Jeep Shows Six Concepts That Will Appear At Moab Eastern Jeep Safari – Coolness Level Keeps Dropping


Jeep Shows Six Concepts That Will Appear At Moab Eastern Jeep Safari – Coolness Level Keeps Dropping

Let’s be really honest here, OK? The Jeep Moab concepts have pretty much all sucks lemons post 2012. Back in glorious 2012 we got the Mighty FC, the JC-12 truck, the Trail Dozer Jeep, and the Apache Concept plus a couple other ones that were kind of lame. This year we get some dressed up Wranglers with slightly larger than stock tires and one of them has some substantially revised gearing. Adding to that insult are the three lamer than lame Cherokee entries of which two are just basically paint and accessory options and one has larger wheel openings to fit a bigger tire. Oh, do you know why it has bigger wheel openings to fit a bigger tire? BECAUSE YOU CANNOT LIFT THEM. This is a real thing. You currently cannot lift a new Cherokee. That just made us sad to say out loud.

Back in 2012 these concepts took the world by storm. They showed up on your computer screen at about this time of the year, went to Moab and killed it, made the show circuit, ended up at SEMA and still we couldn’t get enough. This sad sack six pack of paint and glue on stuff is a sad testament to what is happening to the brand. Next year’s Renegade model, which is based off of a Fiat and will be made completely outside of the USA is a farce designed to water down the Jeep brand name to people looking to feel cool while they roll down the road in a glorified appliance.

Sorry that we’re so up on the chip about this but the fact is, when the creative money leaves (which certainly seems ot be what is happening here) so doesn’t the talent, so don’t the true believers, and so don’t the buyers. We understand that these are concepts but concepts when done right can be amazingly impactful like the Mighty FC. We still think about how awesome that thing was.

The indisputable fact is that these “concepts” have gone from being a hotly anticipated deal to a joke. Out of six vehicles, we have one with aggressive gearing and another with opened up wheel arches because it literally (as of right now) cannot be lifted. Way to go Jeep.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE PHOTOS OF THE CONCEPTS AND THEN READ THE FULL RELEASE FROM CHRYSLER –

Jeep Wrangler Level Red is one of the six concept vehicles devel Jeep Wrangler MOJO is one of the six concept vehicles developed Jeep Wrangler Maximum Performance is one of six concept vehicles Jeep Cherokee Adventurer is one of six concept vehicles develope Jeep Cherokee Dakar is one of six concept vehicles developed by Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Trail Warrior is one of six concep

 

 

Jeep® and Mopar Brands Reveal Six New Concept Vehicles for 48th Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari

  • Jeep Wrangler Level Red is a nod to the most challenging off-road trails
  • Jeep Wrangler MOJO gets Wrangler Level Red off-road gear, with 37-inch tires, shortened bumpers, winch and higher-clearance fenders
  • Jeep Wrangler Maximum Performance created for hard-core enthusiasts who seek the ultimate in power and capability
  • Jeep Cherokee Adventurer delivers Trailhawk capability with added utility and cargo convenience for the trail
  • Jeep Cherokee Dakar is the most extreme Cherokee ever
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Trail Warrior delivers ultimate Jeep diesel capability
  • Vehicles showcase the catalog of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts available to enthusiasts
April 10, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – The Jeep® and Mopar brands have once again teamed to develop a variety of vehicles that will debut at the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, April 12-20. Now in its 48th year, the Easter Jeep Safari will be attended by thousands of die-hard off-road enthusiasts looking to enjoy a week of serious off-roading on some of the country’s most renowned trails.“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 – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “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.”

Jeep and Mopar used production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts on this year’s collection of concept vehicles. Jeep Performance Parts are specifically designed, built and quality-tested to meet strict Jeep specifications, 4×4 capability, craftsmanship and versatility to help transform production Jeep vehicles into even more extreme trail performers.

“This year, we’re showcasing a combination of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts on our vehicles for off-road enthusiasts to see a variety of customization and personalization options,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO — Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “Since 2002, Jeep and Mopar have teamed to create more than 40 unique concept vehicles for enthusiasts who attend the popular Easter Jeep Safari.”

