Jeep Introduces 7 New Concepts for Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab

Jeep and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) will be bringing seven new concepts along to the 57th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, between April 1 and April 9 2023 to showcase just what Jeep can do, and highlighting the aftermarket industry that goes hand-in-hand with the off-road brand’s offerings.

On average, around 20,000 descend on Moab for the annual event, delighting in the fun and games that Jeep offers up to its enthusiastic supporters. Visitors can put their own vehicles up against the carefully selected terrain as well as enjoying what Jeep has to offer, while Jeep technical bods keep a beady eye on how their vehicles perform under extreme conditions. ‘Our engineers continue to push the capability of our Jeep vehicles to next levels, says Senior Vice President and head of the Jeep brand, Jim Morrison – not the first man of that name to disappear into the desert…

These seven exciting concepts are one-offs and will include 4 electric 4x4s heralding Jeep’s march towards Zero Emission Freedom. One of these will be a reimagined Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0.

Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0
The Jeep Magneto 3.0 has a goal of maintaining the ability to clamber over rocks and extreme trailing while being powered by electricity. This concept boasts a 20 percent increase in range and energy, as well as increased torque now sitting at 273lb ft along with 285hp. There is also a higher power setting giving the Magneto 3.0 an impressive 650hp and 900lb ft of torque, and hill-decent control allows for single pedal off-roading. A minor note but visually noticeable is the windscreen angle being raked back by 12 degrees along with the rear b-pillar being moved to allow for the custom-built anti-roll bar.

Jeep Scrambler 392
With a nod to the past, the Jeep Scrambler 392 takes its cues from the classic CJ-8 Scrambler from the 1980s but with a longer wheelbase to increase potential payload. Powered by a 6.4-litre V8 pushing out 470lb ft of torque and 470hp, this is a vehicle that is offset by Jeep’s EV offerings here. Adjustable AccuAir suspension allows the Scrambler 392 to adjust up to 4 inches from a 1.5-inch start.

Jeep Cherokee 4xe
Now this is the one that really caught my eye. Sitting somewhere between a classic resto and a custom hot-rodded 4×4, the Cherokee 4xe began life as a 1978 Jeep Cherokee and was carefully mated with a Rubicon from 2022. A retro 1970s paintjob of banana yellow and orange graphics and a chrome grille completes the retro look of this 4×4. Despite the looks, the Cherokee 4xe packs a punch thanks to a perfectly modern 2-litre turbocharged engine and 4 electric motors. Slotted mag wheels add to the bygone days look.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
While the electric Wrangler Rubicon 4xe concept might not grab the attention as much on paper, in real life desert sunshine this is arguably the most striking of all the Jeep Easter concepts. The rich, pink-hued shiny paintjob and black accents are certainly eye-catching and not a colour scheme I’d expect to see on a Jeep. Tone on tone printing on the custom hood graphic adds to the overall sparkle, while a Rubicon 20th anniversary 7-slot grille features on the front.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Overland
The choice of Jeep concept if you plan to take it easy and stay under the stars for the night. The triangular roof space allows for a surprisingly luxurious relaxing, with roof lights and climate control. The angular box is a custom RedTail Overland Skyloft that will electronically unfold itself in just 10 seconds. Row 3 of the seating is sacrificed here to allow for the RedTail to fit.

Downstairs, if that’s the right way of putting it, the Grand Wagoneer Overland features what Jeep describes as ‘rear seat entertainment and other creature comforts’ such as throws, beanbags, ambient interior lighting and pillows. There’s also room to store bikes and such like. The whole shebang is powered by a 3-litre Hurricane Twin Turbo with 510hp and 500lb ft of torque.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure
The open-air Rubicon 4xe Departure sits under a rich turquoise -blue paint job and is Jeep’s offering for those needing extreme departure angles. A relocated rear wheel allows the 4xe Departure to traverse steeper inclines. The wheel can also be flipped outward to extend the rear cargo space. A JPP 2-inch lift kit features BILSTEIN performance shock absorbers with remote reservoirs to aid cooling.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn
Finally, we have the chunky Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn resplendent in vivid Solar Flash Yellow and grey. For me, this has the visual looks of the more capable off-roader here, and Jeep says it is inspired by a growing interest in off-road adventuring. A custom grille guard sits up front and is able to be folded down to be used as a bench. 11-inch rectangular TYRI LED speed lights are hung with custom brackets and can be quickly removed when needed.

A lightweight steel and carbon-fibre JPP Gladiator Sport Bar is included along with a custom bed design to allow for extra space above and behind the wheel flares and safe storage of liquids.

Images: stellantis.com