Springtime in Moab isn’t just about blooming flowers; it’s about the rumble of engines and the thrill of innovation at the Easter Jeep Safari. This year, the 58th annual gathering promises to be unforgettable, with Jeep once again unleashing its design dream team. These visionaries are crafting not just vehicles, but statements – creations that breathe life into sketches and spark the imagination.
For 2024, the Jeep wizards have conjured up four distinct concepts, each an ode to adventure and style. It’s not just a showcase; it’s a conversation with enthusiasts, a peek behind the curtain at what could be the future of off-road excellence. Get ready to explore the latest designs that blur the lines between fantasy and reality.
Jeep Vacationeer Concept
Enter the Jeep Vacationeer Concept, a tribute to the iconic Wagoneer that’s as bold as it is nostalgic. With a name that echoes its roots, this masterpiece is a love letter to the classics, complete with a touch of retro woodgrain that takes us back to the glory days of Jeep.
Painted in the mesmerizing “Spearminted” hue, reminiscent of the Willys Dispatcher Concept, this ride practically glows with a radioactive allure that would make Homer Simpson proud. But it’s not just about looks – the Vacationeer is built for action.
Bulging wheel arches embrace 35-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires, mounted on 18 x 9.0-inch 701 Method racing wheels, giving it a commanding stance. Thanks to a 1.5-inch lift, no obstacle is too daunting. And for those truly rugged moments, a front-mounted Warn winch and powerful TYRI LED lights stand ready for anything.
Under the hood roars Jeep’s 510-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six “Hurricane” engine, ensuring the Vacationeer never backs down from a challenge. But the real magic happens above.
Picture this: a custom carbon-fiber RedTail Overland Skyloft perched atop the roof, offering a luxurious escape into nature. Climate-controlled and spacious for two, it’s your ticket to stargazing nights and sunrise vistas.
For easy access, Jeep has cleverly removed the second- and third-row seating, replacing it with a handy step that doubles as a table. And inside, a bespoke upholstery design by renowned Wagoneer enthusiast Kiel James Patrick brings the charm of New England to life, with vintage Jeep motifs dancing across the seats.
Jeep, take note: this Vacationeer Concept isn’t just a dream – it’s a masterpiece waiting to be unleashed. Who knows, maybe that New England-inspired fabric might just find its way into our homes one day.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept
Crafted with passion by the innovative minds of Jeep Performance Parts designers and Mopar engineering wizards, the Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept is a nod to the iconic ’70s J-series pickups, particularly those groovy versions that Jeep experimented with back in the day. (Who can forget the stylish Jeep J-10 Honcho?)
Stepping straight out of the time machine, this concept rocks a two-tone Ginger Snap metallic exterior, complete with eye-catching graphics that scream ’70s flair. Brown was the color of the era, and Jeep pays homage in style. Inside, the vibe continues with custom quilted and perforated tan and black Alea leather seats, adorned with the prestigious JPP logos on the headrests.
But it’s not just about looks; this concept means business. Jeep Performance Parts steps up with a sun bonnet, pedal kit, floor mats, and doorsill guards, adding that extra touch of rugged elegance. Venturing beyond, the Gladiator dons a front bumper courtesy of American Expedition Vehicles, complete with a sleek protective hoop hovering over a trusty Warn winch. Rock Slide Engineering throws in their rock rail power steps, while Decked contributes a genius truck bed storage system with lockable sliding drawers.
Under the hood roars the dependable 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, paired with a smooth TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Power meets precision with Dana 60 front and rear axles, boasting matching 5.38:1 gears for impeccable performance. Tackling any terrain, the Gladiator rolls on massive 40 x 13.5 R-18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires, hugging the road on 18 x 9.0-inch Satin Black KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels.
For the ultimate ride, an AccuAir adjustable suspension system ensures a perfect balance of comfort and capability, fine-tuned to conquer every trail with finesse. Get ready to turn heads and tackle the off-road adventure of a lifetime with the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept – where retro cool meets trail-ready toughness in a truly iconic package.