Jeep Wrangler Level Red
The Wrangler Level Red, which refers to the highest level of difficulty an off-road trail can be designated, comes well-equipped to handle challenging off-road terrain, riding high on a Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit. Jeep Performance Parts Dana 44 crate axles on the front and rear feature a 4:10 ratio. The Jeep Performance Parts Rock-Trac transfer case provides a 4:1 low range to make navigating obstacles much easier. The 3.6-liter engine with a six-speed manual transmission is improved through a cold-air intake and low-restriction exhaust system. Wrangler Level Red’s crawl ratio is 73:1.

The sleek Pitch Black exterior of Wrangler Level Red is decorated by a TorRed prototype graphic stripe that runs along the top of the hood near the bottom of the windshield and halfway down the body sides. The front and rear of the vehicle are well-guarded by “Rubicon 10th Anniversary” bumpers, with prototype black “Aero” bumper ends and an under-bumper skid plate providing more protection. Wrangler Level Red rides on prototype 17 x 8-inch beadlock-capable wheels, accented with TorRed color on the beadlock ring. The wheels carry aggressive 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires, available through the Mopar Tireworks program.

Jeep Wrangler Level Red is modified with a Mopar half-door kit, and additional exterior upgrades include a prototype Jeep Performance Parts tire carrier, a locking gas cap, a hood prop kit and Jeep Performance Parts rock rails. Wrangler Level Red also sports badges for each of the five trails in Moab recognized by the Jeep brand as “Badge of Honor” trails. (Through the Jeep brand’s Badge of Honor program, Jeep vehicle owners can earn special vehicle badges once they conquer any of more than 30 approved, high-profile trails across the United States.)

The interior of Wrangler Level Red complements the feel of the exterior. The Tuscany Katzkin leather seats are embellished with red stitching, which also is featured on the arm rest. Flame Red color brings alive the seat belt webbing, while HVAC rings are painted with TorRed inserts and roll bar padding in the rear also features red accents. The interior is further upgraded with a gloss black look on the steering wheel spokes and dash grab handle. Additional accessories include a prototype Jeep Cargo Management System (JCMS) with a tow-strap bag and first aid bag on the rear swing gate, all-weather floor mats, grab handles, and a lockable storage bin under the seat.

Jeep Wrangler MOJO
The Jeep Wrangler MOJO (the “OJ” in the name stands for “Orange Jeep”) is geared for the off-road enthusiast who seeks an even tougher vehicle with the functionality to tackle the most extreme trails. A Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift provides the clearance to traverse obstacles, with locking Dana 44 front and rear axles and a 4:1 Rock-Trac transfer case adding to Wrangler MOJO’s rock-climbing capabilities. Wrangler MOJO’s crawl ratio is 59:1. The vehicle’s 3.6-liter V-6 engine is augmented with a cold air intake and low restriction exhaust system.

The Bright Orange exterior of Wrangler MOJO is defended by prototype Jeep Performance Parts “Shorty” bumpers and prototype flat-top fenders, with 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires wrapped around prototype beadlock wheels, accented with Mopar Bronze on the beadlock ring. The Mopar “Rubicon X” hood is ornamented by prototype topographical graphics that contain bronze “mapping” accents and flow down to the side panels. Additional trail enhancements include a Jeep Performance Parts “Rubicon X” front bumper, an under-bumper skid plate and a prototype Jeep Performance Parts winch. Jeep Performance Parts rock rails are added to further protect Wrangler MOJO from boulders and rocks on extreme trails.

Prototype LED headlamps and fog lamps help make night trips on the trail easier, and front and rear prototype two-tone half-door kits and a soft top further add to the open-air fun and freedom all Wrangler vehicles offer. A Badge of Honor plate is added to show the trails Wrangler MOJO has mastered, and a prototype Jeep Performance Parts tire carrier gives support to the spare tire. The five Moab “Badge of Honor” badges also appear on Wrangler MOJO.

The purposeful interior of Wrangler MOJO is perfect for the off-roader not afraid of dust or mud. The two-tone instrument panel and console complement black Katzkin seat covers and provide for simple cleaning. With the carpet removed, rugged all-weather floor mats shield the interior, and a Mopar sunbonnet and roll bar pads are trimmed in a Driftwood sand color, matching Wrangler MOJO’s overall appearance. A Mopar lockable rear cargo tray keeps valuables safe.

