While the Easter Jeep Safari kicks off for its 58th year, the off-road automaker continues its tradition of creating concepts for enthusiasts to drool over.
On Monday, Jeep revealed four concepts for the 2024 event, including two modified Wranglers, a Gladiator and a Grand Wagoneer. Each concept gives a strong nod to the past in various ways, while also placing focus on current consumer trends. They will be on display and will travel the 39 trails at the event, which takes place in Moab, Utah, from March 23 to 31.
Here is a breakdown of each of the concepts.
Willys Dispatcher Jeep Concept
Willys Dispatcher Jeep Concept
Willys Dispatcher Jeep Concept
Willys Dispatcher Jeep Concept
Willys Dispatcher Jeep Concept
This retro off-roader celebrates Jeep’s Willys roots with a touch of post-WWII Americana. The base is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe plug-in hybrid, but it’s a far cry from the electrified SUVs consumers buy off dealership lots.
Underneath, the axles were swapped for beefy Dana 50s at both ends with 4.70 gears. These axles are bolted onto vintage-looking custom 16-inch steel wheels painted bright white. The Jeep team wrapped these wheels in 36-inch Super Traxion tires that are tall, narrow and knobby. A 2.0-inch lift offers more ground clearance.
To complete the vintage exterior look, the hood has Willys stamped on the sides, like the first military jeeps. Both bumpers were replaced with custom steel units with cut ends. Both bumpers feature what are known as “helicopter hooks,” which WWII helicopters would attach to transport jeeps through the air. A Warn 8274 Classic winch sits up front in case things get a little sketchy while off-roading.
The exterior is finished in Element 115 green paint contrasted by a gloss black windshield and bull bars. Inside, Jeep reworked the seats with aged leather and contrasting houndstooth inserts. The panel finish combines with houndstooth fabric. For a more military look, the headrests were removed and the carpet was replaced with Jeep Performance Parts vinyl flooring.
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 marks a celebration of the V-8 engine. It combines vintage racing-inspired design with capability.
The Low Down is about speed, noise and capacity. To do this, it is based on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 with its 6.4-liter V-8.
Jeep beefed up the concept’s chassis with Dana 60 axles front and rear with 5.38 gears. The suspension remains stock, but the entire package rides high thanks to 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock-capable brass wheels. Between the huge tires and thick bumpers, the approach and departure angle is almost “nothing,” according to the Jeep team.
The exterior is intended to evoke “race car vibes,” the Jeep team said, with Candy Apple Red paint, custom high-clearance carbon fiber fenders, no rear door handles and a custom carbon fiber hood with a view. Pass-through power dome with eight holes for viewing the engine.
The interior is covered in a custom translucent red bikini top and the floor has been lined with Rhino Liner. Jeep has removed the touchscreen from the Wrangler for a more focused interior. “The exhaust has two settings, loud and nasty, which is all the entertainment you need,” said the Jeep team. Radio was excluded 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
Aiming for achievable performance, the Jeep High Top concept starts as a Rubicon Gladiator and grab the Jeep performance parts box.
In the name of improved capability, the Jeep team swapped the axles for Dana 60s with 5.38 gears. The truck runs on AccuAir air suspension that can be adjusted quickly. Huge 40-inch BFGoodrich K03 all-terrain tires wrap around 18-inch silver-rimmed black wheels with Grenade Crawl beadlock capability. To clean up these tires, flat fenders from Jeep Performance Parts were added, which marks the first time the team has put them on a Gladiator. Fans will note that these flares have been used on Wranglers in the past.
The 3.6-liter V-6 sits under the hood and is connected to the Gladiator’s 8-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior features a 1970s and 1980s J10 look with a black and Ginger Snap paint scheme. Aficionados will note that a similar paint color, originally called Ginger Poly or Golden Ginger, existed on the J10 back in the day. Retro two-tone graphics replicate a black Jeep Performance Parts hood.
An AEV RX front bumper has been modified with a low rim so as not to affect the front camera’s viewing angle. Rock Slide Engineering’s rock rails protect the truck’s side rails and act as power assist steps for shorter occupants.
Inside, custom seats feature quilted leather from Alea Leather and the Jeep Performance Parts accessory rail sits atop the dash. This allows GoPros, iPads and other electronics to be easily mounted on the dash for the day’s adventure. The bed features a Decked storage system for trail gear 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 trim on the side of a Wagoneer. Well, some people.
Based on Grand Wagoneer Series IIIthe Vacationeer pays homage to the nameplate’s heritage while reaching for nostalgia in fans’ hearts.
The massive Wagoneer concept gets a 1.5-inch lift and rolls on 18-inch white 701 Method Racing wheels. The Jeep wraps the wheels in 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires, but for the rubber to clear, custom body-color fender flares were installed after opening up the wheel wells a bit. Custom front and rear skid plates, a revised front fascia with LED off-road lights and a Warn winch up front round out the exterior changes.
The green paintwork contrasts with a white protective layer of Rhino lining that covers the roof. A custom rack sits atop the SUV with auxiliary lighting and a RedTail Skyloft roof tent. The main design feature is the strip of wood grain that adorns the sides of the Vacationeer concept. It is a decal inspired by the wood paneling of 60s and 70s Wagoneers, not the full body panels of the 80s. The decal is textured to look like wood.
Inside, Tupelo leather seats feature inserts designed by New England outfit magnet Kiel James Patrick. These inserts feature Easter eggs with little TJs, CJs and JTs hidden in the checkered design. The second and third row seats and second row sunroof were removed. This leaves easy access to the rooftop tent from inside the Vacationeer. The Jeep Rhino team coated the floor to make cleaning easier. Jeep even placed a set of vintage suitcases inside the Vacationeer concept to give it that old-school feel.
