More power, more capability, and the PHEVs get a turn
A jeep for everyone at massive off-road event
Jeep brought five sweet, sweet Jeep concept vehicles to the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab. Plus a pair of vehicles from Jeep Performance Parts that show off what you can build yourself. Here are the highlights.
The Jeep Bob concept might be the coolest. Engineers chopped out the B Pillar of a Jeep Gladiator pickup so you couldn’t attach doors if you wanted to. Then they sliced a foot off of the tail, bobbing it, making the truck more maneuverable on tight trails. Big flares let 40-inch tires fit and Jeep has fitted Dynatrac Pro-Rock 60 axles to handle the EcoDiesel’s torque. The top looks like fabric but is actually a mix of hard and soft to give it that super-cool look.
Magneto 2.0 turns up the wick on the EV Jeep Wrangler. Now making 625 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque, it still has a manual transmission. This year’s lets you drive with just one pedal, even on the trail. You can also start off without the clutch or start in any gear you want thanks to the electric motor’s torque.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk PHEV Concept is really just a Grand Cherokee 4xe with fender flares and new paint. Still, it’s important to see that Jeep is working on making sure its plug-in hybrid models get some attention from off-roaders.
Celebrating an anniversary and a milestone are the Rubicon 20th Anniversary model and the ’41 concept. The first one celebrates 20 years since the Wrangler Rubicon first went on sale and boosted the Wrangler’s off-road capability straight from the factory. LIke the original, it has a lift and upgraded axles as well as sway bar disconnects and lockers on both axles. Based on a Rubicon 392, this one gets a Granite Crystal wrap with gold badges and tow hooks. It’d be a shame if Jeep didn’t build this one.
The ’41 is a callback to the brand’s origins in 1941. An army green wrap, green “steelie” wheels, and a canvas top (with tan seats) that gives it a cool vintage look. Of course, it also uses Jeep’s most modern powertrain, the 2.0L 4xe PHEV system.
D-Coder and Birdcage show off the JPP catalogue. The former gets Jeep’s performance parts highlighted in red and all have had a QR code slapped on them so you can scan the part and get more info. Or order one. The Birdcage uses a special new windshield delete kit and gets a locking Add-A-Trunk in the rear for more cargo space. It also runs the first-ever 2-inch lift specifically for 4xe, equipped with Fox shocks.