Jeep Wrangler Maximum Performance
Jeep Wrangler Maximum Performance speaks to the hard-core enthusiasts who spend every spare minute on the trail and seek the ultimate in power and capability so they can go where others cannot. Wrangler Maximum Performance is armed with new Jeep Performance Parts-exclusive push-button electric-locking Dana 60 axles at the front and rear, as well as 4.88 gearing and the 4:1 Rock-Trac transfer case to better hurdle any trail impediments. A prototype Jeep Performance Parts 4-inch lift kit also raises the vehicle. Wrangler Maximum Performance boasts a 70:1 crawl ratio.

On the exterior, a prototype Jeep Performance Parts “Stinger” front bumper can handle whatever the terrain dishes out, especially when paired with a front bumper skid plate, Jeep Performance Parts Rubicon rock rails and a prototype flattop fender kit. A Mopar black grille dresses up the front, which also is modified with a prototype Jeep Performance Parts winch, and prototype LED lights mounted to the top of the vehicle to shine bright during nighttime off-road maneuvers. A prototype graphics package signifying the Moab landscape adorns the hood.

The Mopar Blue exterior is linked in appearance to the prototype eight-lug beadlock wheels by the Mopar Blue color on the beadlock ring. Wrangler Maximum Performance rides on 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires, with the sturdy hardtop covering full steel doors. The rear of the vehicle receives a prototype tire carrier and a 37-inch spare tire cover featuring the Jeep Performance Parts logo. Wrangler Maximum Performance also sports the five Moab “Badge of Honor” badges.

Mopar Blue is also featured inside, highlighting the HVAC bezels and steering wheel accents. Katzkin leather seats with embroidered Jeep logos feature blue accent stitching, as does the leather armrest. The interior is further enhanced with satin trim on the instrument panel, shift knob and HVAC controls, while the steering wheel spokes and dash grab handles are underscored in black.

Jeep Cherokee Adventurer
The Jeep Cherokee Adventurer boasts Trailhawk 4×4 capability, including a 48:1 crawl ratio with added utility and cargo convenience for off-road adventures, and a host of Jeep Performance Parts from Mopar.

The tan exterior is accented to the Trailhawk black hood decal. A prototype matte black Mopar roof basket rides on top, with a bungee net holding down cargo. Below, aggressive BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires are mounted on prototype 17-inch wheels, embellished with aluminum granite crystal and black pockets.

Jeep Performance Parts rock rails provide formidable off-road defense, and further protection is added courtesy of a two-piece underbody skid plate, a front suspension skid plate, an oil tank skid plate and a two-piece fuel tank skid plate. Red tow hooks adorn the front.

Inside the Cherokee Adventurer, black Katzkin leather seats, with perforated inserts, draw even more attention with maize-embroidered Jeep logos and maize stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, arm rest and shift boot. The HVAC bezels, instrument panel, steering wheel and door switch bezels are upgraded with tan inserts to match the exterior color. The Jeep Cargo Management System is displayed with a Trailhawk bag, and is joined by a location-appropriate prototype Moab off-road bag. Bright door sill guards with the Cherokee logo, all-weather mats and a cargo tray complete the interior Mopar accessories.

Jeep Cherokee Dakar
The Jeep Cherokee Dakar is the most extreme Cherokee ever. The Silver Steel Satin Gloss exterior skin is strikingly set off with prototype Flame Red graphics that encircle the window and wrap around the black hood graphic. The Trailhawk 17-inch polished Satin clear coat wheels feature two large Flame Red pockets, with the Cherokee nameplate also changed to a Flame Red hue.

Front-end features are enhanced by two prototype Flame Red inserts on the traditional Jeep seven-slot grille, as well as through a prototype lower fascia trim. Cherokee Dakar is fortified for off-road action, equipped with Jeep Performance Parts rock rails, an oil pan skid plate, front suspension skid plate, two-piece fuel tank and underbody skid plates.

