Cool Jeep concepts for Easter Safari
A new ute is the base for some wild ideas, writes David Linklater.
Jeep’s new Gladiator ute – destined for New Zealand next year – heads up Jeep’s annual trip to the wild side for its Easter Safari in Utah.
For the past 52 years, Jeep has gathered together enthusiastic owners for the Moab Easter Safari, for some technical offroading and general feel-good Jeepness.
It has become a tradition for the brand’s Mopar accessories division to wheel out some outrageous concept vehicles for the occasion, showcasing its best Jeep Performance Parts.
‘‘The Safari provides the perfect venue to interact with and gather feedback from our most loyal and passionate customers – the diehard off-road enthusiasts who attend the event each year,’’ says Tim Kuniskis, head of Jeep brand – North America.
‘‘This year’s Safari will mark the debut of the highly anticipated all-new Jeep Gladiator on Moab’s scenic and demanding trails.
‘‘To celebrate, we are showcasing six fun and ultracapable new truck-based Jeep concept vehicles.’’
Wayout
The Jeep Wayout concept is an ‘‘overlanding’’ vehicle with a full roof-top tent and custom canopy.
The body-armoured exterior features a new Gator Green colour that will be available on production Gladiator models.
A custom bed rack with an integrated ladder carries the rooftop tent that sleeps two comfortably, while the 270-degree awning with amber LED task lighting helps travellers set up camp.
Two custom-fit auxiliary fuel tanks are integrated into the bedsides. An ARB on-board air system with a body-mounted quick-disconnect air supply line allows adventurers to travel further off the grid.
Wayout has a custom integrated roof-rack system for packing gear up top, and the truck bed houses a Mopar/Decked beddrawer system for added lockable dry storage on long treks.
Inside, bed-lined floors plus trimmed brown leather seats with laser-etched inserts of topographical maps have been added.
Flatbill
Flatbill is designed to be the ‘‘ultimate hauler for an array of toys’’.
It’s dedicated to dirt bike riding. With the removal of the tailgate, dedicated wheel ramps have been installed that slide out for easy access and loading. Custom body work on the bed lowers, plus the addition of a tube rear bumper, increases the vehicle’s departure angle.
Inside, there are bright bedlined floors plus custom-trimmed seats.
M-715 Five-Quarter
Continuing the Easter Jeep Safari tradition of ‘‘resto-mods’’ comes the M-715 Five-Quarter: a blend of vintage and modern components.
The name Five-Quarter is a historical nod to Jeep trucks of the past that were one and onequarter tons – or ‘‘five quarters.’’
Starting with a 1968 M-715, this military-themed vehicle is reimagined with design and functional improvements to its chassis, drivetrain and cargo configurations.
The original front sheet metal was removed and a full carbonfibre front end takes its place.
A bobbed custom-fabricated aluminum bed was installed that has been perforated using a mix of water jet cut panels and wood slats.
Additional body modifications include a drop to its convertible soft-top.
Inside, new Jeep Wrangler seats free of headrests have been installed. Water-jetted aluminum components make up a new lightweight instrument panel as well as door panels.
Power comes from a 6.2-litre supercharged Hellcrate Hemi V8 engine.
J6
The J6 mixes classic styling of the late 1970s with prototype and production Jeep Performance Parts.
It’s a Rubicon customised in a two-door configuration, maximising cargo space with a large bed ‘‘box’’ area.
The custom Metallic Brilliant Blue paint is an homage to the exterior look of the 1978 Jeep Honcho.
JT Scrambler
The JT Scrambler concept is a ‘‘heritage-inspired remix’’, carrying the throwback colour palette and graphics of the iconic CJ Scrambler crossed with a combination of Jeep Performance Parts.
The look of the early 1980s-era CJ8 Scrambler is recreated with prototype Punk’N Metallic Orange and Nacho body-side stripes running from the front panels to the bed, and a matching hood graphic.
The white exterior is crowned with a freedom top painted in vintage amber.
The colour theme is followed through on the interior. Katzkin Amaretto Brown leather seats are bordered in orange thread, with the Jeep grille logo embroidered in a light Tungsten on the seatbacks.
Gladiator Gravity
The rock climber-themed Gladiator Gravity is elevated with a full complement of available-tobuy parts.
The production Gladiator Rubicon can already be ordered in Punk’N Metallic Orange.
In the bed area, mounted Mopar cross rails work in concert with a cargo carrier basket for rock-climbing gear such as ropes, carabiners, helmets and shoes. A unique storage system offers additional lockable cargo space.
The Gravity is also optimised for open-air driving – a unique selling proposition for the Gladiator ute.