Four Colourful Concepts Star at Easter Jeep Safari 2024
Moab, Utah—Continuing a much-loved annual tradition, Jeep is introducing a series of wild and colourful concepts this week during the 58th edition of the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab (March 23-31). The action-packed gathering of off-road enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers celebrates the most iconic 4x4 brand in the world.
The Easter Jeep Safari has been hosted by Red Rock 4-Wheelers Inc. since the Moab Chamber of Commerce handed over control in 1982. In the years before that, the event was a one-day affair and welcomed anyone wishing to explore the area. Nowadays, it’s a full week of festivities with a long list of challenging trails where thousands of Jeep fans from all over the world can have fun.
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The automaker uses the Easter Jeep Safari to showcase a bunch of concepts based on some of its production models. Unlike last year when Jeep unveiled as many as seven concepts, there are just four to marvel at and write about this year. Did the UAW strike in the fall of 2023 have something to do with that? Maybe. After all, it cost Stellantis more than $3 billion. Whatever the reason, we’re still pretty excited.
Let’s take a look at the latest Easter Jeep Safari concepts designed by Jeep and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP)…
Jeep Willys Dispatcher
The Willys Dispatcher is a nod to the first post-WWII Jeeps with WILLYS lettering embossed into the sides of the hood and vintage-style 16-inch alloy “steelies” wrapped in 36-inch Super Traxion tires. Completing the old-school look is a modern powertrain, namely Jeep’s 4xe plug-in hybrid system.
Finished in Element 115 Green, the concept also features a windshield header coated in gloss black. The interior, meanwhile, is a cool mix of distressed saddle leather and houndstooth cloth inserts, while the JPP bikini top tries its best to keep passengers shielded from the weather.
Rugged JPP vinyl covers the floor, a reminder that the early Jeeps didn’t have floor protection. A JPP onboard air compressor comes in handy when managing tire pressures on the trail.
One last thing: in addition to the factory-installed PHEV system, the Willys Dispatcher uses Dana 50 Advantech front and rear axles with 4.70 gears.
Jeep Low Down
This second concept is another example of the vast tuning potential of the Jeep Wrangler. It draws inspiration from Stellantis’ track-ready sports cars while also using influence from the legendary Ferrari F40 and the unmistakable Lancia Stratos.
Jeep designers even took a page from past concepts, more specifically the Wrangler Lower 40 that was featured at the 43rd annual Easter Jeep Safari a decade and a half ago. That two-door Wrangler was riding on 40-inch tires and housed a 5.7-litre HEMI V8.
The Low Down has a V8, too, but it’s the more powerful 6.4-litre unit you’ll find in the Wrangler Rubicon 392. The stock suspension is retained, which explains why the vehicle appears to hug the road despite its massive 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler tires. Wheel size is 20 inches. Dana 60 axles with 5.38 gears replace the standard Dana 44 axles with 4:10 gears, while the shortened front and rear bumpers improve approach and departure angles.
The four-door Wrangler Unlimited body is streamlined via the removal of the rear door handles. Up front, the see-through power dome exposes the 475-horsepower engine underneath. The deep Poison Apple Red paint beautifully combines with a cream-coloured stripe.
Inside, the race car theme is on full display and includes a custom radio-delete instrument panel. If you want entertainment, all you need to do is to listen to the sound of the exhaust system.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top
The Jeep Gladiator is unique among midsize pickups with its Wrangler-like exterior as well as its removable doors and top. Based on the Gladiator Rubicon model, the retro-looking High Top concept was created by the JPP design and engineering teams from Mopar. The bold Ginger Snap metallic body is reminiscent of the Jeep J-10 from the 1970s and 1980s and features two-tone graphics along with flat fenders.
Of course, you can’t miss the 18-inch KMC Grenade Crawl wheels on 40-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K03 tires. The engine is nothing to call your mom about (a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6), but the Gladiator Rubicon High Top rides on an air suspension and Dana 60 axles with 5.38 gears.
As for the interior, well, let’s just say this concept doesn’t scream for adventure. It’s arguably more suited for a night at the opera. The seats are finished in custom quilted and perforated tan and black Alea leather and feature an embossed JPP logo on the headrests.
Jeep Vacationeer
The fourth and final concept presented at the 58th annual Easter Jeep Safari is an expedition vehicle that doesn’t require the compromises normally associated with the Wrangler or Gladiator.
Powered by the new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine a.k.a. “Hurricane,” the Vacationeer concept is a lot flashier than your typical Grand Wagoneer. The Spearminted exterior finish and unique bodyside woodgrain graphics are an homage to the Jeep Wagoneer from the late 1960s.
The Vacationeer rides on 18-inch, white-painted 701 Method racing wheels wrapped in 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. Larger wheel openings and custom bodyside flare extensions add to the aggressive look.
The highlight of this vintage-style Grand Wagoneer is a custom carbon-fibre RedTail Overland Skyloft. It can be accessed directly from inside the vehicle, eliminating the need for a ladder on the outside. As you can imagine, the second- and third-row seats had to be removed in the first place to allow the transformation.
In the first row, the large buckets are appointed in Tupelo leather with custom fabric inserts designed by renowned fashion designer and Wagoneer enthusiast/owner Kiel James Patrick. Said inserts feature classic Jeep vehicles within a distinctive and lovely New England-inspired pattern.
Which one of these four concepts is your favourite?
