Annually, Jeep debuts idea autos on the annual Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) in Moab, Utah. Moab, usually referred to as “the non secular dwelling” of the model, EJS attracts tens of 1000’s of Jeep fanatics to Moab for per week of wheeling, customized rigs, and “Jeep Waves.”
This yr marked 60 years of EJS and 85 years of the Jeep model.
Jeep’s yearly ideas at all times supply one-off design options blended with fashionable modifications to create issues that “could possibly be.” The rigs are sometimes an amalgam of in-house customization and aftermarket components to create Jeeps that the general public seems to be ahead to yearly round Easter. Plus, they’re usually a preview of traits and components to come back.
Driving Jeep’s 6 EJS Ideas in Moab
Jeep showcased six ideas this yr, and I drove all of them. They even confirmed up with a race automotive (no seat time in that, nevertheless). Our setting was the unbelievable Fins & Issues path, providing a bit of of all the pieces Moab has: steep slick rock, sand, and craggy stair steps.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer Commander Idea
The Grand Wagoneer Commander represents Jeep’s full-size 7+ passenger SUV. With a 2-inch Rock Krawler elevate, 35×11.50R20 Nitto Recon Grappler A/T tires, and Raceline wheels, this Grand Wagoneer acquired extra off-road means. A customized roof rack and Baja Designs lights added performance; a topo map graphic mimicked the outdated woodgrain decals from Grand Wagoneers of days previous, however with a contemporary aptitude.
This was a giant car to take off-road, and being a light construct, we didn’t try the path’s steep slickrock climb. However the Commander Idea remains to be a Jeep and accomplished the course. Nonetheless, with the bottom floor clearance of the bunch, you needed to be further cautious choosing a line.
Regardless that I’ve 20 years of off-roading expertise, I got here down on a rock and broke an attachment level for the electrical operating boards. Jeep eliminated the operating boards after my drive. Maybe customized rock sliders would’ve been a more sensible choice for the construct.
With a low-range switch case, “rock” driving mode, and the Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, the Commander Idea ranges up Jeep’s massive SUV. Even with a totally unbiased suspension, this Grand Wagoneer proved it might take you and all the household approach off the pavement.
Jeep Wrangler BUZZCUT Idea
BUZZCUT is a two-door Wrangler JL with a chopped high, customized roof rack, and a great deal of Jeep Efficiency Components (JPP) objects. With a 2-inch JPP elevate and Bilstein shocks, 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires, and many TYRI lights, BUZZCUT exhibits what could be constructed utilizing objects from the JPP catalog.
Powered by the peppy 2.0L turbocharged engine, BUZZCUT made quick work of the large climb and stairsteps on Fins & Issues. It was nimble and super-capable, and it appeared nice. The bypass shocks additionally helped present a supple trip over bumps.
The chopped high narrowed the windshield, making it tougher to see out of, although. However regardless of, this was a really cool Jeep. And who doesn’t love Vitamin C orange?
Jeep Gladiator Pink Rock Idea
Pink Rock was constructed for the organizers of the Easter Jeep Safari, the Pink Rock 4 Wheelers. I used to be there once they handed over the keys to the group! However earlier than turning the truck over, we acquired to take it for a spin.
Constructed to assist keep trails and scout new ones, this Gladiator was constructed with get-it-done components. The Rock Krawler Overland X PRO 3-inch elevate equipment and 37-inch BFG tires made the large climb easy, as did the Gladiator’s lengthy wheelbase.
It felt secure and assured all over the place. We didn’t want the WARN winch, Leitner rack, or the TYRI lights, however they’ll little doubt get utilized by the Pink Rock 4 Wheelers when engaged on the path. This was a case of all of the components coming collectively to create a terrific off-roader.
One of many coolest options was the upholstered inside roof panels. They featured photographs and information clippings printed on material to showcase the membership’s storied historical past. This rig can be in good palms with the Pink Rock 4 Wheelers.
Jeep Cherokee XJ Pioneer Idea
Everybody is aware of somebody who owned a Cherokee XJ — that’s true for me. My buddy Doug had a 1987, and my father had a 1990 and a 2001. That ’01 finally grew to become mine.
