Jeep Concepts Run Wild at Easter Safari

For most, the word “safari” conjures images of khakis, binoculars and exotic African wildlife, but Jeep fans, the word is indelibly linked to an annual Easter week gathering in the rugged natural off-road proving grounds of Moab.

With some 20,000 Jeep owners gathered at the annual Easter Jeep Safari, the American 4×4 brand always take the opportunity to showcase fully-functioning concepts based on various models from their lineup.

Jeep and Jeep Performance Parts have brought four distinct Jeep models for 2024. The 5.7-liter V8-powered Jeep Wrangler Low Down Concept in “Poison Apple” red tips its removable top to an Easter Jeep Safari favorite from 2009, while the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys Dispatcher concept brings retro styling into the present with Jeep’s formidable, 375-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Jeep’s half-ton Gladiator pickup is imagined as the High Top concept and sports perhaps the coolest paint job—a two-tone black and “Ginger Snap” metallic coat. The final Grand Wagoneer-based “Vactioneer” concept is ready to glamp with a roof-mounted RedTail Overland Loft featuring climate control and panoramic windows.

Below are four Easter Jeep Safari Concepts for 2024.

Jeep Low Down Concept

In the year 2000, the Jeep Wrangler Lower 40 impressed attendees of the 43rd Easter Jeep Safari. The two-door Jeep Wrangler Lower 40, which was rolled at the stock ride height in order to maintain its center-of-gravity, accommodated 40-inch mud terrain tires and a 5.7 liter V8 engine under hood. Lower 40 is a classic that still draws crowds today. 

The new Low Down concept pays homage to the Lower 40, in which by some creative clearance work, this new Jeep Wrangler concept squeezes massive 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler 42×14.5R20 mud-terrain tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels under its custom high-clearance carbon fender flares.

Dana 60 axles, with gear ratios of 5.38 and 4.10, replace the Dana 44 axles that came with the Wrangler Rubicon 392. Between the diameter of the tires and the shortening of the front and rear bumpers, the Low Down’s center of gravity remains low, while the ground clearance, breakover, and approach and departure angles all get dramatic increases. 

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The body is painted in a deep Poison apple Red and has been streamlined by removing the rear door handles. A custom carbon hood, with a see-through power dome, was also installed, as well as a race-style fuel door in the rear quarter panel of the driver’s side. Interior features include custom black leather with cloth inserts and Rhino-lined flooring. A custom radio-delete panel is also included. The interior is illuminated by a specially-made, red-tinted top.

Jeep Low Down shares the same V8 engine as its Lower 40 counterpart, but in this modern interpretation it is the powerful 475 horsepower 6.4 liter 392 engine. It is paired with an eight-speed manual transmission.

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Jeep Willys Concept Dispatcher

A mix of where the Jeep brand’s been and where it’s going, the Jeep Willys Dispatcher is a Wrangler 4xe-based concept that invokes the nostalgia of the early post-war civilian Jeep, with its rugged, utilitarian looks, juxtaposed with the electrified off-road capability of the modern, technologically advanced 4xe propulsion system.

Willys Dispatcher’s exterior gets a retro-style makeover. Super Traxion 36-inch tires are wrapped around vintage-style 16-by-7-inch alloy “steelies.” A custom old-school front bumper houses a brand-new, classic-looking 8274 Warn winch, featuring a Warn Epic Series winch hook and D rings.

As on the flat-fender Jeeps from the past, the lettering WILLYS is embossed in the sides of hood. The windshield header, painted gloss black, contrasts beautifully with the Element 115 Green exterior. 

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The Dispatcher’s interior gets a custom retrim, combining distressed saddle leather with houndstooth inserts. The headrests on the front and back seats have been removed, giving the seats a low-back feel from the days of old.

A JPP Bikini Top protects the passengers from rain and shine. The Dispatcher’s floor is covered in JPP vinyl to protect it from water, mud, or other muck. A JPP air compressor on board helps manage tire pressure on the trail.
 
