Jeep shows six Moab Easter Jeep Safari concepts

Jeep introduced six concepts headed for the Moab Easter Jeep Safari next week. Three of the off-road ready concepts were based on the Wrangler, two on the new Cherokee and the last was a gently warmed over version of the Grand Cherokee. This is the 12th year that the Jeep brand is participating in the event, but it'll be the 48th Easter Jeep event overall. It was also a chance for Jeep and Mopar to show off some new products, mostly focused on traveling off-road.

Jeep

The Jeep Wrangler Level Red was the first concept we saw. It sported black paint with red accents on the grille, wheels and roll bars. The Level Red gets a two-inch lift, which will be available from the Jeep Performance Parts catalog soon, as well as Dana 44 axles with a 4:10 ratio, 3.6-liter V6 and a cold air intake.

The Level Red rides on 35-inch tires with prototype 17x8 beadlock wheels. It also gets Jeep's half-door kit and five badges that represent five trails Jeep has deemed “Badge of Honor” trails. Owners can hit the specified trails in their Jeeps, take a picture on completion and send it in to receive one of 38 badges. Collect 'em all! Compete with friends!

Jeep

The Jeep Wrangler Mojo was next; the O and J stand for orange Jeep. According to Jeep, the Mojo is geared toward the off-road enthusiast who seeks extreme trails.

The Mojo comes with a 2-inch lift, Dana 44s and a 4:1 Rock-Trac transfer case. It also gets the V6 and a 59:1 crawl ratio. Additionally, the Mojo gets prototype high-top fenders, 37-inch BFGoodrich tires and beadlock wheels with a bronze ring.

The Mojo's hood is adorned with a topographical map that we guessed was either Moab or Rubicon; in fact, it was a map of Chrysler's Tech Center area in Auburn Hills, Mich. We should have know from the 129-foot elevation mark on the side.

Jeep

Finally for the Wranglers, we have the Mopar blue Maximum Performance. The MP is for the cowboy that spends nearly all his spare time off-road. It gets Dana 60 electronic-locking axles, 4.88 gearing and a Rock-Trac transfer case. A Stinger front bumper mows down any brush in its path; the Max Performance gets the high fender kit.

All three concept Jeeps feature Warn winches, which have been optimized to resist debris and moisture better than the previous generations.

Jeep

Moving on to the Cherokees, the pale yellow Trailhawk was probably the least modified of the group. Its biggest visual change was the luggage rack, which Jeep has been working on for a few years. It should be coming to the parts catalog soon. Jeep execs said that part of the reason they go to places like SEMA and Moab is to let customers see these parts and give their input. If enough customers like it, it'll be produced.

The Cherokee redesign was polarizing -- some in the office like it, others don't -- but we mostly agree that the more wildly styled it is, the better it looks. Such is the case with the Cherokee Dakar concept.

The Dakar is slathered in silver satin paint, with red graphics on the hood, grille and wheels. It gets 33-inch chunky off-road tires, rock rails, skid plates and prototype bumpers that increase both approach and departure angles. Fender flares are riveted in above the wheel arches. It also gets a lift kit.

Jeep

The sixth concept is called the Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Trail Warrior. It uses Jeep's Quadra-Lift air suspension and wears a coat of Mojave Sand paint with satin black accents. The Trail Warrior also gets the prototype Mopar roof basket, 20-inch cast aluminum wheels, and Jeep Performance Parts rock rails and two hooks.

If you're down in Moab, Utah next week, look for the boys and girls of Jeep. They'll have these six concepts and maybe a few other surprises. Jeep knows where its hard-core customers go.

“We head to Moab and the Easter Jeep Safari with six new vehicles we know Jeep enthusiasts will truly appreciate, including our first two new Jeep Cherokee models built specifically for this important event,” said Mike Manley, president and CEO of Jeep. “We look forward to putting these new Jeep vehicles in their proper environment and receiving important feedback from our most loyal customers at their favorite annual off-road gathering.”

By Jake Lingeman