The Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) teams have again joined forces to create a lineup of custom-built concept vehicles to debut at Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.
“The Moab Easter Jeep Safari has long been our testing ground for both our newest Jeep 4x4s and for showcasing new Jeep brand concepts, Jeep Performance Parts and ideas that truly resonate with our most passionate customers — the die-hard off-road enthusiasts who attend this event every year,” said Jim Morrison, Vice President, Jeep Brand North America. “This year’s Safari shines a spotlight on what makes Jeep vehicles unmistakably distinctive and undeniably capable, a variety of powertrains that deliver superior power, performance, torque and, above all, fun. Moab’s demanding trails are a worthy opponent for our Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator concept vehicles. Each is certain to prove that Jeep’s legendary 4×4 capability reigns supreme on any terrain.”
This year, seven distinctive Jeep brand and JPP concept vehicles are equipped with an array of powertrains, highlighted by the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from Jeep, and accessories.
“Moab is the perfect place to showcase the latest selection of authentic, quality-tested Jeep Performance Parts from Mopar,” said Mark Bosanac, North America Vice President, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care. “Unlike any other aftermarket offering, our factory-backed Jeep Performance Parts are specifically designed and engineered to deliver exact fit, form and function for Jeep vehicles.”
The 2021 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles include:
Jeep Magneto
The Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept is a fully capable BEV based on a two-door 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The Jeep Magneto uses a custom-built axial flux electric motor that operates up to 6,000 rpm. The e-motor is connected to a six-speed manual transmission, creating a manual-electric powertrain with a clutch that operates as it would with an internal combustion engine. Comparable to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, the compact e-motor is tuned to deliver up to 273 lb.-ft. of torque and 285 horsepower.
When greater acceleration is needed, the e-motor delivers all 273 lb.-ft. of torque without the need to build up revolutions per minute. The Magneto concept runs 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
Powering the Jeep Magneto’s e-motor are four battery packs with a combined power of 70 kW/h, running an 800-volt system. The lithium-ion batteries are distributed around the Wrangler to balance weight on the four wheels.
An inverter derived from race cars converts DC power to AC for the motor. The batteries, a vehicle interface box and the battery control module all reside in waterproof enclosures to maintain the Wrangler’s 30-inch water-traversing capability. A 12-volt battery powers existing systems, such as the radio and lighting. A second 12-volt battery serves as an auxiliary power unit (APU) for accessories, such as the winch. A DC-to-DC converter charges both 12-volt batteries. Mounts secure the battery packs for harsh driving and custom skid plates protect the packs from potential strikes to the undercarriage while traversing harsh terrain.
The exterior of the Magneto features a Bright White color with Surf Blue accents, along with a heavy-duty performance hood with center scoop and custom decal, redesigned rear gate and dramatic full-width forward lighting. Custom Royal Blue and Black leather seats with Sapphire-colored inserts and straps, Surf Blue truck bed liner and Mopar slush mats give the Magneto’s interior design an electrified appearance.
The Jeep Magneto comes equipped with a JPP 2-inch lift kit, 17-inch Lights Out black metallic wheels with 35-inch mud-terrain tires, custom roll cage, Mopar Rock Rails, steel bumpers with a Warn winch and a steel belly pan.
Jeepster Beach
This year’s “Resto-Mod” is a throwback to the second-generation Jeepster. Originally designed around the growing interest in leisure time use of 4×4 vehicles, the Jeepster Commando was the first compact four-wheel-drive vehicle with an automatic transmission and, unlike the Jeep CJs of its day, it boasted modern amenities, such as doors, roll-up side glass, a heater and roof as standard equipment.
