year’s restomod concept. First introduced in 1974, the Jeep Cherokee (SJ) was a sporty two-door version of the Wagoneer and featured bucket seats, a sporty steering wheel and details designed to appeal to younger, more adventurous drivers. A year later, the Wide-Track option was available, with updated key features including exterior stripes, larger tyres, and 7.6 cm (3 inch) wider axles. This brings us to the present day. To pay homage to the Jeep Cherokee SJ, a unique vehicle with both on-road and off-road capabilities, the design team decided to reimagine the iconic SUV with a modern twist. Jeep Cherokee 4xe was born from a 1978 Cherokee merged with a 2022 Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. The original bodywork has been modified and the exterior has a bright multicoloured paint job unmistakably 1970s.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
After the reaction to the special and limited edition Tuscadero exterior colour that debuted in 2021 for Jeep Wrangler models, the design team decided to up the ante with this magenta colour. Here is the special Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe concept, with its legendary electrified off-road capability, unconventional colour palette and powerful platform for any adventure. The Jeep concept’s exterior boasts eye-catching pink paint with Gloss Black accents scattered across the front grille and headlamp bezels. The distinctive seven-slot grille was borrowed from the new Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary model, which highlights a customised bonnet graphic with a tone-on-tone print that ties in perfectly with the interior theme. The leather seats feature subtle splashes of magenta that appear just below the perforated animal print surface. Glossy black patent leather accents can be found on the seat padding and pull straps, while metallic grommets are the perfect finishing touch to the seat surfaces. Other magenta accents can be found on the door handles, grab handles and gearstick and gearstick supports. Grand Concept
Grand Wagoneer Overland
Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer reinterpret their heritage and take premium SUVs into uncharted territory. With this in mind, the concept takes off-road exploration to the next level. The Grand Wagoneer Overland harnesses the new 3.0-litre Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 engine to take adventure lovers off the beaten track. The concept boasts an incredible amount of accessories inside and out. The main feature is the RedTail Overland Skyloft applied to the roof. Constructed of carbon fibre, the Skyloft, which functions like a tent, opens in about 10 seconds by pushing upwards with one arm. To realise the integration of the Skyloft, the design team removed the second and third row seats. The rear sunroof was repositioned to create a pass-through entrance. A sliding door and a small step, which also serves as a small table, allow easy access. The Skyloft is an air-conditioned oasis, with sleeping space for two and enough windows to enjoy the most panoramic views.
Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure
The Wrangler 4xe Departure concept is based on the open-top cabin of the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the USA, enhanced by elements from the JPP by Mopar design team. Protecting the seven-slot front grille is a custom-designed tubular grille guard measuring one and a half metres by one metre that folds down into a bench – a perfect spot for two people to relax while hiking. Beneath the grille guard is a modified Rubicon bumper with a Warn winch. New custom flat wings and wheel covers provide additional clearance. The flat wings feature removable integral daytime running light (DRL) covers for off-road enthusiasts who may need extra tyre space in extreme off-road situations. For the lighting chapter, the Wrangler 4xe Departure concept uses three 11-inch (28 cm) rectangular TYRI LEDs mounted on the windshield header with custom brackets. Each light moves easily when the windshield is lowered.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn
The concept, coloured in a striking Solar Flash Yellow, explores new tools designed for the growing interest in off-road adventure. Powered by a 3.6-litre V-6 Pentastar, the Gladiator Sideburn concept features a 5-inch (5 cm) JPP lift kit with Bilstein high-performance shocks. Protecting the seven-slot front grille is a custom-designed tubular grille guard. For the first time on the Gladiator Sideburn concept, a custom-designed JPP bumper has been built using cables connected from the top of the bonnet latch to the rear of the windscreen header, preventing potential damage to the bonnet and windscreen. In response to customer feedback and debuting on a Gladiator Sideburn concept, the JPP by Mopar design team installed a pair of 28 cm (11-inch) removable TYRI rectangular LED lights on each of the roof panels, suspended from custom brackets in the concept’s light fairing. The light fairing is attached to each roof panel and features a quick release. The JPP Gladiator sports bar, made of lightweight carbon fibre and steel, enhances the space between the cabin and the bed with a design that features steps on both sides for easy access. The sports bar also features an intermediate shelf with attachments for portable containers. Each bag can be locked and secured using the eight available fastening eyelets. Four T-rails on the top of the sports bar allow easy installation of loading systems for bicycles, kayaks or other sports equipment.
