Four new Jeep and JPP (Jeep Performance Parts) by Mopar hit the Moab, Utah trails at the 58th Annual Easter Jeep Safari this year – fewer than in 2023 when no less than seven were at the event.
As per tradition, Stellantis' beloved brand Jeep is trekking to the 58th Annual Easter Jeep Safari held in Moab, Utah, between March 23 and 31, 2024. So far, nothing surprising, right? Well, anyone who expected that Jeep would top last year's seven apparitions should think again because now there are 'only' four prototypes on call. However, that may still be more than enough.
They're said to be "eye-catching and mission-capable concept vehicles" – and represent the company's current roster and powertrains, from electrified 4xe models to the mighty 392ci V8 engine that's going away soon. "Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, is the perfect venue for new Jeep concepts, with more than 20,000 Jeep enthusiasts gathering each year to celebrate the most iconic 4x4 brand in the world," said Bill Peffer, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America.
Let's start with the Jeep Low Down concept – a spiritual successor of the radically modified Jeep Wrangler Lower 40 that was presented no less than fifteen years ago at the 43rd edition. The new Low Down pays tribute to that model and somehow squeezes monster 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler 42x14.5R20 mud-terrain tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels under its custom high-clearance carbon fender flares. It uses a stock Wrangler Rubicon 392 suspension setup but switches to Dana 60 axles with 5.38 gears, and its body is drenched in Poison Apple Red paint.
Other highlights include the custom carbon hood with a "see-through power dome and a bespoke race-style fuel filler door located in the driver-side rear quarter panel." There's also a purpose-built red-tinted bikini top, unique black leather seats with cloth inserts, Rhino-lined floors, and a radio-delete instrument panel. Under the hood resides the 475-horsepower 6.4-liter (392ci) V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic.
Moving on, the Jeep Willys Dispatcher concept is based on the Wrangler 4xe but aims to bring back memories of early post-war civilian Jeeps. The retro exterior makeover includes Super Traxion 36-inch tires shod on vintage-style 16-by-7-inch alloy "steelies." They won't be the highlight of the vehicle, though – that's reserved for the custom shade of Element 115 Green mixed with a gloss black windshield header. Inside, there are "distressed saddle leather and houndstooth cloth inserts," JPP accessories, and power comes from the 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid 4xe propulsion system that churns out 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque via an eight-speed automatic.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top comes next to highlight the JPP design and Mopar engineering with a Ginger Snap metallic exterior featuring retro-inspired two-tone graphics and rides on massive new 40x13.5R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires set on 18-by-9-inch Satin Black KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels. There's also an AccuAir adjustable air suspension, and the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 mixed with the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission rides under the hood.
Last but not least comes the Jeep Vacationeer concept – a premium SUV dressed in a Spearminted exterior and featuring a "custom-trimmed and expanded interior space." It, too, features a retro nod to yesteryear design as it arrives with custom bodyside woodgrain graphics inspired by the eep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models of the late 1960s. It is set on 35-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires, wrapped around 18-by-9-inch bead grip 701 Method racing wheels, features front and rear skid plates, and on top of it is a unique carbon-fiber RedTail Overland Skyloft – "a climate-controlled oasis with sleeping space for two people and enough windows to soak in the panoramic views."
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News