Each year at this time, Jeep and parts partner Mopar join forces to create seven new, custom-built concept vehicles for the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, March 24 – April 1.

For the 52nd year, thousands of off-road enthusiasts headed to Moab for the annual Jeep event to participate in a week of technical off-roading on some of the most picturesque trails that the country has to offer.

There they saw each concept vehicle equipped with an assortment of production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts developed for Jeep by Mopar.

The 2018 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicle line-up was made up of:

Jeep Wagoneer Roadtrip

The Jeep Wagoneer Roadtrip retains a heritage and charm however the wheelbase has been 127mm, and the body has been updated to accept the additional length, a wider track and custom fender flares. Other subtle exterior styling tweaks include reshaped wheel wells, bumpers and integrated rock rails. A razor grille freshens the look up front, while Bottle Green architectural glass replaces the original pieces. 

Jeep 4SPEED

Built “4SPEED,” this latest lightweight concept bolsters the Wrangler’s off-road capability and performance through extensive weight savings, and an all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged I-4 engine. 

Overall length has been shortened by over 550mm while leaving the wheelbase at its stock length, resulting in increased approach and departure angles.

The 4SPEED features Dana 44 front and rear axles with a 4.10 gear ratio and 18-inch lightweight monoblock wheels wrapped in 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires. 

Jeep Sandstorm

Inspired by Baja desert racers, the Jeep Sandstorm features off-road hardware that will handle both with ease, including an extreme-duty suspension system and a powertrain with excess power on tap.

 To fit the Baja look, the exterior features custom styling cues including a vented carbon fibre hood, vented high clearance front and rear fender flares and a cage that includes a rear mounted lay down style spare tire carrier. The exterior handles and swing gate have been removed while the rear doors have been chopped for a cleaner look. 

The front axle has been moved forward 100mm and the rear axle back by 50mm to allow for increased high-speed stability.

The Baja race truck theme continues throughout the interior, which features a custom cage that integrates the chassis, leather-trimmed front seats and unique low-back racing bucket seats in the rear.

The Jeep Sandstorm is powered by a 6.4-litre V8 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Jeep B-Ute

The Jeep B-Ute concept is equipped with a variety of Jeep Performance Parts for the ultimate off-road adventure.

Jeep Performance Parts featured on the B-Ute concept include a 40mm lift kit, a roof rack and rock rails. The Jeep B-Ute’s off-road capabilities are increased by using 17-inch wheels with a 30mm offset, wrapped in BF Goodrich T/A Baja Champion tires.

The Jeep B-Ute is powered by a 2.4-litre Tigershark engine, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Nacho Jeep

The Nacho Jeep offers a blueprint off-roaders can follow to create their own custom trail vehicle 

Superior trail visibility is delivered by A-pillar and brush guard-mounted LED lights while a 50mm lift kit offers increased off-road clearance and includes new 2.5-inch diameter aluminium body shocks.

Oversized 37-inch tires wrap around 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, with off-road performance achieved without sacrificing premium interior appointments. Black Katzkin leather seats are dressed up with the Jeep grille logo embroidered in light tungsten stitching on seatbacks, and light tungsten accent stitching on the seat bolsters.

Jeep Jeepster

Based on a Wrangler Rubicon, this concept evokes the colour palette and speedy styling of the 1966 Jeepster, the original’s classic two-tone graphic theme mirrored thanks to a Firecracker Red body, set off by a Bright White concept hardtop, chopped by two inches, and a Bright White custom windshield raked back 2.5 degrees to create a cropped, compact appearance. 

A 50mm lift kit and 64mm dia. aluminium body shocks work with oversized, 37-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tyres to raise the Jeepster above off-road obstacles.

Inside, meanwhile, a concept tubular roll cage replaces the sport bar and an additional 38-inch tire is secured with a custom in-cabin spare tire carrier.

 Jeep J-Wagon

Starting as a Wrangler Sahara, the J-Wagon is painted a Warm Neutral Grey with warm-tinted glass, and complemented with subtle Brass Monkey touches throughout the exterior. The J-Wagon features a version of the JPP hood designed with a cut-out kit to work with the available snorkel, an appropriate choice for the sealed-cabin style of the vehicle. The hood latch is Brass Monkey and further embellished with a black Willys logo.

The J-Wagon concept also features 17-inch slot-design wheels that are also finished in Brass Monkey, a treatment chosen after receiving positive feedback in a sneak peek at the 2017 SEMA Show.

To read every story in the May 2018 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (April 13) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.