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Jeep unveiled four innovative concept 4x4s at the 58th Annual Easter Jeep Safari, showcasing cutting-edge off-road performance, electrification, and custom enhancements, including the all-electric Wrangler Magneto 2.0 and the hybrid Grand Cherokee Trailhawk PHEV.
The Jeep brand, synonymous with adventure and off-road capability, once again showcased its prowess at the 58th Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. This year, Jeep unveiled four innovative concept 4x4s, each meticulously crafted to elevate the off-roading experience. These concept vehicles, a blend of Jeep’s rich heritage and cutting-edge technology, underscore the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of off-road performance.
The 2024 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles include:
Jeep® Low Down Concept
Fifteen years ago, the Jeep design team wowed attendees at the 43rd annual Easter Jeep Safari with the radically modified Jeep Wrangler Lower 40. Rolling at stock ride height to maintain its center of gravity, the two-door Lower 40 accommodated huge 40-inch mud-terrain tires while packing a 5.7-liter V-8 under hood for prodigious power. An instant classic, the Lower 40 still draws a crowd a decade and a half later and remains one of the fan favorites of all EJS concepts.
The new Low Down concept pays homage to the Lower 40, in which by some creative clearance work, this new Jeep Wrangler concept squeezes massive 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler 42×14.5R20 mud-terrain tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels under its custom high-clearance carbon fender flares. The stock Wrangler Rubicon 392 suspension remains intact, but Dana 60 axles with 5.38 gears replace the standard Dana 44 axles with 4:10 gears. Between the diameter of the tires and the shortening of the front and rear bumpers, the Low Down’s center of gravity remains low, while the ground clearance, breakover, and approach and departure angles all get dramatic increases.
The body, coated in deep Poison Apple Red paint, is streamlined via removal of the rear door handles, a custom carbon hood with see-through power dome and a bespoke race-style fuel filler door located in the driver-side rear quarter panel. The interior features custom black leather seats with cloth inserts, Rhino-lined floors and a custom radio-delete instrument panel. A purpose-built, red-tinted bikini top casts a warm red glow upon the interior compartment.
Like its Lower 40 predecessor, the Jeep Low Down is powered by a V-8 engine, though in this modern interpretation, that translates to the formidable 475-horsepower 6.4-liter 392 V-8 engine, which is mated to an eight-speed automatic.
2024 Jeep® Low Down Concept
Jeep Willys Dispatcher Concept
A mix of where the Jeep brand’s been and where it’s going, the Jeep Willys Dispatcher is a Wrangler 4xe-based concept that invokes the nostalgia of the early post-war civilian Jeep, with its rugged, utilitarian looks, juxtaposed with the electrified off-road capability of the modern, technologically advanced 4xe propulsion system.
On the exterior, the Willys Dispatcher concept gets a retro makeover from the ground up. Super Traxion 36-inch tires are wrapped around vintage-style 16-by-7.0-inch alloy “steelies.” A custom old-school front bumper houses a brand-new, classic-looking 8274 Warn winch, featuring a Warn Epic Series winch hook and D rings. Like the beloved flat-fender Jeeps of yesteryear, ‘WILLYS’ lettering is embossed into the sides of the hood. The windshield header is coated in gloss black, while the exterior is otherwise painted in a custom shade of Element 115 Green, beautifully accented with the cream-colored steelies.
Inside, the Dispatcher gets a custom retrim in a mix of distressed saddle leather and houndstooth cloth inserts. The front and rear headrests have been removed to give the seats the low-back vintage feel that ruled the road back in the day. A JPP bikini top keeps passengers shielded from the weather, be it rain or shine. To protect from water, mud or other muck, the Dispatcher sports rugged Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) vinyl covering for the floor, while a JPP onboard air compressor comes in handy when managing tire pressures on the trail.
The Willys Dispatcher is powered by the award-winning 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid 4xe propulsion system that delivers 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic. Dana 50 Advantech front and rear axles with 4.70 gears effortlessly transfer all the power and torque to the Super Traxion tires.
2024 Jeep® Willys Dispatcher Concept
Jeep® Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept
The Jeep® Gladiator Rubicon High Top concept reflects the drive of the Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) design and engineering teams from Mopar to push the performance boundaries of the world’s most off-road capable midsize truck even further for the annual trek to Moab.
The bold Ginger Snap metallic exterior with retro-inspired two-tone graphics is an attention-getter. The Gladiator Rubicon High Top concept rides high on massive new 40×13.5R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires mounted on 18-by-9.0-inch Satin Black KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels.
Concept JPP flat fender flares at all four corners provide plenty of off-road ride clearance. Unstoppable Dana 60 front and rear axles with matching 5.38:1 gearing and an AccuAir adjustable air suspension help make easy work of any serious off-road excursion. The robust 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, delivers a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque, essential for off-roading.
A modified front bumper from American Expedition Vehicles features a custom protective hoop sitting just above a Warn winch. Rock rail power steps from Rock Slide Engineering protect the undercarriage and help provide easy entry and exit from the cabin.
A decked truck bed storage system offers additional lockable cargo space through dual sliding drawers, while still allowing for storage on top in the bed area.
