Jeep Brand prepares for Easter Jeep Safari with new concepts



(March 31, 2023) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — An entirely new collection of eye-catching, efficient and mission-capable concept vehicles will be unveiled and driven off road during the 57th annual Easter Jeep Safari April 1-9 in Moab, Utah, the Jeep brand’s home away from home. Electrified power and commanding performance will be front and center during this year’s Safari.


The Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar design teams have created several one-of-a-kind rock-crawling and terrain-traversing vehicles that will take four-wheeling to the next level and prove why there’s nothing quite like legendary Jeep 4x4 capability.

“Every year, more than 20,000 Jeep enthusiasts descend on Moab, Utah, for Easter Jeep Safari to wheel in the most extreme off-road conditions, where our engineers continue to push the capability of our Jeep vehicles to next levels,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America.

“It’s the perfect place to showcase our seven new Jeep concepts, because it’s with these Jeep enthusiasts that we’ll be able to push the limits even more and get their feedback on where they want to take the Jeep brand into the future.”

This year, seven distinctive Jeep brand and JPP concept vehicles are equipped with an array of advanced powertrains. Back by popular demand is Jeep Wrangler Magneto, the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) concept from the Jeep brand. The third iteration of the powerful and capable Jeep Wrangler SUV concept, Magneto 3.0, and three additional Jeep 4xe concept vehicles are testament to the Jeep brand’s commitment to Zero Emission Freedom and 4x4 leadership. Each concept also features the latest production and prototype JPP from Mopar, developed with rigorous specifications and legendary 4x4 capability in mind.

“Our annual trip to Moab allows us to showcase the latest selection of custom and authentic, quality-tested Jeep Performance Parts from Mopar,” said Mark Bosanac, North America senior vice president, Mopar service, parts and customer care. “Unlike any other aftermarket offerings, our growing portfolio of factory-tested and factory-backed parts and accessories are specifically designed and engineered to face the toughest trails in the world.”
 
The 2023 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles include:
 


Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0 Concept

Third time’s a charm for this off-road beast. When the Jeep design team began building the Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept, the intention was always to use the platform to test, discover and push the boundaries of 4x4 electrification.
 
The Jeep Magneto 1.0 concept was first introduced in 2021 as a fully capable BEV that was stealthy, quiet, quick and an unmistakable rock-climbing force. Jeep brand engineers and designers created a zero-emission vehicle with Jeep 4x4 capability that provided new levels of efficiency, environmental responsibility, and extreme performance on and off road.
 
Based on a two-door 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Jeep Magneto features a custom-built axial flux electric motor that operates up to 6,000 rpm and connects to a six-speed manual transmission for ultimate control. The compact e-motor was initially tuned to deliver up to 273 lb.-ft. of torque and 285 horsepower.
 
The debut of the Jeep Magneto 2.0 concept in 2022 pushed the performance envelope further. Peak amperage in the propulsion system was more than doubled to 600 amps, which enabled the concept vehicle to instantly deliver up to 850 lb.-ft. of peak torque to the wheels – more than triple the torque output of the previous version of the concept – and 625 horsepower for serious rock-climbing challenges.
 
Updates to Jeep Magneto this year include a new, more efficient motor that boosts the torque output, as well as updated programming, which results in a 20% increase in useable energy and range.
 
Also new to the Jeep Magneto 3.0 concept this year are three driver selectable functions that capitalize on the benefits of a fully electric powertrain in serious off-road situations.
    


Jeep Scrambler 392 Concept


Originally introduced in 1981, the Jeep Scrambler (CJ-8) was the Jeep brand’s first convertible, compact truck. Highly capable and versatile, this unique small pickup truck was similar to the CJ-7, but featured a longer 103-inch wheelbase and a long rear overhang for increased cargo space.
 
Fast forward four decades, the Jeep Scrambler 392 concept builds on the fun, open-air origins of the CJ-8 with a powerful twist. Though a V-8 engine was never offered in the CJ-8, the 392 Scrambler concept offers impressive power and incredible torque with its 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine (470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque).  
 
The Jeep Scrambler 392 concept, which started as a four-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, also emphasizes lightweight off-road performance, achieved through custom carbon-fiber bodywork. The transformation showcases the Scrambler’s new two-door aesthetic with an open-air freedom personality. The windshield is laid back 12 degrees and matches a lower roof. The modified silhouette gives a nod to chopped top hotrods.
 


1978 Jeep Cherokee 4xe Concept

Another trip down memory lane leads to this year’s Resto-mod concept build. First introduced in 1974, the Jeep Cherokee (SJ) was a sporty, two-door version of the Wagoneer and featured bucket seats, a sports steering wheel and racy detailing designed to appeal to younger, more adventurous drivers.
 
A year later, the Wide-Track option was available with key upgraded features, including exterior stripes, larger tires, 3-inch wider axles, larger front and rear wheel cutouts, Dana 44 front and rear axles and an interior with more creature comforts.
 
