AUBURN
HILLS, Mich., March 25,
2024 /PRNewswire/ --
- Heritage-inspired lineup of Easter Jeep Safari concepts from
Jeep® brand and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar heading to
Moab, Utah, March 23-31
- Four one-of-a-kind Jeep concept vehicles take four-wheeling to
the next level and prove why there's nothing quite like legendary
Jeep 4x4 capability
The Jeep® brand is making its annual trek to the 58th annual
Easter Jeep Safari, March 23-31,
2024, in Moab, Utah,
with four new eye-catching and mission-capable concept
vehicles.
"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. "From
4xe electrification to unmatched 392 power, this year's Jeep 4x4
concepts illustrate how the most capable Wrangler ever appeals to
such a wide range of people."
Four distinctive Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP)
concept vehicles are equipped with an array of proven propulsion
systems. The Jeep Wrangler Low Down concept, a tip of the hat to
the Lower 40 concept from 2009, features the 392 V-8 engine. The
Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys Dispatcher concept marries the advanced
4xe plug-in hybrid propulsion system with a throwback design theme
that honors early post-war civilian Jeep SUVs. Two JPP concepts,
the Jeep Gladiator-based High Top concept and the Jeep Grand
Wagoneer-based Vacationeer concept, both feature six-cylinder
power, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and a Hurricane Twin Turbo 510,
respectively.
"Our extended Jeep Performance Parts from Mopar team can't wait
to get back to Moab for the 58th
annual Easter Jeep Safari," said Mike Koval
Jr, North America senior
vice president, Mopar service, parts and customer care. "We look
forward to unveiling a new set of concept vehicles that feature our
latest custom and factory-tested and factory-backed production
parts and accessories that allow us to tackle some of the toughest
trails in the world."
The 2024 Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) 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 42x14.5R20 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.
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-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
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.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept
The Jeep
Gladiator Rubicon High Top concept reflects the drive of the 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 40x13.5R18 BFGoodrich
All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires mounted on 18-by-9-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.
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. Patrick, 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 4x4 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.
Jeep Brand
Built on more than 80 years of legendary
heritage, Jeep® is the authentic SUV brand that delivers legendary
off-road capability, interior refinement, high-tech features and
versatility to people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep
brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by
offering a broad portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide
owners with a sense of safety and security to handle any journey
with confidence. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and
customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep 4x4
lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep
brand owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The
legendary Jeep brand's off-road capability is enhanced by a global
electrification initiative that is transforming 4xe into the new
4x4 in pursuit of the brand's vision of accomplishing Zero Emission
Freedom and added 4x4 capability. All Jeep brand vehicles will
offer an electrified variant by 2025.
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Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Jeep brand: www.jeep.com
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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/jeep
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SOURCE Stellantis