Jeep and Mopar reveal six wild new concepts

What happens when American brands Jeep and Mopar come together to create six different concept vehicles? Horsepower, that’s what.

The two American brands have come up with half a dozen different creations for the upcoming Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah over April 8-16. They have also used the event to rehash the CJ66 concept show at last year's SEMA show.

The annual gathering, now in its 51st year, plays host to thousands of die-hard off-road enthusiasts intent on tackling some of America’s most challenging trails.

The Jeep-Mopar portfolio this year comprises:

Jeep Grand One

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Grand Cherokee, the manufacturer and tuner have teamed to create a “modernised spin on a classic 1993 ZJ”.

Eighteen-inch wheels, raised clearance, fender flares, an extended wheelbase and trimmed fascias help enable greater off-roading ability.

The remake rides on 33-inch mud terrain tyres, perfect for hooking up the selectable locking differentials on the front and rear axles.

The 1990s-inspired theme transcends the interior, which features a bed liner and car phone.

Under the bonnet resides a 5.2-litre V8 engine mated with an old-school four-speed auto.

This Wrangler-based concept is all about accommodating its passengers, according to Jeep.

“[It] features a translucent hard-top roof panel, two-level aluminium cargo rack with incorporated drone, a raked windshield, boat-sided rocker panels, LED headlamps, and custom LED tail lamps and parking/turn lamps,” the car-maker said in a statement.

“The Safari’s unique 'windoors', made of lightweight aluminium and clear vinyl, are hinged so that they open like a cabinet, making the entrance to the vehicle particularly unique. The doors feature zipper openings to let in fresh air.”

The on-board amenity is reinforced by rear bucket seats that can rotate, enabling a nice outward view.

Selectable differential lockers and a two-inch lift are both featured on the Safari, which is powered by a carry-over 3.6-litre V6 engine.

“The Jeep Safari also includes 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tyres on custom 18-inch wheels, custom full-length skid plates, steel front and rear bumpers, integrated on-board air system, upgraded brakes and unique cold air intake.”

This high-powered creation purportedly eats sand for breakfast.

Powered by a Mopar 392 Crate Hemi engine with eight-stack injection, the Quicksand subscribe to the vintage hot-rod school of muscle.

The Wrangler-based platform has been stretched, with a longer wheelbase but shorter overhangs, while the roof has been chopped.

The car’s staggered tyre setup comprises 32-inch tyres up front and 37-inch rubber at the rear. A Warn winch and recovery rope is attached should the need arise.

What you see here is the most hard-core version of Jeep’s upcoming Compass seen so far.

The Trailpass is a concept based on the Compass Trailhawk, fitted with a 1.5-inch lift kit, 18-inch wheels and aftermarket off-roading accessories.

Special treatments also adorn the internals, while underneath the bonnet is a 2.4-litre Tigershark engine mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Switchback is categorised by Jeep and Mopar as the “ultimate in off-road performance”.

“Jeep Performance Parts featured on the Switchback include a front and rear Dana 44 axle, a 4-inch lift with Remote Reservoir Fox shocks, heavy-duty cast differential covers, 10th Anniversary steel front and rear bumpers, Rubicon winch, grille, winch guard and cold air intake,” Jeep says.

“An axle-back exhaust, 17-inch concept wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tyres increase the off-road capabilities of the Jeep Switchback.”

The Switchback concept features a full-blown off-roader look courtesy of half-doors, a “Safari” hardtop and roof rack system, high-top fender flares and an oversized spare wheel carrier.

As the name suggests, seeing the way forward shouldn’t be a problem in this wacky concept.

An arsenal of lighting features jointly developed by Magneti Marelli includes 7.0-inch LED headlights, pillar-mounted spotlights, upper bumper LED auxiliary lighting with cornering function, overhead LED spotlights and grille-mounted turning indicators.

“Other features include a roof-mounted solar panel, a drone landing pad with lighted drone and removable spare tyre storage case, and a capacitive touch interactive display on the driver’s side rear window linked to GPS and internet services,” Jeep says.

The CJ66 is a combination of old and new.

It employs a Jeep Wrangler TJ frame, which underpins a 1966 CJ universal Tuxedo Park body, which then sources power from a Mopar 345 crate engine.

The creation was first seen at last year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas. Its 5.7-litre engine promises plenty of horsepower at the Moab event courtesy of cold-air induction and a cat-back exhaust, while front and rear Mopar Dana 44 axles are said to provide excellent rock-climbing abilities.

A 2.0-inch lift kit builds on the car’s already-hefty 35-inch tyres.