Like every year, for the great Easter Jeep Safari in Utah, Jeep is preparing a series of concepts. The electrification of the brand is underway. The proof, this year, a majority of these concepts are electric or rechargeable hybrids.
Magneto, take 3
For the third consecutive year, Jeep is taking advantage of this series of concepts presented on its favorite playground, the Moab desert, to outline the 100% electric future of its flagship model, the Wrangler. So here is the Jeep Magneto 3.0, which takes the concept initiated in 2021 a little further. The idea here is to show that even electric, a Wrangler will be able to cross almost anything.
Its equipment in terms of wheels, tires and suspension is in line with these ambitions. And with its more sloping windscreen, its inverted shark fin B-pillar and its curved rear arches, it announces the dynamism of its mechanics.
Here we find an electric motor with axial flux, associated with a transmission that is most typical of the brand for crossing: manual gearbox, with close ratios, mechanical all-wheel drive, differential locks, etc…
The evolution is related to consumption, but without any figures apart from the availability of 20% additional energy… The performances are indeed quantified with a power increased to 650 hp (625 on the Magneto 2.0) and a torque of 1220 Nm (+70 Nm). To tame this cavalry, the Jeep Magneto 3.0 now has two levels of regenerative braking, but also two driving modes, one of which limits power and torque to 285 hp and 370 Nm.
Electrified Restomod
The restomod has been present in the Safari Jeep for several years, taking over old models depending on the year to modernize them, or on the contrary current models with a retro style, such as the 2015 Chief concepts, 2016 Crew Chief and especially the spectacular Mighty FC of 2012…
The base this year is a first-generation SJ Cherokee. As the very vintage yellow, red and orange livery clearly states, the “mod” part of this restomod will not be in the style of this 1978 model year Cherokee. 4x. With therefore the 200 kW / 272 hp 2.0 Turbo 4-cylinder combined with a 33 kW ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) and a 100 kW motor in the transmission, for a total of 280 kW / 381 hp and 400 Nm.
Deux Wrangler 4xe PHEV
Alongside these two most striking concepts, Jeep is aligning two models based on the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. Two colours, two moods. The pink version comes in an (almost) closed version, simply named Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Concept.
The other emphasizes open-air driving by also doing without doors. In its blue livery, it is called Wrangler Rubicon Departure 4xe Concept…
Both are heavily equipped with accessories, protections, transmission or suspension upgrades, wheels, tyres… Notable particularity of the pink 4xe, it makes extensive use of the American Expedition Vehicle (AEV) catalog, as well as an AccuAir air suspension.
The rest
To complete all this, there are three other concepts, not electrified:
- Jeep Scambler 392, an electric green Jeep Wrangler with extreme characteristics, with a long frame but 2 doors to recall the first Scambler CJ8 of 1981, and equipped with a V8 HEMI of 392 cubic inches of displacement (i.e. 6.4 liters) and 470 hp
- Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn, a very accessory-rich concept based on the Gladiator pickup to showcase Mopar’s sub-brand, Jeep Performance Parts
- Jeep Wagoneer Overland, a luxury SUV ready to go camping in the desert with its RedTail Overland Skyloft roof tent
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