Jeep presents a new edition of the Easter Jeep Safari with four prototypes

Just yesterday, the 58th annual edition of the Easter Jeep Safari came to a close, an event that brings together Jeep enthusiasts with numerous activities and takes place in the city of Moab, located in the state of Utah in the heart of the United States and famous for its desert-coloured landscapes and rugged mountains that delight lovers of both two and four wheels.

At this event the brand itself, Jeep, is never missing, always present with several prototypes focused on different ideas, and this year was no exception. They have brought four models that could be seen by all attendees and that at the same time showcase the extensive catalogue of parts available to customers through Mopar. Let’s see, then, which prototypes Jeep has brought this time.

Jeep Low Down Concept

At the 43rd edition of the Easter Jeep Safari the brand presented the Lower 40, characterised by its enormous 40-inch tyres for muddy terrain and an equally large engine, a 5,700 cc V8 that naturally captivated all attendees with its monstrous nature in every sense. More than 10 years later, the brand pays tribute to the Lower 40 with the Low Down Concept, which, as one would expect, stands out for having everything on a grand scale.

To that end, the Jeep Low Down Concept sits on 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler tyres designed especially for the muddiest terrain, mounted on beadlock wheels of 20 inches and, in order to fit them, the wheel arch has been modified to add more clearance, in addition to fitting carbon-fibre mudguards. Based on the Wrangler Rubicon 392, it retains the same suspension, although the Dana 44 axles with 4.10 gears have been replaced with Dana 60 units with 5.38 gears. Furthermore, with the new tyres and the shortened bumpers the centre of gravity remains low, while ground clearance, approach and departure angles and breakover angle increase and improve, making it ideal for trails and narrow terrain.

Just in case, it won’t be short on power either, and just like the Lower 40, the Low Down Concept also features a V8, though obviously modernised, displacing 6,400 cc and producing 475 CV, which can be seen through a transparent dome installed in the bonnet. To finish off the customisation, there is a competition-style fuel cap and the Poison Apple Red colour applied to the bodywork. Inside, Jeep has fitted leather upholstery combined with cloth inserts, Rhino-lined floors and a customised instrument panel from which the radio has been removed.

Jeep Willys Dispatcher Concept

The second concept, the Jeep Willys Dispatcher Concept, takes the Wrangler 4xe as its base, while its inspiration is the civilian Jeep from the early post-war period. With it, the brand seeks to evoke the nostalgia of its past while looking forward with an electrified, technologically advanced off-roader.

Thus the Willys Dispatcher Concept presents a retro aesthetic, as can be seen in details such as the “steelie” wheels in alloy with a retro design, 16 inches in size, fitted with 36-inch Super Traxion tyres, painted in cream and perfectly matched to the bodywork finished in the exclusive Element 115 Green colour and gloss black details. The front bumper has also been modified with a vintage-style design, housing a Warn 8274 winch with a classic look, complete with a Warn Epic Series hook and D-rings. Moreover, as on period Jeep vehicles, the word “Willys” has been engraved on the mudguards.

Inside the Willys Dispatcher Concept there has also been customisation work, with upholstery mixing leather and houndstooth cloth, while the front seats omit the headrests to evoke the vintage feel of the low-backed seats of the era, all protected by a JPP soft top. Finally, the Dispatcher is equipped with the 4xe plug-in hybrid propulsion system of 2,000 cc, which produces 375 CV sent through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept

With the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top, the brand aims to demonstrate the capability of its design and engineering teams to extend the off-road capabilities of its models. This “concept” stands out first for its Ginger Snap metallic paint with retro-inspired two-tone graphics, and also for its height, partly due to the enormous BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tyres in 40×13.5R18 size mounted on KMC Grenade Crawl wheels, also 18 inches.

These wheels are housed beneath flat JPP-designed wheel arches that provide plenty of clearance for off-road driving, while if things get complicated, the Dana 60 front and rear axles with matching 5.38:1 gears and an AccuAir adjustable air suspension, not to mention the 3,600 cc Pentastar V6 engine and the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, will help it get out of practically any situation.

There are other unique details, such as the modified front bumper signed by American Expedition Vehicles, which features a custom protective hoop located just above the Warn winch; the additional storage space at the rear with double sliding drawers; or the electric side steps, Rock Rail by Rock Slide Engineering, for access to the interior. The interior features Alea leather upholstery, quilted and perforated to measure in tan and black, a JPP pedal kit, mats for all weather conditions and door sill protectors.

Jeep Vacationeer Concept

To combine comfort with adventure, the Jeep Vacationeer Concept is born, featuring a “retro” nod with unique woodgrain graphics on the bodywork, which recall the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer of the decades from 1960 to 1990. Despite being a modern SUV, it does not forget its 4×4 legacy and fits 35-inch BFGoodrich tyres mounted on 701 Method wheels of 18 inches, protected by custom wheel arches that help give it a wider appearance. The exterior styling is completed with underbody protection, a Warn winch and 11-inch TYRI LED roof lights.

The roof of the Vacationeer Concept houses a customised RedTail Overland Skyloft made of carbon fibre, in which two people can sleep, with windows to enjoy panoramic views and air conditioning. The Skyloft can be accessed from the interior via a small step that also doubles as a table, although all of this has meant removing the second and third rows of seats. The rear space also features a lined cargo floor for various uses.

Mechanically, the Jeep Vacationeer Concept relies on the Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 3.0-litre engine, which delivers 510 CV.

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

Off-RoadJeep Wrangler2 versions · from 87,750 €

Off-RoadJeep Grand Cherokee1 version · from 102,250 €