The words “Jeep” and “off-roading” are pretty much synonymous. So the US automaker has again teamed up with Mopar to put together seven concepts for the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah (check out last year’s creations).
Jeep 4SPEED
The 4SPEED follows two previous lightweight concepts from Jeep. This model runs on theWrangler platform and aims to be light, quick and nimble. Weight has been drastically cut thanks to the use of various carbon-fibre and aluminium panels. So much weight has been dropped, in fact, that the concept’s ride height has automatically been hiked.
Be sure to take note of the 4SPEED’s profile as well. Here you’ll see the raked windshield, stretched-out door openings, swept-back custom cage and a 560 mm length reduction, working together to create a sleek design from the side. The concept uses a set of 18-inch monoblock wheels with 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tyres.
This model is powered by an all-new 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Sandstorm
Paying homage to Baja desert racers, the Sandstorm concept presents itself as a creation that can tackle the long, sandy straights of the desert. Jeep says that this SUV can also be comfortably used as a daily driver.
The Sandstorm’s key feature is its extreme suspension and powertrain. The concept sits on a long-arm four-link suspension and track bar with the front axle moved forward and the rear back. This extension of the wheelbase allows for increased high-speed stability, says Jeep. In addition, a set of custom coilovers and bypass shocks allow the Sandstorm to achieve impressive front and rear suspension travel.
Furthermore, the Sandstorm includes a set of front and rear Dynatrac 60 axles with a 5,68 gear ratio and a set of 17-inch beadlock wheels with 39,5-inch BF Goodrich Krawler tyres. Other exterior features include a ventilated carbon-fibre bonnet, high-clearance front and rear fender flares and a cage with a rear-mounted, lay-down spare tyre carrier.
There’s more going on in the cabin, too. Here you’ll find a set of leather-trimmed front seats, low-back racing bucket seats at the rear, a racing-inspired set of gauges and a seven-inch off-road GPS unit with independent rocker switches to control the on-board electronics, air compressor and axle lockers.
Powering this desert-bashing Jeep is a mighty, Mopar-tuned 6,4-litre V8 connected to a six-speed manual gearbox.
Jeep B-Ute
This Renegade-based concept gains a number of in-house-developed performance parts, making it fit for the ultimate off-road adventure. The B-Ute sports a unique front and rear design thanks to its fresh upper grille, bonnet with heat extractors and wider flared arches. There’s also a set of 17-inch wheels wrapped in some BF Goodrich T/A Baja Champion tyres with a 30 mm offset.
Finishing touches on the B-Ute include custom trimmed seats , a special shifter, piano black cabin inserts and a set of Mopar all-weather floor mats.
Powering the B-Ute is the stock naturally aspirated 2,4-litre four-cylinder Tigershark engine connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Wagoneer Roadtrip
What better car to road trip in than a Jeep Wagoneer? Designed around the nostalgic idea of family outings to the Yellowstone National Park, the Wagoneer Roadtrip has been detailed with heritage and charm.
To make some extra room inside, the Wagoneer has been stretched by five inches and has been given a wider track with custom flared arches. Additional alterations include reshaped wheel wells, bumpers, rock rails and a razor grille together with bottle-green glass for the windows.
Off-road capabilities of the family SUV have also been revised thanks to its boxed and reinforced frame. Dana 44 front and rear axles with lockers, a four-link suspension and coilover springs together with a set of 17-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain tyres further bolster the Wagoneer’s capabilities.
Eating up the miles under the Wagoneer Roadtrip’s bonnet is a 5,7-litre V8 with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Nacho Jeep
The Nacho Jeep is essentially a catalogue for Jeep and Mopar’s retrofit parts, giving possible owners an idea of how they could spec their off-roaders.
Based on a 2018 Wrangler Rubicon, the Nacho possesses an eye-catching yellow body paint with a brawny bonnet, accented with black graphics featuring the all-new Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) badge. This bonnet has been designed to accommodate a cold-air intake to feed air to the turbopetrol 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine.
For customers who want to venture out through dimly lit trails, the Nacho includes a vast range of LED lights by Magneti Marelli. These have been mounted to the A-pillars and front and rear bumpers.
A lift kit and 2,5-inch diameter aluminium body shocks ensure that the Nacho can handle pretty extreme off-roading, while 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels are wrapped in 37-inch tyres. The Jeep has also been fitted with a set of thicker and wider rock rails and tube doors along with grab handles embossed with the Jeep grille logo.
The cabin boasts premium leather Black Katzkin seats with light tungsten contrast stitching.
Jeep Jeepster
Inspired by the 1966 Jeepster, this Wrangle Rubicon-based concept bears a classic red-and-white graphic theme. The top has been chopped while the windscreen has been raked back by 2,5 degrees to give it more of a hot-rod look. The windshield itself retains its fold-down feature.
JPP inclusions come in the form of a cold-air intake, LUED off-road lights and a steel bumper with LED foglamps. The obligatory lift kit and 2,5-inch diameter aluminium body shocks work together with the BF Goodrich KO2 tyres wrapped around 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels (coloured to match the Jeepster’s body) make this concept capable out in the wild. Additional trim elements include a black fuel door, grab handles and all-weather floor mats for the cabin.
Inside, the Jeepster features a tubular roll cage with an integrated spare tyre, black Katzkin leather seats with red contrast stitching and an instrument panel with (you guessed it) red inserts.
With the relocation of the spare tyre, Jeep was able to re-purpose the space so that the Jeepster could be fitted with concept storage packs with a split design to accommodate a rear view camera. These packs can be used to store essentials such as food, water and tools.
Jeep J-Wagon
The final concept is one that caters to customers who like to use their Jeeps in both urban and off-road environments. Based on a Wrangler Sahara, the J-Wagon receives a Warm Neutral Grey exterior finish with warm-tinted glass and Brass Monkey accents. There’s also a variant of the JPP bonnet with a cutout kit for the snorkel.
For illumination, Jeep has issued a new military-grade LED lighting system with JPP brackets. Additional exterior details include a Mopar black grille sourced from a Rubicon. You’ll also notice the 17-inch slot-design wheels, which gain a Brass Monkey finish, and a set of black metal concept rock slider guards and roof rack.
Inside, you’ll find camel-colour Katzkin leather seats with brown piping, with yet more Brass Monkey accents.
