At the 58th Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, taking place from March 23 to 31, 2024, the Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar will unveil four “mission-capable” concept vehicles, blending heritage-inspired designs with cutting-edge technology.
Bill Peffer, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America, remarked,
“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 4×4 brand in the world. From 4xe electrification to unmatched 392 power, this year’s Jeep 4×4 concepts illustrate how the most capable Wrangler ever appeals to such a wide range of people.”
The lineup includes four unique concept vehicles equipped with various propulsion systems: the Jeep Wrangler Low Down, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys Dispatcher, the Jeep Gladiator-based High Top concept, and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer-based Vacationeer.
The ever-popular Jeep Wrangler Lower 40 concept made its debut fifteen years ago at the 43rd annual Easter Jeep Safari; the Jeep Low Down concept is based on the Jeep Wrangler Lower 40 with its 40-inch mud-terrain tires and potent 5.7-liter V-8 engine. Sporting 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels and custom high-clearance carbon fender flares, the Jeep Low Down concept retains the stock Wrangler Rubicon 392 suspension but upgrades to Dana 60 axles with 5.38 gears for enhanced performance. The tires and bumper alterations ensure a low center of gravity while significantly increasing ground clearance and approach and departure angles. Continuing the legacy of its predecessor, the Jeep Low Down concept is powered by a formidable 475-horsepower 6.4-liter 392 V-8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The body of the Low Down concept features streamlined enhancements such as removing rear door handles, a custom carbon hood with a see-through power dome, and a race-style fuel filler door on the driver-side rear quarter panel. The cabin boasts custom black leather seats with cloth inserts, Rhino-lined floors, and a bespoke radio-delete instrument panel.
Based on the Wrangler 4xe platform, the Jeep Willys Dispatcher concept is intended to evoke nostalgia for the early post-war civilian Jeep while integrating the electrified off-road capability of the modern 4xe propulsion system. Exterior enhancements give the Willys Dispatcher a retro-inspired makeover. Vintage-style 16 x 7.0-inch alloy “steelies” wrapped in Super Traxion 36-inch tires adorn the vehicle. A custom old-school front bumper houses a classic-looking 8274 Warn winch with a Warn Epic Series winch hook and D rings. Embossed ‘WILLYS’ lettering on the hood and gloss black windshield header adds to the classic aesthetic, complemented by a custom shade of Element 115 Green paint accented with cream-colored steelies.
The Dispatcher receives a custom retrim featuring distressed saddle leather and houndstooth cloth inserts. Removing front and rear headrests gives the seats a low-back vintage feel reminiscent of classic Jeeps. A JPP bikini top provides weather protection, while Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) vinyl covers the floor. Additionally, a JPP onboard air compressor proves helpful for managing tire pressures or inflating mattresses.
Powering the Willys Dispatcher is the award-winning 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid 4xe propulsion system, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Dana 50 Advantech front and rear axles with 4.70 gears efficiently transfer power and torque to the Super Traxion tires.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept sports a Ginger Snap metallic exterior with retro-inspired two-tone graphics. Riding high on 40×13.5/R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires mounted on 18 x 9.0-inch Satin Black KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels.
Concept JPP flat fender flares at all four corners provide off-road ride clearance, while Dana 60 front and rear axles with matching 5.38:1 gearing and an AccuAir adjustable air suspension provide a broad torque band focusing on low-end torque. The robust 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, paired with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, offers a broad torque band.
Enhancements to the front bumper from American Expedition Vehicles include a custom protective hoop positioned just above a Warn winch. Rock Slide Engineering’s rock rail power steps safeguard the undercarriage and facilitate easy cabin entry and exit. The seats have been retrimmed with custom quilted and perforated tan and black Alea leather. A JPP sun bonnet provides overhead protection, and additional interior upgrades include a JPP pedal kit, all-weather floor mats, and door sill guards for enhanced comfort and convenience.
The Jeep Vacationeer Concept offers a blend of luxury and adventure. With a nod to classic Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, the Vacationeer Concept features subtle bodyside woodgrain graphics. Unlike the mint green and woodgrain adorned station wagon driven by Chevy Chase, the Jeep is ready for rugged terrain, equipped with 35-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires mounted on 18 x 9-inch bead grip 701 Method racing wheels. Powering the Vacationeer Concept is the potent 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 engine, delivering 510 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
Front and rear skid plates offer underbody protection, while a front-mounted Warn winch tackles challenging off-road situations. Three 11-inch TYRI LED lights mounted on the Rhino-lined roof illuminate the path ahead.
Atop the Vacationeer Concept sits a custom carbon-fiber RedTail Overland Skyloft—a climate-controlled sanctuary with sleeping space for two and panoramic views. Inside, the second and third-row seats have been removed to accommodate the Skyloft integration, and a weatherproof pass-thru entrance facilitates easy access.
The rear space features a bed-lined cargo floor capable of withstanding outdoor elements and storing gear and equipment. Fashion designer Kiel James Patrick contributes to the interior design, incorporating his signature New England-inspired pattern into the front Tupelo leather seats.
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