JEEP’S CONCEPT VEHICLES

WHAT A CONCEPT: Jeep’s 2021 Concept Vehicles

Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Stellantis Media

Every year the engineers and designers at Jeep build concept vehicles based around current Jeep models. These concepts showcase the possibilities of what we could be built around the Jeep platform. Plenty of Jeep Performance Products outline the vehicles. Often, they contain hidden Easter eggs. The designers go all out with the concepts and this year is no exception. Jeep built seven vehicles that standout.

Jeep Magneto

The Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept is stealthy and quiet. The vehicle runs strictly on battery power. Based on the two-door Wrangler Rubicon, this zero-emission vehicle is extremely capable on the trail. It has a custombuilt axial flux electric motor that operates up to 6,000 rpm. You still get shifting power as the electric motor is connected to a six-speed manual transmission. Everything operates just as it would on a fuel-based engine. For quick shifting, the e-motors engages regen upon the clutch engagement to prevent rev-hang. The motor still delivers 273 lb-ft of torque and 285 horsepower. That translates to the Magneto running 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds.

The Magneto’s e-motor is powered by four lithium-ion battery packs evenly distributed around the vehicle to balance weight. One pack actually sits in the location where a fuel tank would normally be mounted while another occupies the space for the muffler. The battery

current on the vehicle is converted from DC to AC allowing for high-output operation of the motor. Current is also available for winching operations and campsite accessories.

RIGHT: The exterior of the Magneto features a Bright White color with Surf Blue accents, along with a heavy-duty performance hood with center scoop and custom decal. Royal Blue and Black leather seats give the Magneto’s interior design an electrified appearance.

Jeepster Beach

The Jeepster Beach is a restomod concept that celebrates Jeeps of the past. It started off life as a 1968 Jeepster Commando C-101. The clever designers and engineers at Jeep blended it with a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The vehicle is themed around beach fun in the sun.

The body was fused together with the original chrome trim, updated with a bright colored tow tone paint of Hazy IPA and Zinc Oxide. The outside maintains the vintage Jeepster appearance. On the inside, it has all the parts of the modern-day Wrangler needed to conquer the trails.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has a custom concept calibration the increased engine output by 25 percent. The result is 340 total horsepower with 369 lbft of torque. It has a direct-injection engine using a twinscroll, low-inertia turbocharger that is mounted directly to the cylinder head.

ABOVE: Jeepster Beach custom interior features low-back bucket seats trimmed in red leather. The rear seat was replaced with a chrome, four-point safety cage and the carpets were removed to make cleaning out sand a breeze.

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The Jeep Red Bare concept celebrates hardworking trucks paired with the Jeep 4x4 capability. A turbo-charged 3.0-liter Eco Diesel V-6 engine powers the Red Bare engine. It has an estimated 260 horsepower with 442 lb-ft of torque. The system uses the patented TorqueFlite 8HP75 eightspeed automatic transmission which is calibrated for low RPM shifting. This set-up allows the vehicle to maneuver on rigorous ground.

The axles on the Red Bare have been upgraded. Dana 44’s were added to the front and rear of the vehicle. The Red Bare has an impressive 91:1 crawl ratio that allows it to handle some of the toughest trails around.

A firecracker red exterior with custom matte black accents and gold graphics make this vehicle standout. The Mojave hood and cowl pieces are custom painted. Inside, the seats are wrapped in Katzkin Black leather with red stitching and custom flannel inserts. The designers paid attention to every detail on this build, even wrapping the instrument panel in flannel.

Jeep Orange Peelz

The Jeep Orange Peelz concept is built on a twodoor Wrangler. It celebrates Jeep’s open air, fun and freedom lifestyle. The side and rear windows have been removed and replaced with the prototype JPP half doors along with a custom

removable one-piece Freedom Top glass sunroof.

The vehicle has JPP’s 2-inch lift kit and durable FOX shocks. It also has concept steel “high-top” fender flares and 17-inch JPP beadlock rims. As typical with concept vehicles, every detail was paid attention to. The BFG KM3 mud-terrain tires contain Mopar valve stem caps with a custom Jeep logo. A custom Satin Black 360-degree beltline graphic helps make the Orange Peelz standout. There is a Jeep Willys logo on the hood along with custom black Mopar hood latches. Small rocks tend to get kicked up while off-road and sometimes can crack your windshield. The Jeep designers and engineers have found a solution to prevent that from happening on the Orange Peelz concept. The Mopar windshield is made with Corning Gorilla Glass.

Rounding out the concept are LED lights on the A-Pillars and a custom JPP Rubicon steel bumper. Did we mention there also custom rockrails that complete the rugged customization of this cool concept? In case you need it on the trail, the Orange Peelz is equipped with a 8,000 lb capacity Warn winch.

The Jeep Farout concept is a goanywhere, do-anything vehicle, taking exploration to the next level. It celebrates the growing popularity of the overlanding lifestyle. In 2019, Jeep built a similar concept called the “Wayout.”