Inside, seats have been retrimmed with custom quilted and perforated tan and black Alea leather and feature an embossed JPP logo on the headrests. Overhead protection is provided by a JPP sun bonnet. Completing the interior are a JPP pedal kit, all-weather floor mats and door sill guards.
2024 Jeep® Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept
Jeep® Vacationeer Concept
From the Spearminted exterior to the custom-trimmed and expanded interior space, the Jeep Vacationeer concept is a premium SUV that combines comfort and adventure with modern capability while honoring the legendary heritage of the Jeep brand. And with a nostalgic nod, the JPP design team is quenching the desire of many a classic Jeep aficionado, meticulously fitting the Vacationeer concept with unique bodyside woodgrain graphics that harken back to Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models that traversed both town and country from the late 1960s through the early 1990s.
Ready for any challenging excursion that Moab has to offer, 35-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires wrapped around 18-by-9-inch bead grip 701 Method racing wheels provide a natural 1.5-inch lift for superior off-road performance. Larger wheel openings and custom bodyside flare extensions add to the aggressive look.
Front and rear skid plates provide underbody protection while a front mounted Warn winch addresses difficult off-road situations. At the front of the white, Rhino-lined roof, three 11-inch TYRI LED lights provide exceptional forward lighting.
Affixed to the roof of the Vacationeer concept is a custom, carbon-fiber RedTail Overland Skyloft – a climate-controlled oasis with sleeping space for two people and enough windows to soak in the panoramic views.
The stock second- and third-row seats have been removed to accommodate integration of the Skyloft. A custom weatherproof, pass-thru entrance allows easy access from the interior floor to the Skyloft. A fore/aft sliding door and a small step, which also doubles as a usable table, eases access.
The rear space features a bed-lined cargo floor that can handle outdoor elements with ease, such as escaping a downpour or removing muddy hiking gear.
The Jeep brand turned to renowned fashion designer and Wagoneer enthusiast/owner Kiel James Patrick for the front Tupelo leather seats. KJP, a native New Englander, displays his profound appreciation for authentic Americana with custom fabric inserts featuring classic Jeep vehicles within a distinctive and charming New England-inspired pattern.
“For over three decades, the Jeep Wagoneer has been more than just a vehicle to me; it has literally been part of the fabric of my life threaded through my most cherished journeys,” said Patrick. “As a designer and lifelong Jeep 4×4 owner, this was a dream project. I could not be more excited to honor the heritage and stories of the Jeep brand.”
Power in the Jeep Vacationeer concept comes from the 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 engine, delivering 510 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. The powerful Hurricane engine provides premium performance while also delivering improved fuel economy versus many competitors’ naturally aspirated V-8 and boosted six-cylinder engines.
2024 Jeep® Vacationeer Concept
Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar
In addition to the four concept vehicles, Jeep also showcased a range of Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar at the Easter Jeep Safari. These parts are designed to enhance the capability and performance of Jeep vehicles, allowing enthusiasts to customize their rides to suit their specific needs.
Among the featured JPP products were heavy-duty rock rails, steel bumpers, and winch kits, all designed to withstand the rigors of off-road driving. JPP also introduced a range of suspension upgrades, including lift kits and performance shocks, which provide improved ground clearance and handling on rough terrains. For those looking to enhance their vehicle’s appearance, JPP offered a range of custom wheels, graphics packages, and lighting upgrades.
The Jeep Brand’s Commitment to Innovation
The unveiling of these concept vehicles at the 58th Annual Easter Jeep Safari highlights Jeep’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to providing customers with the best possible off-road experience. Each concept vehicle represents a blend of the brand’s rich heritage and its forward-thinking approach to design and technology.
Jim Morrison, Vice President of Jeep Brand North America, emphasized the importance of the Easter Jeep Safari as a platform for showcasing Jeep’s latest innovations. “The Easter Jeep Safari is a great opportunity for us to connect with our most passionate customers and gather feedback on our latest concepts,” Morrison said. “We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with our vehicles, and these concepts are a testament to our commitment to delivering the best off-road experience.”
Future of Jeep’s Off-Road Vehicles
As Jeep continues to push the boundaries of off-road performance, the future looks bright for the brand and its loyal customers. The concepts unveiled at the Easter Jeep Safari provide a glimpse into the future of Jeep’s off-road vehicles, showcasing the potential of electrification, hybrid technology, and advanced off-road systems.
With the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles, Jeep’s focus on electrification is a strategic move that aligns with the industry’s shift towards sustainability. The Magneto 2.0 and Trailhawk PHEV concepts demonstrate that it’s possible to achieve exceptional off-road performance without compromising on environmental responsibility.
Additionally, the continued development of Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar ensures that Jeep enthusiasts will have access to the best aftermarket parts and accessories, allowing them to customize their vehicles to suit their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
The 58th Annual Easter Jeep Safari served as the perfect stage for Jeep to unveil its latest concept vehicles and performance parts. From the all-electric Magneto 2.0 to the luxurious Wagoneer Overland, each concept vehicle showcased Jeep’s commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability. As the brand continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of off-roading, Jeep enthusiasts can look forward to a future filled with exciting new developments and adventures.
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