Jeep has revealed six new concept designs ahead of the annual Moab Jeep Safari, one of the company's most-anticipated adventure events.
Taking place every year around Easter, the 2014 Moab Jeep Safari runs between April 12 and 20 around the town of Moab in Utah, USA. Surrounded by canyons, the terrain is challenging to the say the least, and attracts a strong following of Jeep owners.
This year, Jeep brought along a bunch of ‘concepts’ designed as heavy-duty mud-slingers to tackle to demanding terrain of Moab. In the mix was one Grand Cherokee, three Wrangler and two Cherokee concepts.
Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Trail Warrior Concept
As the sole flag-bearer for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Australia's top-selling large SUV for the first quarter of 2014, the EcoDiesel Trail Warrior Concept boast Quadra-Lift air suspension to increase ground clearance and a prototype Mopar roof basket to transport gear.Although it rides on massive 20-inch cast aluminium wheels, they are shod with rugged All-Terrain BFGoodrich tyres. The diesel-powered model also adds tow hooks, rock rails and 44:1 crawl ratio for tackling gnarly trails.
Jeep Wrangler MOJO Concept
Jeep says the OJ in the MOJO name stands for 'Orange Jeep' but what this concept is really about is going bush, and it’s bedecked with equipment to do so. Starting with a two-inch lift kit, locking Dana 44 front and rear axles and a 4:1 Rock-Trac transfer case, the MOJO is designed the "most extreme trails" says Jeep.With a crawl ratio of 59:1 and a freer breathing 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine via cold air intake and new exhaust plumbing, not to mention trimmed bumpers and massive 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tyres, the concept should be a solid performer at the Moab Safari. LED headlights and fog lights add a technical touch to its exterior too.
Jeep Wrangler Level Red Concept
This concept vehicle's name comes from the most difficult off-road trail possible, level red, and features much of the mechanical upgrades seen on the Wrangler MOJO Concept, albeit with an even lower crawl ratio of 73:1. It's "pitch black" exterior boasts prototype 'aero' bumpers and a special under-bumper skid plate says Jeep, to provide more protection. It rides on 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tyres.Jeep Wrangler Maximum Performance Concept
This next concept is hardcore, the bold blue Wrangler featuring massive 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tyres, full steel doors, a prototype tyre carrier at the back plus exclusive push-button electric-locking Dana 60 axles front and rear. Throw in 4.88 gearing and a 4:1 Rock-Trac transfer case, a seriously tall four-inch lift kit and there's not many trails that would defeat this beast. It also gets a massive LED roof strip to scare the bejesus out of all and sundry - day or night - a 'stinger' front bumper with winch.Jeep Cherokee Adventurer Concept
Moving on to the all-new Jeep Cherokee, which is due in Australia in June 2014, this concept is probably the mildest of the lot but still gets chunky off-road tyres, a reinforced two-piece skid plate and a 48:1 crawl ratio to tackle the rough stuff. Other notable additions include a rather obvious roof utility basket and red tow hooks at the front.Jeep Cherokee Dakar Concept
Dubbed the "most extreme Cherokee ever" the Dakar Concept is a head-turner too, with its grey paintjob with black decals and red accents. It sports an oil pan skid plate, front suspension skid plate, two-piece fuel tank and underbody skid plates along with rock rails. The body work has been tweaked too, the wheel arches widened to cope with heavy-duty 33-inch tyres. It also runs a lift kit and gets suspension mods for improved off-roading, while a new rear bumper improves its departure angle.Mike Manley, president and CEO of the Jeep Brand, part of Chrysler Group, said the 2014 Jeep Moab Safari would be a special one, as it's the first time the new Cherokee gets to tackle Moab.
"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,” he said.
"We look forward to putting these new Jeep vehicles in their proper environment and receiving important feedback from our most loyal customers at their favourite annual off-road gathering," said the Jeep boss.
Check out Moab Safari for more details of the event.
