Let the 2017 off-road season begin!
Spring is that wonderful season when the flowers blossom and off-road enthusiasts prepare to invade the countryside for some fun in the mud.
Jeep knows that, and the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah is a good way to keep fans close and informed with the brand's latest developments. This year (April 8-16), Jeep will showcase a variety of concept vehicles based on past and present models that will certainly appeal to hardcore off-road fans.
Besides a week of off-roading on some of America's most challenging trails, participants will also have the opportunity to see Jeep's latest concepts at work — as usual they're working vehicles featuring an array of production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts.
Without further ado, here they are.
Jeep Grand One
Marking the Grand Cherokee's 25th anniversary, the Grand One combines the bodywork of a classic 1993 ZJ (first-generation Grand Cherokee) with extreme off-road hardware. Highlights include custom 18-inch lace-style wheels, 33-inch BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires, high-clearance fender flares, front and rear axles equipped with selectable locking differentials, and a 2-inch suspension lift.
The Grand One also has an extended wheelbase, trimmed fascias and a subtle wood grain treatment on the body. Inside, it's full of 1990s-inspired materials and touches, a bed liner replacing the carpet and an old-school car phone. Power comes from a 5.2-liter V8 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Safari
This family-focused concept is about off-roading while keeping the cabin free from dust and mud. The Wrangler-based study has doors made of lightweight aluminum and clear vinyl, and a translucent hard-top roof panel. They offer passengers a great view — especially those sitting in the rear bucket seats that are rotated outboard. Furthermore, the doors feature zipper openings to let in fresh air.
Other features include a two-level aluminum cargo rack with an incorporated drone, a raked windshield, boat-sided rocker panels, and LED lights all around. Performance parts include a front and rear Dana 44 axle equipped with selectable differential lockers and 2-inch lift.
Jeep Quicksand
As its name suggests, the Quicksand is for enthusiasts who love the sand life. It's also a hot rod, with the cutout in the hood and gasser-style downturned open headers being clear hints. Power comes from a Mopar 392 Crate HEMI engine with eight-stack injection, mated to a six-speed Getrag manual transmission.
The trimmed front and rear ends along with the chopped hardtop and windshield give it a sleek look. The interior is minimalist, while off-road features include a staggered tire setup with 32-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in the front and 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in the rear, coil-over shocks, a Warn winch, and a recovery rope.
Jeep Trailpass
Based on the latest Jeep Compass in Trailhawk trim, the Trailpass goes a step further towards extreme off-roading thanks to a 1.5-inch lift kit and 18-inch wheels shod with Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires.
Jeep Performance Parts include a Jeep roof basket, cross rails, and rock rails. A striking add-on is the Mopar/Thule roof basket with roof bag and traction mats.
Jeep Switchback
Another Wrangler-based concept, the Switchback combines Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts for the ultimate in off-road performance. Those include a front and rear Dana 44 axle, a 4-inch lift with Remote Reservoir Fox shocks, heavy-duty cast differential covers, 10th Anniversary steel front and rear bumpers, Rubicon winch, grille, winch guard and cold air intake.
The list continues with an axle-back exhaust, 17-inch concept wheels, and 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires. Styling-wise, the Switchback Concept stands out thanks to its half doors, concept hood, "Safari" hard top, and roof rack system.
Jeep Luminator
The name hints at the concept's off-road lighting performance, as the Luminator sports an array of lighting features. Other upgrades include a drone landing pad with lighted drone and removable spare tire storage case, roof-mounted solar panel, and a touch interactive display on the driver's side rear window.
Jeep CJ66
The CJ66 is not new, as Jeep showed it at last year's SEMA Show. It combines a Wrangler TJ frame, a 1966 Wrangler CJ body, and Wrangler JK elements with a contemporary 5.7-liter Mopar engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. You can read more about it here.