It's that time of the year when Jeep and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) unveil their latest and extremely cool off-road concepts for the annual Easter Jeep Safari held in Moab, Utah from March 27 to April 4. For 2021, electrification is front and center with the first-ever, purely battery-electric Magneto concept, based on the current two-door Jeep Wrangler.
It utilizes a custom-built axial flux electric motor and operates up to 6,000 rpm and produces up to 285 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The e-motor is paired to - wait for it - a six-speed manual. Jeep says the clutch operates exactly the same as it would with a combustion engine. Zero to 60 mph takes 6.8 seconds and its four battery packs produce a combined total of 70 kWh while running on an 800-volt system. Those waterproof batteries are evenly placed around the SUV for better weight balance.
For example, one pack replaces the fuel tank while another is located on top of the e-motor under the hood. The inverter, derived from race cars, converts DC power to AC, and a DC-to-DC converter charges both 12-volt batteries. A 2-inch lift kit, 17-inch metallic wheel wrapped in 35-inch mud tires, custom roll cage, Mopar Rock Rails, and steel bumpers with a winch round out the package.
Next up is the 1968 Commando-based Jeepster Beach concept, a resto-mod throwback to the second-generation Jeepster. The body was heavily modified with chrome trim and two-tone paint (Hazy IPA and Zinc Oxide). Power, however, comes from the familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an increased output to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft thanks to a twin-scroll turbocharger. An eight-speed automatic connected to a 4:1 transfer case routes power to the 35-inch wheels. The interior is decked out with red leather-trimmed bucket seats. The rear seat was ripped out in favor of a four-point safety chrome cage. The carpets were also removed for easier cleaning post-beach.
The Red Bare concept began life as a Gladiator Rubicon and things were quickly taken to the next level. With the 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel under the hood with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of twist, it's been fitted with Dana 44 front and rear HD upgraded axles and is capable of a 91:1 crawl ratio.
The Fire Cracker Red exterior is complimented with Matte Black graphics and gold accents while the interior boasts Katzkin black leather seats with red stitch contrast and red flannel inserts. The dashboard receives flannel material trim as well. Additional accessories include a 2-inch lift kit, 17-inch Matte Black wheels wearing 37-inch BFG mud tires, a cargo bed-mounted sport bar, rock rails, bed cover and rack system, and factory steel bumpers with a Warn winch.
The Orange Peelz concept has removable side and rear windows, prototype half doors, and a customizable one-piece Freedom Top glass sunroof. It shares some of its off-road performance kit with the Red bare concept but adds off-road LED lights mounted to the base of the A-pillars, Gorilla Glass windshield, and a Rubicon Warn winch with an 8,000-pound capacity. Power comes from a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust.
The previously revealed Gladiator EcoDiesel-based Farout concept is a continuation of 2019's Wayout concept and features a customizable 16-foot and 7.5-foot-tall truck topper that opens and retracts in just a few seconds. The interior comes with wood trim, a refrigerator and stove, built-in seats, and plenty of storage. Among its many exterior upgrades are, a roof rack system, Fox performance shocks, and 37-inch mud-terrain tires.
Jeep is also bringing along a modified Wrangler Rubicon 392 fitted with a Granite Crystal exterior, dual-mode performance exhaust, a unique hood with a center scoop, custom-made half-doors, and a one-touch power top.
Lastly, there's the Pentastar-powered Top Dog Gladiator aimed for mountain bike enthusiasts. Its regular cargo has been swapped out in favor of a custom flatbed storage system. The passenger side has a storage system with cool pull-out drawers and there's plenty of additional storage shelves and extra power supplies. Like the K-9 Blue exterior, the interior has similar colored accents throughout and all-weather Mopar floormats.
"The Moab Easter Jeep Safari has long been our testing ground for both our newest Jeep 4x4s and for showcasing new Jeep brand concepts, Jeep Performance Parts and ideas that truly resonate with our most passionate customers - the die-hard off-road enthusiasts who attend this event every year," said Jim Morrison, Jeep vice president of North America. "This year's Safari shines a spotlight on what makes Jeep vehicles unmistakably distinctive and undeniably capable, a variety of powertrains that deliver superior power, performance, torque and, above all, fun."