Jeep lets the bunnies loose for Easter

Jeep is making its annual trek to the 58th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, with some new eye-catching concepts.

This year it's taking four distinctive concepts equipped with an array of what it describes as "proven" propulsion systems.

The Jeep Wrangler Low Down concept is a nod to the Lower 40 concept from 2009 and features a 392 cu in V8 engine.

The Wrangler 4xe Willys Dispatcher combines the 4xe plug-in hybrid system with a throwback design theme that honours early, post-war civilian Jeeps.

Then there's two Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) concepts: the Gladiator-based High Top and Grand Wagoneer-based Vacationeer, both featuring six-cylinder power -- a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 respectively.

Low Down Concept

Fifteen years ago, the Jeep design team wowed attendees at the 43rd annual Easter Jeep Safari with the radically modified Jeep Wrangler Lower 40.

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 BF Goodrich Krawler 42x14.5R20 mud-terrain tyres mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels under custom carbon fender flares.

The stock Wrangler Rubicon 392 suspension remains intact, but Dana 60 axles with 5.38 gears replace the standard Dana 44 axles with 4:10 gears.

Between the diameter of the tyres and shortened front and rear bumpers, Low Down’s centre of gravity remains low, while the ground clearance, break-over, and approach and departure angles -- all get dramatic increases.

The body, coated in deep Poison Apple Red paint, is streamlined via removal of the rear door handles, a custom carbon bonnet with see-through power dome and a bespoke race-style fuel filler door located in the driver-side rear quarter panel.

The interior features custom black leather seats with cloth inserts, Rhino-lined floors and a custom radio-delete instrument panel.

A purpose-built, red-tinted bikini top casts a warm red glow upon the interior compartment.

Like its Lower 40 predecessor, Low Down is powered by a V8, though in this modern interpretation, that translates to the formidable 354kW 6.4-litre 392 cu in engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic.

Willys Dispatcher Concept

A mix of where the Jeep brand’s been and where it’s going, the Willys Dispatcher is a Wrangler 4xe-based concept.

It 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.

The exterior gets a retro makeover from the ground up.

Super Traxion 36-inch tyres are wrapped in vintage-style 16 x 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.

Like beloved flat-fender Jeeps of yesteryear, ‘WILLYS’ lettering is embossed on 'the sides of the bonnet.

The windshield header is coated in gloss black, while the exterior is painted in a custom shade of Element 115 Green, beautifully accented with the cream-coloured steelies.

Inside, Dispatcher gets a custom retrim in a mix of distressed saddle leather and hounds tooth cloth inserts.

The front and rear headrests have been removed to give the seats the low-back vintage feel that ruled the road back in the day.

A JPP bikini top keeps passengers shielded from the weather.

To protect from water, mud or other muck, Dispatcher sports rugged JPP vinyl floor covering while an onboard air compressor comes in handy for managing tyre pressures.

Dispatcher is powered by the award-winning 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid 4xe propulsion system that delivers 28okW and 637Nm of torque through an eight-speed automatic.

Dana 50 Advantech front and rear axles with 4.70 gears effortlessly transfer all the power and torque to the Super Traxion tyres.

Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept

Gladiator Rubicon High Top reflects the drive of JPP design and engineering teams from Mopar to push the performance boundaries.

The bold Ginger Snap metallic exterior with retro-inspired two-tone graphics is an attention-getter.

High Top rides high on massive new 40 x 13.5 R18 BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tyres mounted on 18 x 9 inch Satin Black KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels.

Concept JPP flat fender flares at all four corners provide plenty of off-road ride clearance.

Unstoppable Dana 60 front and rear axles with matching 5.38:1 gearing and an AccuAir adjustable air suspension help make easy work of any serious off-road excursion.

A robust 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed auto, delivers a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque.

A modified front bumper from American Expedition Vehicles features a custom protective hoop sitting just above a Warn winch.

Rock rail power steps from Rock Slide Engineering protect the undercarriage and help provide easy entry and exit from the cabin.

A decked truck bed storage system offers additional lockable cargo space through dual sliding drawers, while still allowing for storage on top in the bed area.

Inside, seats have been re-trimmed with custom quilted and perforated tan and black Alea leather and feature an embossed JPP logo on the headrests.

Overhead protection is provided by a JPP sun bonnet.

Completing the interior are a JPP pedal kit, all-weather floor mats and door sill guards.

Vacationeer Concept

From the Spearmint exterior to the custom-trimmed and expanded interior, the Vacationeer is a premium SUV that combines comfort and adventure with modern capability while honouring the legendary heritage of the brand.

The JPP design team has fitted the concept with unique bodyside woodgrain graphics that hark back to Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer from the late 1960s through early 1990s.

Mud-terrain 35-inch BF Goodrich rubber wrapped around 18 x 9-inch bead grip 701 Method racing wheels provide a natural 1.5-inch lift for superior off-road performance.

Larger wheel openings and custom bodyside flare extensions add to the aggressive look.

Front and rear skid plates provide underbody protection while a front-mounted Warn winch addresses difficult off-road situations.

At the front of the white, Rhino-lined roof, three 11-inch TYRI LED lights provide exceptional forward lighting.

The roof features a custom, climate-controlled carbon-fibre RedTail Overland Skyloft with sleeping for two people.

Stock second- and third-row seats have been removed to accommodate the Skyloft.

A custom weatherproof, pass-thru entrance allows easy access from the interior floor.

A sliding door and a small step, which also doubles as a usable table, eases access.

The rear space features a bed-lined cargo floor that can handle outdoor elements with ease, such as escaping a downpour or removing muddy hiking gear.

Jeep turned to renowned fashion designer and Wagoneer enthusiast/owner Kiel James Patrick for the front Tupelo leather seats.

A native New Englander, he displays profound appreciation for authentic Americana with custom fabric inserts featuring classic Jeep vehicles within a distinctive and 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,” he said.

“As a designer and lifelong Jeep 4x4 owner, this was a dream project. I could not be more excited to honour the heritage and stories of the Jeep brand.”

Power comes from the 3.0-litre Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 engine, delivering 380kW and 678Nm of torque.

The powerful Hurricane engine provides premium performance while also delivering improved fuel economy.