JEEP has debuted seven off-roading idea autos – 4 of them electrical – at its 57th annual ‘Easter Jeep Safari’, held in entrance of 20,000 Jeep lovers on the model’s so-called ‘dwelling away from dwelling’ in Moab, Utah.
Headlined by the third iteration of Jeep’s first-ever electrical car idea – the Wrangler Magneto, now dubbed Magneto 3.0 – providing elevated outputs, improved vary and extra radical styling alterations, the Easter Safari occasion additionally included the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe idea (a growth of the four-cylinder turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid mannequin provided within the US), the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Depature idea (a extra excessive off-roading model developed by Jeep Efficiency Components by Mopar) and a 1978 Jeep Cherokee 4xe idea (a resto-mod interpretation of the SJ Cherokee with Wrangler 4xe operating gear).
These electrified Jeeps have been joined by the Scrambler 392 idea (a lime-green conceptual off-roader that includes a Hemi V8 and adjustable air suspension), the Grand Wagoneer Overland idea (a camping-friendly, off-road-enhanced interpretation of Jeep’s flagship US-market SUV) and the Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn idea (an exploration of obtainable or conceptual components from JPP by Mopar, supposed to increase its capabilities whereas concurrently responding to buyer suggestions).
Past 2021’s Wrangler Magneto and 2022’s Magneto 2.0, the brand new Magneto 3.0 idea brings a extra environment friendly axial flux electrical motor that enhances torque, improves useable (although unspecified) power and vary by 20 %, and beneficial properties three driver-selectable features.
‘Output choose’ affords two energy settings – commonplace (213kW/370Nm, as per the unique Magneto) and most (485kW/1220Nm) – whereas ‘two-stage energy regeneration’ mode permits for regular driving or enhanced braking regeneration utilizing the electrical motor.
An enhanced ‘hill-descent’ mode that may be chosen in low vary permits for ‘one-pedal’ off-road driving (utilizing solely the throttle) in excessive rock-crawling conditions.
Magneto 3.0 additionally options 20-inch bead-lock alloys with 40-inch mud-terrain tyres, Dynatrac entrance and rear axles, and a 76mm carry in suspension top.
Bodywork has been extensively modified to incorporate wider door openings, repositioned B-pillars, “swept again” entrance mudguards and 12.0 levels extra windscreen rake. The unique Magneto’s Vibrant White and Surf Blue color scheme stays, however with new purple accents and extra concept-like detailing for the three.0.
Much more conceptual in flavour however coming from the alternative finish of the powertrain spectrum was the Scrambler 392 idea.
Impressed by the 1981 Scrambler CJ-8 – the Jeep model’s first convertible pick-up – however painted in a retro-mod Elegant Inexperienced with gloss-black accents, the Scrambler 392 shares the Magneto 3.0’s raked windscreen however provides light-weight carbon-fibre customized bodywork (together with the bonnet), and options completely different 20-inch alloys with related 40-inch outsized tyres.
But beneath hides a 350kW/637Nm 6.4-litre Hemi V8 powering a growth of Jeep’s new ‘AccuAir’ air suspension developed for the Wrangler and Gladiator. This permits for adjustable suspension carry starting from 38mm to 140mm, which may be adjusted on the transfer from both contained in the cabin or through long-range Bluetooth on a wi-fi gadget.
Extra series-production in flavour however with related black-outs on its bonnet, roof pillars and wheel-arch extensions, the ‘Industrial Inexperienced’ Grand Wagoneer Overland idea – powered by Jeep’s new 380kW/678Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo-petrol ‘Hurricane’ six-cylinder – was outlined by its customized ‘Crimson Tail Overland Skyloft’ roof pod.
This absolutely built-in carbon-fibre ‘pop-top’ may be opened in round 10 seconds from contained in the cabin by merely pushing up with one arm, says Jeep, to offer “a climate-controlled oasis full with a sleeping area for 2 individuals”.
Eradicating the second- and third-row seats, and repositioning the rear sunroof, creates a customized weatherproof entrance to the higher Skyloft stage, with a fore/aft sliding door and a small step (which additionally doubles as a desk) permitting for straightforward entry.
To spotlight the Grand Wagoneer’s rear-seat leisure, Jeep additionally included two outsized beanbags, a throw rug, pillows, and customized ambient lighting.
However the fan-favourite of the occasion was the electrified ’78 Cherokee 4xe idea. Constructed round a two-door 1978 Cherokee SJ with Large-Monitor possibility, the two-seat 4xe idea blended a trustworthy rendering of ‘70s Jeep bodywork (together with a multi-colour paint remedy in yellow, orange and purple) with the operating gear of a Wrangler Rubicon 4xe.
Which means a plug-in hybrid 280kW/637Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder drivetrain with an eight-speed computerized gearbox providing round 34km of electric-only driving vary, plus idea exclusives comparable to 17-inch “slotted mag-style” wheels with 37-inch off-road tyres, leather-trimmed ‘low-back’ bucket seats, a four-point roll cage and a full-size spare within the cargo space.