Cherokee Dakar’s wheel openings have been modified in order to accommodate larger 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires. The rough-and-ready look rises with a prototype Jeep Performance Parts lift kit, and additional suspension modifications help make it the most extreme Cherokee yet. Prototype wider fender flares with riveted bolts give a tougher appearance and also accommodate the wider track and larger tires. A prototype rear fascia allows for an even more aggressive departure angle and enhances the higher ride height. Cherokee Dakar’s crawl ratio is 48:1, and estimated approach and departure angles are 32 and 39 degrees, respectively.

Inside, prototype Katzkin leather black seats with “Machined Gunmetal” inserts are heightened with Header Red stitching, which is also found on the steering wheel, armrest and shift boot. A Flame Red insert accents the entertainment center. Accessories showcased from the Mopar catalog include all-weather floor mats, bright door-sill guards with the Cherokee logo, a cargo tray for storage, and the JCMS with the Trailhawk bag, as well as the prototype Moab off-road bag.

Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Trail Warrior
The Trail Rated Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Trail Warrior brings even more capability and convenience to the most-awarded sport-utility vehicle (SUV) ever, courtesy of a host of Jeep Performance Parts and Mopar accessories.

Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel sits higher thanks to its Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Mojave Sand exterior color is dressed with Satin Black flourishes on the grille, hood, lower front fascia, door handles, mirror caps, wheel flares and badging. The prototype Mopar roof basket, mounted on production cross rails, provides plenty of space to transport gear and provisions. Prototype 20-inch cast aluminum wheels in Satin black roll on aggressive All-Terrain BFGoodrich tires. Jeep Performance Parts tow hooks and rock rails are also featured. This unique Grand Cherokee features a 44:1 crawl ratio.

Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Trail Warrior’s interior offers a black-and-tan dual tone scheme. Gloss black accents appear on the HVAC bezels, steering wheel, instrument panel and other appointments. Additional Mopar accessories include all-weather floor mats, door sills, lighted Jeep logo sills, a pedal kit and a cargo tray.

 


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10 thoughts on “Jeep Shows Six Concepts That Will Appear At Moab Eastern Jeep Safari – Coolness Level Keeps Dropping

  1. Brian Cooper

    Remember when Jeeps were basic, cheap, rugged hard working tools that could play hard and still be daily drivers? You could even use one out on the farm, or take the family camping in one. They were cheaper than the family sedan, utilitarian and reliable.

    Now they are just junky looking expensive mall crawlers with a v-6 engine that dissolves in oil.

    I guess I’m not the target market any longer.

    1. Nick D.

      I remember my sister had an old Grand Wagoneer, the last year before they downsized them. What an absolute tank that thing was. Even at 290K miles on the clock, it’d power through 2 feet of snow. I doubt any new Jeep can do that. Or will last that long

  2. Nick D.

    Wow, these suck. I was hoping that maaaybe, just maybe the Mighty FC would be distilled down to some production level, but Jeep just ain’t cool enough to do that stuff anymore

  3. GuitarSlinger

    Thank goodness these’ll never see the light of a production day because ;

    A) If they did and in light of JEEP’s abysmal reliability record of late , they’d fall apart before their owners could even get them near any dirt [ all of them .. with JEEP chasing Land/Range Rover for worst cars sold in the US ]

    B) They’re all too derivative , plain and downright boring

    C) They’re all looks with zero substance

    And finally D) JEEPis owned , overseen and managed by FIAT and Marchionne’s Madness … with that in and of itself being more than enough reason to ;

    Just Say No !

    But honestly .. at least with the JK . Can anyone explain why the simplest and most basic passenger vehicle sold in the US … is also amongst the most unreliable ?

    And with the Grand Cherokee ? Why is it the Mercedes ML its based on has had zero problems of late whereas the badge engineered GC has had multitudes of them … including a recall … or two .. or three ?

    That just aint right … IMO 😉

  4. Matt Cramer

    It looks like it’s saying there is a lift kit on one of the Cherokees. Doesn’t look like it was lifted very much, though.

    In all fairness, the 2012 Jeep concepts set the bar really high with things like the portal axled FC. They could have tried something else crazy, though – maybe a Cummins into Wrangler swap kit?

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