The Jeepster Beach concept started as a 1968 Jeepster Commando (C-101) and was blended with a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
The body was modified and the exterior fuses original chrome trim with an updated, brightly colored two-tone paint scheme of Hazy IPA and Zinc Oxide. Under the hood, it uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a custom, concept calibration that increases the engine output about 25 percent above the production version to 340 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. The direct-injection engine uses a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger mounted directly to the cylinder head, along with a dedicated cooling circuit for the turbocharger, intake air and throttle body. An eight-speed automatic transmission mated to a 4:1 transfer case delivers power to 35-inch tires.
Jeepster Beach’s custom interior features low-back bucket seats trimmed in red leather. The rear seat was replaced with a chrome, four-point safety cage and the carpets were removed.
Jeep Red Bare
Powering the Red Bare concept is the turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine, rated at 260 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque, with engine stop-start (ESS) technology standard. To handle greater torque loads, the EcoDiesel V-6 connects to a TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Red Bare features Dana 44 front and rear heavy-duty axles that have been upgraded with 4.88 axle ratios for optimum performance. The Red Bare Gladiator delivers a 91:1 crawl ratio.
Gladiator Red Bare boasts a Fire Cracker Red exterior with custom Matte Black graphics and gold accents, along with the Mojave hood and cowl pieces, custom hood graphic and Matte Black signature seven-slot grille insert, as well as a black factory soft-top and half doors.
The interior incorporates custom Katzkin Black leather seats with red stitching and custom red flannel inserts. The instrument panel has been wrapped in the same red flannel material. Rounding out the interior accents are body-color matched truck-bed lined floors with Mopar slush mats.
The Gladiator Red Bare concept also comes equipped with a JPP 2-inch lift kit, 17-inch Matte Black wheels with 37-inch BFG mud-terrain tires, cargo bed-mounted sport bar, JPP Sand Slider rock rails, bed cover and rack system, factory steel bumpers with a Warn winch and front bumper grille guard for added off-road protection.
Jeep Orange Peelz
Based on a two-door Wrangler, the Jeep Orange Peelz concept has removed side and rear windows, and is equipped with prototype JPP half doors and a custom removable one-piece Freedom Top glass sunroof.
Off-road performance comes from the JPP 2-inch lift kit with FOX shocks that increases ground clearance. Just below the concept steel “high-top” fender flares are 17-inch JPP beadlock-capable aluminum wheels riding on 37-inch BF Goodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires with Mopar valve stem caps carrying the Jeep logo.
The exterior features a Satin Black 360-degree custom beltline graphic and Satin Black vintage Jeep fender badges. The concept hood features custom black Mopar hood latches with the Jeep Willys logo and is flanked by JPP 5-inch off-road LED lights mounted at the base of the A-pillars, each providing 4,800 lumens of power to help light the trail ahead. For additional protection against windshield chips and cracks while driving on- or off-road, the Jeep Orange Peelz concept is equipped with a factory-backed Mopar windshield made with Corning Gorilla Glass.
A custom JPP Rubicon steel bumper includes a prototype 2-inch steel grille guard and JPP 8,000-lb capacity Rubicon Warn winch, as well as custom rock rails.
On the rear of the vehicle, the JPP Swing Gate Hinge Reinforcement allows for a larger spare tire. The reinforcement is powder-coated black and works with the production hinge for easy installation. A JPP CHMSL (Center High-Mount Stop Lamp) Relocation Kit mounts the third brake light in the center of the spare tire. Body-color tow hooks on the rear and front complete the exterior.
On the inside of the cabin, plaid armrests, upper and lower seat inserts and the mid-instrument panels match the Orange Peelz exterior. Accent-orange stitching completes the steering wheel, shifter boots and the parking-brake handle.
The pedals are outfitted with Mopar stainless steel pedal covers and rubber pads. Door sills are protected by black sill guards that feature the vehicle’s logo.
The Jeep Orange Peelz concept is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is upgraded with a JPP cold-air intake and JPP cat-back exhaust system.
The Jeep Farout, Wrangler Rubicon 392 and Top Dog concepts, unveiled last year, will also make an appearance at the off-roading event.