Which leads us to the present day of this concept vehicle-loving journey. To pay homage to the Jeep Cherokee SJ, a first-of-its-kind vehicle with on- and off-road chops, the Jeep design team set out to reimagine the iconic full-size SUV with a modern spin.
 
The Jeep Cherokee 4xe concept began its life as a 1978 Jeep Cherokee, which was affectionately blended with a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. The original Jeep Cherokee was intended to take the Jeep Cherokee SJ to the next level of performance, and that ethos rings true for this concept vehicle.
 
The original body was heavily modified and the exterior fuses original proportions with a bright, unmistakably 1970s-theme multicolor paint scheme. While the ’78 Jeep Cherokee 4xe concept looks similar to a vintage Jeep Cherokee SJ at first glance, it has transformed into a modern, electrified, off-road performer.
 
Under the hood, the ’78 Jeep Cherokee 4xe concept features the advanced Jeep Wrangler 4xe powertrain, which provides a unique on- and off-road experience through the combination of two electric motors, a high-voltage battery pack and a high-tech 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission is mated to a 4:1 transfer case to deliver more than enough power to 37-inch tires wrapped around custom 17-inch “slotted mag” style wheels. 
 
 

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Concept

Following the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the special-run, limited-edition Tuscadero exterior paint color that debuted in 2021 for Jeep Wrangler models, the Jeep design team decided to up the ante on this head-turning chromatic magenta color. The team drew a line in the Moab sand and decided it was time to flip the color’s perception and make it a lot tougher than expected.
 
Enter this special Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe concept with its legendary electrified off-road capability, unapologetic color palette and a powerful platform for any adventure.
 
The exterior of the Jeep concept boasts an eye-catching, pink-hued paint with Gloss Black accents sprinkled across the front grille and headlamp bezels. The signature seven-slot grille was borrowed from the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary model, which sets off a custom hood graphic with a tone-on-tone print that fittingly ties into the interior theme.
 
Off-road capability has been increased with the addition of an adjustable AccuAir air suspension kit to allow ample clearance for massive 37-inch tires that are wrapped around custom 17-inch high-gloss black American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) Borah wheels. Additional AEV pieces include front and rear bumpers, differential covers and a Warn Zeon winch.
 


Grand Wagoneer Overland Concept


Over the hills and through the Canyonlands we go with the cross-trekking 2023 Grand Wagoneer Overland Concept. The all-new Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer vehicles reinterpret their own legacies and take the premium SUV into uncharted territories of comfort and adventure. With this in mind, the go anywhere, do anything concept vehicle takes off-road exploration to the next level – and in true Grand Wagoneer style.
 
The Grand Wagoneer Overland concept leverages the all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 engine to lead adventure-seekers further off the beaten path. Delivering 510 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque, the powerful Hurricane engine offers premium performance while also delivering improved fuel economy versus many competitors’ naturally aspirated V-8 and boosted six-cylinder engines.

 
 
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure Concept

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Departure concept builds upon the iconic open-air cockpit of the best-selling and most capable PHEV in America with innovative and conceptual items from the JPP by Mopar design team. Notably, the spare wheel and tire mount allows the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe to push the limits of available departure angles with 4x4 electrification.  
 
Riding on 17-by-8.5-inch Vintage Bronze KMC Impact OL wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich tires, the Wrangler 4xe Departure concept features a JPP 2-inch lift kit with BILSTEIN performance shock absorbers. The BILSTEIN shocks use remote reservoirs to provide greater cooling capability for increased suspension travel and improved Jeep 4x4 off-road capability.
 
Protecting the seven-slot front grille first introduced on the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary edition is a custom-designed tubular grille guard measuring 4 feet by 1 foot that folds down to create an innovative bumper bench, a perfect relaxation perch for two while out on the trails. Below the grille guard is a modified Rubicon bumper with a Warn winch.  
 
 

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn Concept

The Jeep Gladiator Sideburn concept, wearing a striking Solar Flash Yellow, explores new tools designed for the burgeoning interest in off-road adventure.  
 
Powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, the Gladiator Sideburn concept features a JPP 2-inch lift kit with BILSTEIN performance shock absorbers. The BILSTEIN shocks use remote reservoirs to provide greater cooling capability for increased suspension travel and improved Jeep 4x4 off-road capability.  
 
At all four corners, black HRE 17-by-9-inch FT1 six-spoke wheels ride on 37-by-13-inch BF Goodrich tires.
 
Protecting the seven-slot front grille borrowed from the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary edition is a custom-designed tubular grille guard measuring 4 feet by 1 foot that folds down to create an innovative bumper bench, a perfect relaxation perch for two while out on the trails. Below the grille guard is a modified Rubicon bumper with a Warn winch.