Electrified power, legendary 4×4 capability and commanding performance will be front and center during this year’s Easter Jeep Safari, the Jeep brand’s home away from home. The Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar (JPP) team are bringing their A game with an extraordinary lineup of custom-built 4×4 and 4xe concept vehicles to conquer the iconic red-rock terrain in Moab, Utah. Thousands of off-roading enthusiasts and Jeep brand loyalists from all over the world will descend upon Moab, April 9-17, for the weeklong annual tradition of trail rides and technical off-roading.
“Easter Jeep Safari is the perfect opportunity for the Jeep brand to push the limits of four-wheel-drive development and, most importantly, to stay connected with our customers,” said Jim Morrison, Senior Vice President and Head of Jeep Brand North America. “Moab is a rite of passage for many Jeep owners, and to own a Jeep is to truly understand the lifestyle – it’s what the Jeep brand is all about. Whether it’s a Jeep concept or the latest Jeep production vehicle, our customers have the chance to get up close and personal with our passion projects during this event. From a fully capable BEV off-roader to rugged and powerful terrain tacklers, every concept is a true reflection of what our customers tell us they want and give a taste of where the future of the Jeep brand and off-roading can go.”
This year, 10 distinctive Jeep brand and JPP concept vehicles are equipped with an array of advanced powertrains. The notable lineup is punctuated by the triumphant return of Jeep Wrangler Magneto, the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) concept from the Jeep brand. The even more powerful and capable Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 and four additional Jeep 4xe concept vehicles are testament to the Jeep brand’s commitment to Zero Emission Freedom. Additionally, each concept features the latest production and prototype JPP from Mopar, developed with rigorous specifications and legendary 4×4 capability in mind.
“Teaming up with the Jeep brand, there is no better place than the annual Easter Jeep Safari to show off our latest production and custom innovations to true off-road enthusiasts,” said Mark Bosanac, North America Vice President, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care. “Unlike any other aftermarket offerings, our factory-tested and factory-backed Jeep Performance Parts are specifically designed and engineered to face the toughest trails in the world.”
The 2022 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles include:
Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Concept
A year ago, the Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept demonstrated that a battery-electric propulsion system would be true to the Wrangler’s heritage of on-road and off-road capability. A vehicle that demonstrates the Jeep Brand’s dedication to Zero Emissions Freedom.
The fully electric Jeep Magneto 2.0 concept is an evolution of the first Magneto that debuted last year. The Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 is amped up – literally – creating a terrain-dominating off-roader that carries you far, far off the beaten path.
The Magneto 2.0’s powertrain basics include:
- Custom-built axial flux electric motor that operates up to 5,250 rpm
- Six-speed manual transmission for ultimate control over the propulsion system
- Four lithium-ion battery packs, distributed throughout the chassis for weight balance, with a combined power of 70 kW/h, running an 800-volt system
- An inverter derived from race cars converts DC power to AC for the high-tech motor
That’s a great start but the Magneto 2.0 team set their sights on the “strap in and hold on with both hands” end of the performance spectrum.
Peak amperage in the propulsion system is more than doubled to 600 amps. That enables the Magneto 2.0 to instantly deliver up to 850 lb.-ft. of peak torque to the wheels – more than triple the torque output of last year’s concept – and 625hp for serious rock-climbing challenges.
A new electric powertrain calibration maintains the peak amperage for up to 10 seconds – think of it as electronic nitrous oxide – which lets the Magneto 2.0 bolt from 0-60 mph in 2 seconds.
First gear ratio in the manual transmission is changed from 5.13 to 3.36. When combined with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon’s Rock-Trac transfer case, the Magneto 2.0 demonstrates unequaled rock-crawling capability with its instant on-demand torque delivery. A driver-selectable maximum regeneration function added to the propulsion system offers a true “one-pedal” driving experience.
Getting all that torque to the ground calls for some hardware upgrades.
It starts with 12 inches added to the wheelbase of the two-door Wrangler body style – creating some extra room for powertrain components and gives the Magneto 2.0 proportions similar to the “LJ” Wrangler Unlimited from 2004-06. Augmenting that stretch are a custom 3-inch lift kit and 40-inch off-road tires mounted on 20-inch wheels.
The stout, off-road specific chassis setup includes a Dynatrac 60 Pro-Rock front axle and a massive Pro-Rock Dynatrac 80 rear axle with a 5.38 ratio and lockers for both axles, custom driveshaft and an off-road suspension.
Custom, lightweight bumpers replace the factory units front and rear. Carbon-fiber wheel flares front and rear cover the wide tires without adding much weight. These elements enhance the Magneto 2.0’s approach and departure angles on the trail.
Surf Blue paint, a custom carbon-fiber B-pillar, custom bikini top and carbon fiber hood give Magneto 2.0 a powerful look. The custom hood includes a blue-tinted, transparent window that gives a view of the power unit underneath.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk PHEV Concept
This spring, the Jeep brand is launching the first-ever electrified Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, which will deliver 56 MPGe and 25 miles of all-electric range. Easter Jeep Safari gives the Jeep brand and Jeep design team the opportunity to take production vehicles like the Grand Cherokee 4xe to the next level.
Stealthy performance and quiet confidence are evident with this overlanding-inspired concept. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk concept pairs legendary Jeep 4×4 capability with electrified freedom to deliver ultimate fuel efficiency and driving range.
The most 4×4-capable and sustainable Grand Cherokee ever, the new Trailhawk 4xe has conquered the Rubicon Trail in full-electric operation, and now it’s ready to tackle all that Moab has to offer. It features a new class-exclusive sway-bar disconnect, allowing for improved articulation and traction over rocks and rough terrain.
Like the new production Grand Cherokee 4xe, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk PHEV concept is powered by two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum efficiency and capability. It’s also equipped with Jeep’s class-exclusive Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension to optimize ride performance, while the class-exclusive sway-bar disconnect delivers improved articulation and traction over rocks and rough terrain.
The overall design inspiration behind the Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk concept builds on the passion of overlanding Jeep SUV and pickup truck owners who dare to go off the grid and explore the unknown.
The concept boasts a custom Industrial Blue exterior, along with signature 4xe Lagoon Blue tow hooks and glare-proof black-and-blue matte Trailhawk hood decal. Adding to its adventuresome appearance is a custom roof rack with integrated tie downs, black painted Rhino Liner roof for added durability, custom fog light bezels with quad LED projector fog lamps and custom vinyl side graphics for protection against debris. Mopar rock rails add further protection against nature’s less forgiving elements.
The interior incorporates custom saddle-colored upholstered seats with ‘Rodney’ houndstooth inserts. The seats also feature the signature 4xe Trailhawk badge and Surf Blue stitching.
The off-roading rig also comes equipped with custom 20-inch painted Neutral Gray metallic matte wheels with 33-inch BFG mud-terrain tires. Trimmed wheel wells with custom widened flares are the perfect complement to the meatier wheel and tire combo.
