Jeep continues to maintain tradition and took advantage of the 58th edition of the Easter Jeep Safari, which runs until the end of the week in Moab, Utah, USA, to present four new prototypes to the thousands of off-road and American brand fans.
The four concepts include two modified Wranglers, a Gladiator, and a Grand Wagoneer. Each prototype has strong connections to the brand’s past, with a focus on current consumer trends.
“The Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, is the perfect place for the new Jeep ‘concepts’, with over 20,000 Jeep enthusiasts gathering every year to celebrate the world’s most iconic 4×4 brand”, said Bill Peffer, senior vice president and head of the Jeep brand in North America. “From the 4xe electrification to the unmatched power of the 392 engine, this year’s Jeep 4×4 ‘concepts’ illustrate how the most competent Wrangler ever appeals to such a wide range of people.”
The Jeep Wrangler Low Down concept is a tribute to the Lower 40 prototype, revealed in 2009, and features the 6.4-liter V8 engine with 475 hp coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The body, coated in a deep Poison Apple Red paint, has been simplified by removing the rear door handles, a custom carbon hood with a transparent dome, and a competition-style custom fuel filler cap located on the driver’s side rear panel. The interior includes custom black leather seats with fabric inserts, Rhino-lined floor, and a custom instrument panel without a radio. A specifically designed red top casts a warm red glow over the interior compartment.
On the other hand, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys Dispatcher combines the advanced 4xe plug-in hybrid propulsion system with a retro design theme that pays homage to the early post-war civilian Jeep SUVs.
To achieve this, this concept features 36’’ Super Traxion tires mounted on 16 by 7.0-inch vintage-style alloy steelies. An old-school custom front bumper houses a brand new Warn 8274 winch with a classic appearance, complete with a Warn Epic Series winch hook and D-rings. Just like the beloved flat-fendered Jeeps of yesteryear, the letters “Willys” are embossed on the sides of the hood. The top of the windshield is coated in glossy black, while the exterior is painted in a custom Element 115 Green shade, with a nice contrast to the cream-colored steel wheels.
The Willys Dispatcher is powered by the 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid 4xe propulsion system that delivers 380 hp and 637 Nm of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Joining these two prototypes is the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept, which reflects the efforts of the Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) Mopar design and engineering teams to further push the performance limits of the world’s most capable midsize off-road pickup for their annual adventure in Moab.
This model is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, mated to an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, which boasts a broad range of torque with an emphasis on low-end torque, essential for off-roading.
As for the Jeep Vacationeer Concept, it is a premium SUV that combines comfort and adventure with modern capabilities, honoring the legendary heritage of the Jeep brand. And, with a nostalgic touch, the JPP design team is satisfying the desire of many classic Jeep enthusiasts, meticulously equipping the Vacationeer concept with exclusive wood graphics on the bodywork reminiscent of the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models that roamed the cities and countryside from the late 1960s to the early 1990s.
Prepared for any challenging excursion Moab has to offer, the 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, mounted on 18 by 9-inch 701 Method competition wheels, provide a natural 1.5-inch lift for superior off-road performance. The larger wheel openings and custom body widening extensions contribute to the aggressive look.
Front and rear skid plates protect the underside of the body, while a Warn winch mounted on the front solves tough off-road situations. On the white Rhino-lined roof, three 11-inch TYRI LED lights provide exceptional front lighting.
Inside, the Tupelo leather seats feature inserts designed by renowned fashion designer Kiel James Patrick, with classic Jeep vehicles in a distinct and charming pattern inspired by New England.
The power of the Jeep Vacationeer concept comes from the 3.0-liter Twin Turbo Hurricane engine, which delivers 517 horsepower and 678 Nm of torque.
