Every year, Jeep debuts idea automobiles on the annual Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) in Moab, Utah. Moab, usually known as “the non secular house” of the model, EJS attracts tens of 1000’s of Jeep fanatics to Moab for every 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 provide one-off design options blended with well-liked modifications to create issues that “might be.” The rigs are sometimes an amalgam of in-house customization and aftermarket elements to create Jeeps that the general public appears to be like ahead to yearly round Easter. Plus, they’re usually a preview of traits and elements 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 improbable Fins & Issues path, providing just a little of every thing 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 carry, 35×11.50R20 Nitto Recon Grappler A/T tires, and Raceline wheels, this Grand Wagoneer acquired extra off-road skill. A customized roof rack and Baja Designs lights added performance; a topo map graphic mimicked the outdated woodgrain decals from Grand Wagoneers of days previous, however with a contemporary aptitude.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 automobile to take off-road, and being a light construct, we didn’t try the path’s steep slickrock climb. However the Commander Idea continues to be a Jeep and accomplished the course. Nevertheless, with the bottom floor clearance of the bunch, you needed to be further cautious choosing a line.
Despite the fact that I’ve 20 years of off-roading expertise, I got here down on a rock and broke an attachment level for the electrical working boards. Jeep eliminated the working boards after my drive. Maybe customized rock sliders would’ve been a better option 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 large SUV. Even with a totally impartial suspension, this Grand Wagoneer proved it will probably take you and the whole household means 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) gadgets. With a 2-inch JPP carry and Bilstein shocks, 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires, and plenty of TYRI lights, BUZZCUT exhibits what might be constructed utilizing gadgets from the JPP catalog.
Powered by the peppy 2.0L turbocharged engine, BUZZCUT made brief work of the large climb and stairsteps on Fins & Issues. It was nimble and super-capable, and it regarded 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 Crimson Rock Idea
Crimson Rock was constructed for the organizers of the Easter Jeep Safari, the Crimson Rock 4 Wheelers. I used to be there after 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 preserve trails and scout new ones, this Gladiator was constructed with get-it-done elements. The Rock Krawler Overland X PRO 3-inch carry equipment and 37-inch BFG tires made the large climb easy, as did the Gladiator’s lengthy wheelbase.
It felt steady and assured in all places. We didn’t want the WARN winch, Leitner rack, or the TYRI lights, however they’ll little question get utilized by the Crimson Rock 4 Wheelers when engaged on the path. This was a case of all of the elements coming collectively to create an excellent off-roader.
One of many coolest options was the upholstered inside roof panels. They featured photographs and information clippings printed on cloth to showcase the membership’s storied historical past. This rig shall be in good fingers with the Crimson Rock 4 Wheelers.
Jeep Cherokee XJ Pioneer Idea
Everybody is aware of somebody who owned a Cherokee XJ — that’s true for me. My good friend 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 carry from Outdated Man Emu, and 33-inch all-terrains from BFG on customized 17-inch wheels that regarded like steelies.
The unique gold paint was complemented by a brown roof. And whereas teals and sizzling pinks have been signature ’80s colours, individuals usually overlook there have been loads of golds and browns too!
There have been gobs of period-correct Easter eggs all through, as nicely. From the Apple laptop 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 situation. The XJ didn’t have lockers and wore small tires in comparison with every thing else. As I used to be cresting the climb, it acquired hung up in a gap, hopped a few occasions, 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, elements break — it’s a part of off-roading. Regardless, this was such a cool, particular retro rig.
Jeep Wrangler Laredo Idea
Again within the 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 have been additionally good for this idea!
This was the primary handbook Jeep Wrangler JL I had ever pushed. The shifter was gentle, and the clutch straightforward to modulate. To make it up the large climb, I merely stored it in low vary and first gear.
If you happen to regulate the throttle appropriately, you’re simply up the hill. I stalled it towards the highest, nevertheless. However beginning on the hill was straightforward, due to 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 beloved the western-themed inside, general retro vibe, and handbook transmission. If I have been going to take house 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 fashion, and an overland theme, ANVIL 715 is stylistically essentially the most fascinating of the ideas this yr. From the fastened roof with safari home windows to the Kaiser-inspired entrance finish, it is a rad rig.
The stout V8 requires practically zero throttle enter when climbing as a result of it makes a lot energy. Beefy 37-inch BFG KO3 all-terrain tires supplied loads of grip on a giant climb.
The middle stack featured a big pill with Trails Offroad maps for straightforward navigation, inexperienced seats, and an identical sprint complemented the military-esque paintwork exterior. The roof had a mess of home windows, and the headliner was a contrasting crimson. Yellow Baja Designs LEDs changed the headlights for a menacing look.
FYI, the “715” was a nod to the Kaiser Jeep M-715 army rig. That is such a cool idea, and it matches Jeep’s objective of a clean canvas for overlanding. With a cool fashion, highly effective V8, and ideal 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 velocity.
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 due to customized impartial 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 seem to be a sacrilege to place IFS on a Wrangler, if you wish to win desert races, it’s what you utilize.
This was an actual race automobile, 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. Nevertheless, Currie began it up and revved it a few occasions. This factor was a complete beast! It must be able to speeds of 130+ mph for blasting by way of regardless of the desert will throw at this behemoth.
