Heritage inspiration for 2024 Easter Jeep Safari

JEEP has readied four one-of-a-kind concepts for the 58^th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The heritage inspired vehicles continue a tradition of concept models that dates to 2008, with more than 100 concept models shown across that time.

This year’s concepts feature an array of propulsion systems from the tried-and-tested 392ci (6.4-litre) V8 Hemi to Jeep’s innovative plug-in hybrid 4xe unit, the familiar V6 petrol Pentastar and even its latest twin-turbocharged Hurricane 510 ‘six’.

Wrangler Low Down

The first concept model – the Jeep Wrangler Low Down – is a tip of the hat to the Lower 40 concept from 2009.

Powered by a 392ci (6.4-litre) V8 Hemi, the Low Down squeezes 42-inch BF Goodrich Krawlers mounted on 20-inch bead-lock alloys beneath its custom high-clearance carbon-fibre flares, and runs standard Wrangler Rubicon 392 suspension.

Dana 60 axles with 5.38 gearing replace the standard Dana 44s and 4.10 gears, the shortened bumpers and increased ground clearance and off-road geometry giving the model a dramatic stance that seems entirely fitting for Moab.

The body of the Wrangler Low Down is finished in a deep Poison Apple Red paint, while the rear doors have been streamlined via removal of the handles. A custom carbon bonnet with see-through power dome and a bespoke race-style fuel filler add to the concept model’s sense of theatre.

Inside, the Wrangler Low Down sports custom black leather seats with cloth inserts, Rhino-lined floors and a custom radio-delete instrument panel. A bespoke, red-tinted bikini-style top casts “a warm red glow upon the interior compartment”.

The Wrangler Low Down runs a 475hp (354kW) 392ci (6.4-litre) V8 Hemi paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys Dispatcher

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys Dispatcher concept marries the advanced 2.0-litre 4xe plug-in hybrid propulsion system with a throwback design theme that honours early post-war civilian Jeep SUVs.

Its rugged, utilitarian looks are juxtaposed by the electrified driveline, yet complemented by Super Traxion 36-inch tyres wrapped around vintage-style 16-inch ‘steelies’. The concept further boasts a bespoke front bumper with classic-styled 8274 Warn winch replete with Warn Epic series winch hook and D rings.

Like the beloved flat-fender Jeeps of yesteryear, W-I-L-L-Y-S lettering is embossed into the sides of the bonnet. The windscreen header is coated in gloss black, while the exterior is otherwise painted in a custom shade of Element 115 Green, accented by the cream-coloured steelies.

Inside, the Wrangler 4xe Willys Dispatcher is upholstered with a mix of distressed saddle leather and houndstooth cloth, the front and rear head restraints removed to offer a low-back vintage feel. A Jeep Performance Parts bikini top provides shade, while a vinyl floor provides a retro look to the lower cabin.

The 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid 4xe engine offers 375hp (279kW) and 470lb-ft (637Nm) driving an eight-speed automatic transmission, Dana 50 Advantech front and rear axles and 4.70 gearing.

Jeep Gladiator High Top

Jeep says its Gladiator-based 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 mid-size truck”.

Finished in a bold Ginger Snap metallic hue with retro-inspired two-tone graphics, this attention-grabbing concept rides on massive 40-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 rubber set on 18-inch Satin Black KMV Grenade Crawl bead-lock wheels.

Concept JPP flat fender flares at all four corners provide plenty of off-road ride clearance, the mechanicals include Dana 60 front and rear axles with matching 5.38 gearing and AccuAir adjustable suspension.

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 access to 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, the High Top concept is reupholstered in custom quilted and perforated tan and black Alea leather with JPP logos on the head restraints. Overhead protection is provided by a JPP sun bonnet, while JPP pedals, all-weather floor mats, and door sill guards round-out the package.

The concept model is powered by the same 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 found in the donor Gladiator and is paired with Jeep’s TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Wagoneer ‘Vacationeer’

From the Spearminted exterior to the custom-trimmed and expanded interior space, the Jeep Vacationeer concept is one Jeep says is “a premium SUV that combines comfort and adventure with modern capability while honouring the legendary heritage of the Jeep brand”.

The Vacationeer arrives with unique bodyside woodgrain graphics and rides on substantial 35-inch BF Goodrich M/T tyres set on 18-inch 701 Method Racing wheels. Featuring a subtle 1.5-inch lift, the concept boasts larger wheel openings and custom bodyside flare extensions to offer an 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 11.0-inch Tyri LED lights provide exceptional forward lighting.

Affixed to the roof of the Vacationeer concept is a custom, carbon-fibre Red Tail Overland Skyloft – a climate-controlled “oasis” with sleeping space for two people and enough windows to soak in the panoramic views.

Moving inside we find the second- and third-row seats removed to accommodate integration of the Skyloft. A custom weatherproof, pass-through 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 concept’s Tupelo leather upholstery was crafted by Kiel James Patrick who displayed his profound appreciation for authentic Americana with custom fabric inserts featuring classic Jeep vehicles within a distinctive and charming New England-inspired pattern.

Power comes from the new 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder Hurricane Twin Turbo 510. With 510hp (380kW) and 500lb-ft (678Nm) on offer, the powerful unit provides what Jeep says is “premium performance” and “improved fuel economy versus many competitors’ naturally aspirated V-8 and boosted six-cylinder engines”.

“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 Jeep North America senior vice president Bill Peffer.

“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.”