Easter Jeep Safari: 625-Hp Electric Wrangler Among 10 Jeep Concepts for 2022
The Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Utah is back for a 56th edition from April 9-17, 2022. Just like every year, a bunch of stunning yet fully functional concepts will be on display and available for quick test drives by the many auto journalists and enthusiasts on hand.
The 2022 lineup includes three concepts previously shown at SEMA, six unique builds and another concept that represents a dramatic evolution of the fully electric Wrangler Magneto introduced at last year’s Safari. Let’s start our tour with that one, shall we?
- Also: Jeep Magneto Concept Unveiled as Fully Electric Wrangler
- Also: Jeep Gladiator Farout Concept is the New Overlanding King
Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0
The Magneto 2.0 team set their sights on the “strap in and hold on with both hands” end of the performance spectrum. Peak amperage in the propulsion system is more than doubled to 600 amps, enabling the vehicle to instantly deliver up to 850 pound-feet of peak torque to the wheels—more than triple the torque output of last year’s concept—and 625 horsepower for serious rock-climbing challenges.
A new electric powertrain calibration maintains the peak amperage for up to 10 seconds, which lets the Magneto 2.0 bolt from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in just two seconds, Jeep claims.
The first gear ratio in the six-speed manual transmission is changed from 5.13 to 3.36, but the Rock-Trac transfer case from the Wrangler Rubicon is still there. Twelve inches were added to the wheelbase of the two-door Wrangler, and Jeep also fitted a custom 3-inch lift kit and 40-inch off-road tires. Notice the custom hood that includes a blue-tinted, transparent window giving a view of the power unit underneath.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk PHEV Concept
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk concept pairs legendary Jeep 4x4 capability with an electrified powertrain offering 40 kilometres of zero-emission range. It’s ready to tackle all that Moab has to offer with a new class-exclusive sway-bar disconnect allowing for improved articulation and traction over rocks and rough terrain.
The vehicle boasts a custom Industrial Blue exterior along with signature 4xe Lagoon Blue tow hooks and glare-proof matte black-and-blue Trailhawk hood decal. Adding to its adventuresome appearance is a custom roof rack with integrated tie downs, black painted Rhino Liner roof and custom vinyl side graphics for protection against debris. Custom 20-inch painted Neutral Gray metallic matte wheels are mounted on 33-inch BFG mud-terrain tires.
Jeep ’41
During Easter Jeep Safari, the brand pays homage to Jeep vehicles of the past. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the Wrangler Willys. The ’41 concept blends military grit and determination with the Wrangler 4xe’s electric-vehicle technology.
The exterior colour, including wheel flares and mirror caps, is an olive D.R.A.B. ‘41 matte green finish, with black powder-coated steel bumpers, Warn winch and JPP bumper hoop. The retro trim cap accentuates a tan soft-top, while half doors offer an enhanced open-air experience. A custom stenciled graphics package from the Jeep Graphic Studio and accent-coloured tow hooks are the finishing touches fit for a five-star general.
Jeep Rubicon 20th Anniversary
The Rubicon is the toughest and most capable of all Wranglers. It’s been around for 20 years now, representing 30 percent of all units sold. The Rubicon 20th Anniversary concept is based on the quickest, most powerful Wrangler yet, namely the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, but features an active dual-mode performance exhaust that switches between wild and outrageous, a performance hood with centre scoop, custom-built half doors and Sky One-touch powertop with removable side panels.
The matte Granite Crystal exterior vinyl wrap is accentuated with gold tow hooks and badging, a Rubicon 20th anniversary hood decal, American flag fender decal and Mopar swing gate air compressor. Those 37-inch mud-terrain tires wrap 17-inch Mopar beadlock-capable wheels,
Jeep Bob
Designed to blur the lines between two mighty off-roaders, the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, the Bob concept is a playful spin on the popular trend of “bobbing” the long overhangs of pickup truck beds to make it the ultimate terrain tackler. Based on a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, the most noticeable traits of this truck are not what’s on it, but rather what’s missing.
All four doors and B-pillars have been removed, and the bed has been “bobbed” a full foot of length. Custom steel front and rear bumpers improve the vehicle’s approach and departure angles and are built to withstand all the rigours of off-road use. Massive 40-inch tires on 20-inch beadlock wheels complete the package. Oh, and the customized hardtop has been perforated and a canvas top has been stretched over top to provide shelter from the elements while allowing natural light through. Fantastic.
Jeep D-Coder by JPP
The Gloss Black Jeep D-Coder concept carries more than 35 Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) and Mopar accessories, each painted in contrasting Maraschino Red and labeled with QR codes, making this high-performance off-roader a rolling catalog of factory-tested and factory-backed items available for customer purchase.
Highlights include a Rubicon three-piece modular bumper carrying a single-hoop tubular grille and winch guard with a pair of TYRI 7-inch LED off-road lights just above a Rubicon Warn winch, as well as a JPP snorkel on the passenger’s side that keeps water out of the 3.6-litre Pentastar engine when fording through high water depths. The distinct Maraschino Red theme continues inside with Katzkin leather covering both rows of seats.
Jeep Birdcage by JPP
Based on the Wrangler 4xe, the Birdcage concept also showcases a variety of custom accessory innovations from JPP and Mopar. Riding on a JPP 2-inch lift kit with FOX shocks, the Eagle Brown off-roader features Granite Crystal metallic and various signature Jeep 4xe Surf Blue accents.
Improving the front approach angle is a custom rock-slider skid plate that connects two rounded 2-inch steel support bars, integral to the custom seven-slot grille. The JPP five-spoke beadlock wheels measure 17 inches and are mounted with 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 tires. As an overlanding SUV, additional storage is provided by a 600-pound capacity Rhino-Rack cargo basket securely mounted to the top of the roll cage. And inside the tailgate panel, a JPP swing-gate flip-down table provides a perfect working or eating space and sits next to an integral on-board air compressor.
We invite you to browse through the photo gallery at the top of the page for a closer look at each vehicle. You’ll also find the three Jeep concepts by JPP that were introduced at the 2021 SEMA Show and will be making the trip to Moab for the first time.
