Jeep Concepts Rolled Out for Upcoming Safari

The Moab Easter Jeep Safari started in 1967 as a one-day trail ride. It has grown over the years to the point that it now stretches over nine days, including trail rides, daylong trips and a major Saturday wrapup.

Off-road legend Jeep has just promised a handful of new concepts for the event, all of which will feature Jeep Performance Parts upgrades, unique custom bodywork and reworked interiors. This year’s Safari runs from March 27 to April 4.

As one of the most customized and personalized vehicle brands, Jeep got into the fray with its own parts division in 2012.

Jeep Performance Parts offers a line of factory-backed parts that were designed and engineered in conjunction with Jeep itself. The Easter Jeep Safari concepts feature a slew of parts from the JPP catalog, from winches to custom bumpers.

Wrangler Magneto

The Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept is based on a ’20 2-door Wrangler Rubicon but uses a custom-built axial flux electric motor that can run at up to 6,000 rpm.

Wrangler Magneto

In a move not often seen in the electric-vehicle world, Jeep gives the concept a 6-speed manual gearbox that it says will operate just as it would with a traditional internal-combustion engine. The electric powertrain’s output is similar to the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 that the regular Wrangler gets, at 285 hp and 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of torque.

As in other EVs, though, the electric motor delivers all of its torque from the get-go, meaning the Magneto (pictured above) is good for a quick 6.8-second 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time.

Jeepster Beach

The Jeepster Beach concept started life as a 1968 Jeepster Commando, which was blended with a ’20 Wrangler Rubicon.

Jeepster Beach interior

Jeep modified the old model’s body by taking the original chrome trim and adding a two-tone paint job. The concept (pictured above and below) is powered by Jeep’s turbocharged 2.0L 4-cyl. that has been massaged to produce 25% more power than the standard factory version.

Jeepster Beach

Here, it makes 340 hp and 369 lb.-ft. (500 Nm) of torque. The concept’s interior features low-back bucket seats with red leather, and the rear seats have been removed to accommodate a full chrome safety cage.

Red Bare Gladiator

Jeep packs the burly Red Bare Gladiator concept with its 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6, which makes 260 hp and 442 lb.-ft. (599 Nm) of torque.

Red Bare Gladiator

It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Dana44 front and rear heavy-duty axles, which Jeep says give the Red Bare Gladiator (pictured above and below) a 91:1 crawl ratio for heavy terrain.

That’s all on top of Jeep Performance Parts 17-in. matte black wheels with 37-in. BFG mud-terrain tires, steel bumpers and a Warn winch.

Red Bare Gladiator interior

The truck’s interior features custom Katzkin leather seats with special red flannel inserts, which also adorn the gauge cluster for a more rustic look.

Orange Peelz

The Orange Peelz concept takes the Wrangler up a notch with a JPP 2-in. (51-mm) lift, Fox Shocks, 17-in. JPP beadlock-capable wheels and 37-in. BFG KM3 mud-terrain tires.

The custom hood hides the 3.6L V-6 making 285 hp and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque. The concept (pictured above and below) also features a JPP Rubicon steel bumper with a 2-in. steel grille guard and a JPP 8,000-lb. (3,629-kg) Rubicon Warn winch.

Orange Peelz interior

Jeep says the Orange Peelz’ windshield has been upgraded to Corning Gorilla Glass to help protect against chips and damage from rocks and debris.