Seven Jeep concept models revealed ahead of Easter Safari

Lightened by 950lbs, the 4Speed is a speedier, more nimble Wrangler inspired by earlier lightweight concepts: the Stitch (2013) and Pork Chop (2011). The HVAC and radio are removed, and have been replaced by a carbonfibre bonnet and wheel arches, while the roll-cage is fashioned from thin-wall cro -moly tubing. Power comes from the Wrangler’s new 2.0-litre turbo with 48V mild hybrid tech, which delivers higher performance courtesy of the reduced kerb weight.

Jeep B-Ute

The Renegade based B-Ute is named after a play-on-words of the 4x4’s internal codename - BU. Based on the off-road-focused Trailhawk model, it features a 1.5-inch suspension lift and disconnected front sway bars to improve off-road rock crawling. “This is a modern military look,” says design chief Allen. Inside, the luggage compartment is fitted out with military-style MOLLE universal equipment hangers.

Jeep Wagoneer

An all-new Wagoner is not far off launch, so as a styling and brand exercise Jeep has renovated a 1965 Wagoneer and updated it in an “Americana road trip style”.

A rust-free donor car was sourced in California, stripped to a bare shell and the chassis boxed-in to boost rigidity. With new coil springs replacing the original leaf suspension, new steering, and modern disc brakes, Jeep prepped the Wagoneer for a 5.7-litre Hemi ‘crate’ engine, normally found under the hood of RAM trucks.

Jeep Nacho

The most realistic of all Jeep’s Moab concepts, all the bits on the Nacho can be sourced from Jeep Mopar dealers. Jeep says the whole kit of parts is priced from around $14k to fit on the two-door Rubicon donor car.

To boost off-road performance the Nacho benefits from a 2-inch lift kit, 37-inch OD off-road tyres and 2.5-inch Fox off-road shocks. The tube doors, fuel-filler door and all-weather mats boost the looks. The extensive spotlight system is a prototype developed with Magnetti-Marelli.

Jeep J-Wagon

Based on a Wrangler Sahara, the J-Wagon is intended to add an urban look while retaining off-road performance.

The bigger off-road tyres lift the chassis, while the raised intake stops dust entering the inlet of the J-wagon’s 3.6-litre V6 and new front wings from the Rubicon model boost trail performance. The paint job is known as “brass monkey”. “The colour scheme is warm grey with orange highlights for that urban style,” says Joe Dehner, Mopar’s design boss.

Jeep Jeepster

The second most-extreme Wrangler to be shown at Moab, the Jeepster features a 2-inch roof chop and 2.5-degree screen lay-back to re-create the ‘speedy’ styling of the 1966 Jeepster. The red and white paint job is a similar nod to the 1966 original.

The Jeepster is also influenced by the aftermarket trend of relocating the Wrangler’s spare wheel into the rear cabin, so the outside wheel carrier can be modified to carry accessories.

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