As the Easter Jeep Safari In its 58th year, the off-road automobile manufacturer continues its tradition of developing concepts that amaze enthusiasts.
On Monday, Jeep unveiled four concepts for the 2024 event, including two modified Wranglers, a Gladiator and a Grand Wagoneer. Each concept, in different ways, is a strong nod to the past while focusing on today’s consumer trends. They will be featured and roaming the 39 trails at the event, March 23-31 in Moab, Utah.
Here is a breakdown of each concept.
Jeep Willys dispatcher concept
Jeep Willys dispatcher concept
Jeep Willys dispatcher concept
Jeep Willys dispatcher concept
Jeep Willys dispatcher concept
This retro off-roader celebrates Jeep’s Willys roots with a touch of post-World War II Americana. The base is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe plug-in hybrid, but it’s a far cry from the electrified SUVs consumers buy from dealers.
Underneath, the axles at both ends were replaced with beefy Dana 50s with 4.70 gears. These axles are bolted to custom-made 16-inch vintage-look steel wheels that are painted bright white. The Jeep team wrapped these wheels with 36-inch Super Traxion tires that are tall, narrow, and studded. A 2.0-inch lift provides more ground clearance.
To complete the vintage exterior look, Willys is stamped on the sides of the hood, as was the case on early military Jeeps. Both bumpers were replaced with custom steel units with cut ends. These bumpers are both equipped with so-called “helicopter hooks,” which World War II helicopters were attached to to propel Jeeps through the air. A Warn 8274 Classic winch sits at the front in case off-road driving gets a little tricky.
The exterior features Element 115 green paint, contrasted by a gloss black windshield surround and roll bar. Inside, Jeep redesigned the seats with distressed leather and contrasting houndstooth inserts. The dashboard trim matches the houndstooth fabric. For a more military look, the headrests were removed and the carpet was replaced with vinyl flooring from Jeep Performance Parts.
Jeep low down concept
Jeep low down concept
Jeep low down concept
Jeep low down concept
Jeep low down concept
Jeep said the Low Down concept is a tribute to the V8 engine. It combines classic, racing-inspired design with performance.
Low down is about speed, noise and performance. For this purpose it is based on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 with its 6.4 liter V8.
Jeep beefed up the concept’s chassis with Dana 60 axles front and rear with 5.38 gears. The suspension remains stock, but the overall package rides up thanks to 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock brass wheels. According to the Jeep team, between the massive tires and the short bumpers, the approach and departure angles are next to “nothing.”
The exterior is designed to evoke “race car vibes,” according to the Jeep team, with Candy Apple Red paint, custom low-profile, high-clearance carbon fiber fender flares, no rear door handles, and a custom carbon fiber hood with a full-length power dome viewing window eight holes for a view of the engine.
The interior is covered with a custom sheer red bikini top and the floor is coated with Rhino Liner. Jeep removed the Wrangler’s touchscreen to make the interior more focused. “The exhaust has two settings: loud and obnoxious, providing exactly the entertainment you need,” said the Jeep team. The radio was eliminated because “the engine is entertainment.”
Jeep high top concept
Jeep high top concept
Jeep high top concept
Jeep high top concept
Jeep high top concept
With the goal of achieving attainable performance, the Jeep high-top concept begins Gladiator Rubicon and grabs it from the Jeep Performance Parts bin.
In the name of improved performance, the Jeep team swapped the axles for Dana 60s with 5.38 gears. The truck has AccuAir air suspension that can be adjusted on the fly. Massive BFGoodrich 40-inch K03 all-terrain tires wrap black 18-inch beadlock Grenade Crawl wheels with a silver lip. To clear these tires, flat fender flares from Jeep Performance Parts were added. This is the first time the team has applied these to a Gladiator. Fans will note that these flares have been used on Wranglers in the past.
The standard 3.6-liter V6 sits under the hood and is connected to the Gladiator’s 8-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior is reminiscent of the J10 look of the 1970s and 80s with a black and ginger snap paint job. Enthusiasts will note that there was a similar paint color on the J10 back in the day, originally called Ginger Poly or Golden Ginger. The two-tone retro graphics coordinate with the black Jeep Performance Parts sunhood.
An AEV RX front bumper has been modified with a low frame so that it does not interfere with the front camera’s viewing angle. Rock Slide Engineering’s rock rails protect the truck’s side rails while also serving as power steps for smaller occupants.
Inside, the custom seats feature Alea Leather quilted leather and the Jeep Performance Parts accessory rail is located on the dash. This allows GoPros, iPads and other electronic devices to be easily mounted to the dashboard for the day’s adventure. The bed has a covered storage system for hiking equipment and is lockable.
Jeep Vacationeer concept
Jeep Vacationeer concept
Jeep Vacationeer concept
Jeep Vacationeer concept
Jeep Vacationeer concept
Jeep is finally ready to give the people what they want: wood panels on the side of a Wagoneer. Well, some people.
Based on Grand Wagoneer Series IIIThe Vacationeer honors the nameplate’s legacy while aiming to capture fans’ nostalgic hearts.
The massive Wagoneer concept receives a 1.5-inch lift and rides on white 18-inch 701 Method Racing wheels. Jeep wraps the wheels in 35-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires, but to keep the rubber clear, custom body-colored fender flares were added after opening up the wheel wells a bit. Custom-made skid plates at the front and rear, a revised front apron with LED off-road headlights and a warning winch at the front round off the exterior changes.
The green color contrasts with a white protective layer of Rhino-Liner that covers the roof. The SUV features a custom-made luggage rack with additional lighting and a RedTail Skyloft roof tent. The key design feature is the wood grain stripe that adorns the sides of the Vacationeer concept. This is a decal inspired by the wood paneling of the Wagoneers from the ’60s and ’70s, not the full body panels from the ’80s. The sticker is textured to feel like wood.
Inside, Tupelo leather seats feature inserts designed by New England fashion magnet Kiel James Patrick. These inserts contain Easter eggs with little TJs, CJs and JTs hidden in the checkered design. The second and third row seats and the second row sunroof were removed. This makes the roof tent easily accessible from the Vacationeer. The Jeep team lined the floors with Rhino to make cleaning easier. For that old-school feel, Jeep even included a vintage luggage set in the Vacationeer concept.