The Farout has increased payload and long-range fuel capabilities with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6. The Farout can go 425 miles under the right conditions before needing ot be refueled. The main feature of this concept is the custom deployable AT Overland Equipment Habitat Truck Topper. Sitting 16-feet long by 7.5-feet tall, the topper opens and retracts in just seconds. Fully unpacked it sleeps four comfortably. Inside, an inviting warm wood-line interior with soft ambient lighting makes anyone feel at home. There is a fully functional refrigerator and stove along with hanging storage racks. The Earl body color with Chartreuse accents on the hood give the vehicle a rugged look. It has a JPP 2-inch lift kit, 17inch matte charcoal rims and 37-inch tires. This custom ride also comes with a modified Gladiator Rubicon steel bumper and 12,000 warn winch. An integrated roof rack allows for hauling additional gear topside

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the only vehicle in the concept line-up that is currently making its way to production. This Jeep is all about performance with a V-8 engine that generates 485-horsepower and 475 lbft of torque.

The vehicle is based around a 2020 four-door Wrangler. It has a dualmode performance exhaust, performance hood with

center scoop along with custom-built halfdoors and a Sky One-touch powertop. The side panels are also removable for open-air freedom.

Inside, you will find Oxblood Red leather seats with gold stitching. The Wrangler Rubicon comes with all of the JPP trail accessories you need to conquer the wild.

Jeep Top Dog

The final vehicle in the Jeep Concept line-up is the Jeep Top Dog. This vehicle was designed for serious mountain bikers. It is painted K-9 blue and expands the cargo area of the Gladiator with a custom PCOR flatbed storage system. Drawers pull-out to securely store tools and other accessories commonly used by mountain bikers.

The vehicle can carry extra power supplies and there are plenty of exterior lighting switches. For those that get hungry after a day of riding, Mopar engineers added a battery powered refrigerator and electric hot dog roller grill stand.

Above the cab, two Rhino racks provide even more storage space for tools and equipment. There are traction mats in case the Gladiator were to get stuck. The bike rack can safely carry mountain bikes to the trails.

FORD BRONCO CUSTOMS

Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company was not going to be outdone by Jeep and their concepts this year at Easter Jeep Safari. Ford unveiled four custom Broncos that showcased aftermarket parts and accessories manufactured by three of the leading off-road companies.

The first of those vehicles was built by RTR vehicles. RTR was founded by Vaughn Gittin Jr who has customized several Ford vehicles. The RTR build is a multi-purpose heavy-duty Bronco four-door Badlands SUV with RTR rock sliders, rear bumper, and 3D-printed grille. Accent lights are simulated in the grille. RTR added 35-inch Nitto Ridge Grappler Tires to their custom Tech-6 wheels. The Bronco also features an RTR roof mounted light-bar with Project X FF 7.0 round lights. To finish off the project, a 12-volt Type S Blizzard Box

refrigerator/freezer was added along with custom RTR graphics.

ARB 4x4 accessories is currently working on highperformance off-road parts designed specifically for the tow and four door Bronco models. Based in Australia, ARB is the largest manufacturer of 4x4 parts. ARB took a Bronco Badlands four-door SUV and added airbag compliant front and rear bumpers, rock sliders and a differential cover. ARB added other essential accessories like a twin compressor, jack and Zero refrigerator/freezer.

4-Wheel Parts also got their chance to customize a Bronco. The Four-Door Black Diamond series SUV has plenty of 4-Wheel Parts factory brand accessories. The company added their modular front bumper, skid plate, winch platform and heavy-duty suspension components. A custom roof rack and light mounts along with a Smittybilt rooftop tent, camping gear, awning and refrigeration system round out the build. Of course, the Bronco would not be complete without 37-inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires.

Two and four door 2021 Bronco SUV’s are expected to arrive this summer at dealerships.

ADVENTURES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Submissions by: Roy Duffy, Alfredo De Santis

In North Wales, there is an ancient and iconic lane known as the Wayfarer. This long and enjoyable route is a must for any keen traveler be it by foot, horse, mountain bike, motorcycle or 4×4. The route is named after the memorial (passed en-route) to the 80 year old ‘Wayfarer’ who died on the lane in 1956 while out walking and exploring the area.

This is one of those great drives that you can take your family and friends out on for a day of adventure. The trail is mostly good stone with plenty of traction. “Mostly” because then you get to the bog. To protect this lane and keep everyone enjoying it in a safe way a timber sleeper road of a hundred meters or so has been built. This can be a challenging gnarly section as the sleepers spread apart threatening to swallow your wheels or your entire vehicle. Fortunately, if this does happen a short winch or deployment of recovery boards gets you through with a smile on your face. Just in time for a brew and spot of lunch by the old memorial which is at the highest point of the pass. After that a gentle drive back down the mountain through some washouts and the day is done. From here you can head to a local country town or carry on the myriad of lanes that Wales is so well known for.

Enta Sicily, Italy: A trip from 0 to 3000m, a unique experience through sand, volcanic rocks, forest and snow in the same day.

WORLD WIDE DIRT Medellin, Columbia: What’s amazing about living in Medellin is that you’re never more than a few minutes drive from an isolated track surrounded by lush green mountains and high altitude jungle or forest. The northern Andes cut through the country with three distinct ranges, so outside of the major cities, mountain dirt roads around here are the norm. You’ll also find more original FJs here from the 70s and 80s than pretty much any other place in the world - one may even pick you up as a taxi in one of the pueblos.

British Colombia, Canada: The Alexander Mackenzie / Nuxalk - Carrier Grease Trail is a Historic route with which the help of local First Nations, led Mackenzie overland to the Pacific. The route had been used for generations of First Nations to transport Eulachon (a small fish) grease from the coast to First Nation communities inland. These were referred to as grease trails. Portions of the original foot path are still in use, while much of the trail has been converted to Wagon Roads to access reserves along the route.