This ’84 idea had the unique 2.8L V6 with solely 88,000 miles on it. It had a small elevate from Outdated Man Emu, and 33-inch all-terrains from BFG on customized 17-inch wheels that appeared like steelies.
The unique gold paint was complemented by a brown roof. And whereas teals and sizzling pinks had been signature ’80s colours, individuals usually neglect there have been loads of golds and browns too!
There have been gobs of period-correct Easter eggs all through, as effectively. From the Apple pc within the again, to the Rubix dice within the sprint cubby — this was completely ’80s.
I acquired in, put it into drive, and ensured the Selec-Trac 4WD was engaged. It proceeded up a giant climb with out subject. The XJ didn’t have lockers and wore small tires in comparison with all the pieces else. As I used to be cresting the climb, it acquired hung up in a gap, hopped a few instances, and a part of the driveline (a U-joint) let go, and I rigorously coasted backward down the slickrock hill.
Sadly, that took the 42-year-old XJ out of fee towards the top of the day. I felt horrible, however hey, components break — it’s a part of off-roading. Regardless, this was such a cool, particular retro rig.
Jeep Wrangler Laredo Idea
Again within the Nineteen Eighties, the unique Laredo bundle added only a chrome grille and chrome wheels to a Jeep CJ-7. Jeep took the Laredo’s minimalist spirit and utilized it to a Wrangler Willys to create this retro trip idea. The truth is, they even used a six-speed handbook transmission to maintain the old-school vibe alive. The slotted magazine wheels had been additionally good for this idea!
This was the primary handbook Jeep Wrangler JL I had ever pushed. The shifter was mild, and the clutch simple to modulate. To make it up the large climb, I merely saved it in low vary and first gear.
When you regulate the throttle appropriately, you’re simply up the hill. I stalled it towards the highest, nevertheless. However beginning on the hill was simple, because of hill maintain, one thing I don’t have in my ’90s 4x4s with manuals.
This rig solely had a rear locker, however that was sufficient to get round this path. I liked the western-themed inside, general retro vibe, and handbook transmission. If I had been going to take dwelling an idea, that is the one I’d select. It’s not excessive; it’s excellent.
Jeep Wrangler ANVIL 715 Idea
With the well-known 392 V8, a military-inspired model, and an overland theme, ANVIL 715 is stylistically probably the most attention-grabbing of the ideas this yr. From the fastened roof with safari home windows to the Kaiser-inspired entrance finish, this can be a rad rig.
The stout V8 requires almost zero throttle enter when climbing as a result of it makes a lot energy. Beefy 37-inch BFG KO3 all-terrain tires offered loads of grip on a giant climb.
The middle stack featured a big pill with Trails Offroad maps for simple navigation, inexperienced seats, and an identical sprint complemented the military-esque paintwork exterior. The roof had a large number of home windows, and the headliner was a contrasting pink. Yellow Baja Designs LEDs changed the headlights for a menacing look.
FYI, the “715” was a nod to the Kaiser Jeep M-715 navy rig. That is such a cool idea, and it suits Jeep’s aim of a clean canvas for overlanding. With a cool model, highly effective V8, and excellent mods, ANVIL 715 was a crowd pleaser and a head-turner.
Not Pushed: Jeep Wrangler Striker Race Rig
Combined in with our ready-to-drive ideas was the Wrangler Striker Idea. This was a race-ready Wrangler constructed for pace.
Its coronary heart was a fire-breathing Hellcat crate engine making 707 horsepower. This constructed beast had a tube chassis, 30 inches of rear suspension journey, and 20 inches of entrance journey because of customized unbiased suspension that includes FOX shocks, 42-inch Nitto Path Grappler M/T tires on bead-lock wheels, Currie axles, Wilwood brakes, and different race automotive bits.
And whereas it’d look like a sacrilege to place IFS on a Wrangler, if you wish to win desert races, it’s what you employ.
This was an actual race car, and it’ll be pushed by racer Casey Currie. The truth is, Striker was co-developed with Currie. We didn’t get to drive it and even trip in it. Nonetheless, Currie began it up and revved it a few instances. This factor was a complete beast! It must be able to speeds of 130+ mph for blasting via regardless of the desert will throw at this behemoth.