Willys Dispatcher’s award-winning plug-in hybrid propulsion system delivers 375 horsepower, 470 pound feet of torque and is controlled by an eight-speed auto. Dana Advantech front- and rear-axles with 4.70 gears transfer power and torque effortlessly to Super Traxion Tires.

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Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept

The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top concept reflects the drive of the JPP design and engineering teams from Mopar to push the performance boundaries of the world’s most off-road capable midsize truck even further for the annual trek to Moab. 

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The Ginger Snap metallic exterior, with retro-inspired 2-tone graphics, is a real eye-catcher. The Gladiator Rubicon High Top concept rides high on massive new 40×13.5R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires mounted on 18-by-9-inch Satin Black KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels. 

The Concept JPP flat fender flairs on all four corners offer plenty of clearance for off-road riding. AccuAir adjustable suspension, a Dana 60 axle with matching 5.38 to 1 gearing on the front and back, and an unstoppable Dana60 rear axle make it easy to tackle any serious off-road trip. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 mated with an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission delivers a broad range of torque with a special focus on low-end power, which is essential for off-roading. 

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American Expedition Vehicles’ modified front bumper features a custom-made protective hoop just above a Warn Winch. Rock Slide Engineering power steps with rock rails protect the undercarriage, and make it easier to enter and exit the cabin. 

A DECKED storage system for truck beds offers extra lockable cargo through dual sliding cabinets, while still allowing storage above the bed.

Seats have been retrimmed inside with Alea leather in tan, black and custom-quilted patterns. Headrests feature the embossed JPP Logo. A JPP sun bonnet provides overhead protection. The interior is completed by a JPP pedal set, all-weather mats and door sill protectors. 

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Jeep Vacationeer Concept

The Jeep Vacationeer concept, with its Spearminted exterior and custom-trimmed interior space, is a premium SUV which combines comfort and adventure while honoring Jeep’s legendary heritage. The JPP design team has satiated the nostalgia of classic Jeep enthusiasts by fitting the Vacationeer Concept with bodyside woodgrain graphic that is reminiscent of Jeep Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer models from the late 1960s to the early 1990s.  

Moab is ready for any adventure. 35-inch BFGoodrich tires, wrapped on 18-by-9 bead grip 701 method racing wheels, offer a natural lift of 1.5 inches for better off-road performance. Custom flare extensions and larger wheel apertures add to the aggressive design. 

Front and rear skidplates provide underbody protection, while a Warn winch mounted on the front tackles difficult off-road conditions. Three 11-inch TYRI Xenon lights are mounted on the white Rhino roof to provide excellent forward lighting. 

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Affixed to the roof of the Vacationeer concept is a custom, carbon-fiber RedTail Overland Skyloft—a climate-controlled oasis with sleeping space for two people and enough windows to soak in the panoramic views. 

Second- and third row seats have been removed in order to integrate the Skyloft. The Skyloft can be accessed from the interior floor via a custom, weatherproof pass-through entrance. The Skyloft is easily accessible with a fore/aft-sliding door and a small, foldable step that can be used as a table.

The rear compartment features a cargo floor with a mattress that can handle the outdoor elements. For example, it can be used to escape a downpour and remove muddy hiking equipment.

Kiel James Patrick, a renowned fashion designer who is also a Wagoneer owner and enthusiast, was commissioned by Jeep to design the Tupelo leather front seats. Patrick, a New England native, shows his love of authentic Americana by creating custom fabric inserts that feature classic Jeep vehicles in a charming New England inspired pattern.

“For over three decades, the Jeep Wagoneer has been more than just a vehicle to me; it has literally been part of the fabric of my life threaded through my most cherished journeys,” said Patrick. “As a designer and lifelong Jeep 4×4 owner, this was a dream project. I could not be more excited to honor the heritage and stories of the Jeep brand.”

Jeep Vacationeer’s concept gets its power from the 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 Engine, which produces 510 horsepower. It also delivers 500 pound feet of torque. The powerful Hurricane engine provides premium performance while also delivering improved fuel economy versus many competitors’ naturally aspirated V8 and boosted six-cylinder engines.

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