Jeep Wrangler Low Down Concept
For those immersed in the world of Jeep adventures, the echoes of the past meet the roar of innovation in the 2024 Jeep Low Down concept. A nod to the iconic Lower 40 model that made waves back in 2009 at the Easter Jeep Safari, this year’s iteration takes the spirit of brawn and style to new heights.
Picture this: massive BFGoodrich Krawler 42 x 14.5 R-20 mud-terrain tires, snugly embraced by 20-inch beadlock wheels, proudly take their place. But here’s the twist – no suspension alterations, no lifting of the ride. Instead, a symphony of engineering magic unfolds, with custom carbon-fiber fender flares paving the way for this bold vision.
Peering beneath the hood, you’ll find the heart of the beast: a modern 475-hp 6.4-liter 392 engine, ready to unleash its power. This is not just a vehicle; it’s a statement of purpose, with Dana 60 axles boasting 5.38 gears replacing the standard Rubicon Dana 44s. The result? A fusion of low-slung prowess and elevated off-road capabilities, enhancing ground clearance, breakover angles, and every adventurer’s dream approach and departure angles.
Gleaming in its Poison Apple Red coat, the Low Down stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. A custom carbon-fiber hood, with its transparent power dome, invites admiration. As your eyes trace the lines, you’ll notice a sleek profile, free from exterior door handles, hinting at the streamlined journey ahead.
Step inside, and the adventure continues. A Rhino-lined floor sets the stage, while black leather seats with cloth inserts offer both comfort and rugged elegance. The absence of a radio, replaced by an instrument panel exuding purpose, speaks volumes. “In the Low Down, listening to the engine is an experience in itself,” shares Chris Piscitelli, the visionary behind this masterpiece.
But there’s more to this tale of innovation. A custom red-tinted semi-transparent bikini top catches the light, casting a crimson glow over the adventure that awaits. Just as its predecessor, the Lower 40, embraced the power of a V-8 engine, the Low Down continues the legacy. Yet, this time, it’s with a modern twist, a 475-hp powerhouse paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, promising a driving experience like no other.
In the world of Jeep concepts, the 2024 Low Down stands tall, a beacon of evolution and adventure. For those who dare to dream, to explore, and to conquer, this is more than a vehicle – it’s a testament to the spirit of off-road excellence.
Willys Dispatcher Concept
Step into the Willys Dispatcher, a creation that pays homage to the iconic Wrangler with a bold twist. While its Element 115 green paint catches the eye, this concept is more than just a pretty color. Designer Chris Piscitelli hints at the heritage of Jeep’s color palette, teasing that past concept vehicles paved the way for current favorites.
In true vintage style, the gloss-black windshield surround melds seamlessly with the nuclear-age green, making the standard black roll cage almost disappear. But it’s the nods to the postwar-era Willys Jeeps that truly set the Dispatcher apart.
Picture this: front and rear Dana 50 axles boasting 4:70 gears, wrapped in 36-inch Traxion tires mounted on 16 x 7.0-inch white steel wheels. It’s a recipe for that perfect retro look, further accentuated by the intentionally rugged homemade-style bumpers. Up front, a mighty Warn 8274 winch stands ready for any off-road challenge.
But the charm doesn’t stop at the exterior. Inside, the Dispatcher welcomes you with a blend of distressed saddle leather and classic houndstooth cloth inserts. The low back seats, sans headrests, transport you to a midcentury adventure, while “Willys” stamped proudly on the hood completes the retro vibe.
Jeep Performance Products take center stage inside, too, with vinyl flooring, a bikini top for open-air thrills, and an onboard air compressor for added convenience.
Don’t be fooled by its vintage allure; under the hood, the Willys Dispatcher roars with modern power. Featuring Jeep’s 2.0-liter plug-in-hybrid 4xe system, it delivers a robust 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s a fusion of classic style and cutting-edge technology, creating a timeless masterpiece for the adventurous at heart.