Episode 482 – Jeep Concepts and Electrification
This Week in Jeep
Will Jeep be going all-electric?
Jeep is expected to be a key part of growth and electrification plans for and I think largely because of Stellantis. Stellantis is Jeep’s new parent company formed earlier this year through the merger/takeover of Fiat Chrysler and or by French automaker Groupe PSA. Every new Jeep from 2022 forward is expected to offer at least some form of electrification. This would include but is not limited to all-electric vehicles as well as hybrids that combine EV components with traditional engines. Jeep’s plans to electrify its entire lineup will of course not happen overnight. Oh no, this is going to be like that old analogy of the frog in the pot of water doesn’t know it’s cooked until it’s too late and the water is already boiling. It’s already started this year with a new “4xe” version of the wrangler. Who knows what’s in store for the wrangler in the years to come
We might get a glimpse of what’s in store for Jeep’s future at the 2021 EJS
Jeep has unveiled its Easter Jeep Safari lineup of custom-built concept vehicles designed for the trails in Moab, Utah. The Easter Jeep Safari is now and always has been hosted by Moab’s Red Rock 4-Wheelers four-wheel-drive club. The event consists of trail rides, mostly daylong trips, departing from Moab, Utah. For 2021 it starts March 27 (just two days from the recording of this episode) and goes till April 4th. Jeep enthusiasts from all over the nation will gather in Moab for a week of world-class offroading. The Easter Jeep Safari has long been Jeep’s testing ground for both their newest Jeep 4x4s and for showcasing new Jeep-brand concepts, Jeep Performance Parts, and sometimes some unique ideas come to life that ends up truly resonating with us Jeepers. This year, seven Jeep brand concept vehicles will be there. The concepts feature production and even prototype Jeep Performance Parts from Mopar.
All are equipped (this year) with a wide array of powertrains. First up is going to be the first production-based, fully electric, battery-powered vehicle ever made by Jeep.
And No the power wheels one doesn’t count ya jackwagon.
Jeep Magneto
The Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept is a fully capable battery electric vehicle that is quiet and very quick and claims to have serious rock-climbing capabilities.
“”It offers efficiency and performance both on- and off-road while being environmentally friendly.”” I’m sure Jeep would just love to have me as a spokesperson. ((voice from control room)) “STOP DOING THAT VOICE!” “”…aaand what voice would that beee….? 🙂 ….””
Based on a two-door 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the vehicle uses a custom-built flux electric motor that operates up to 6,000 rpm giving it its jack rabbit-like starting capabilities. It offers a six-speed manual transmission and is powered by four battery packs of lithium-ion batteries with a combined power of 70 kilowatt-hours, running an 800-volt system. Jeep isn’t yet telling us what that means for offroad time or mileage.
Jeep IS saying, is that this motor and battery configuration is comparable to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. The e-motor can deliver up to 273 lb.-ft. of torque and 285 horsepower and it runs from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Not too shabby. The exterior features a Bright White base color with that famous Jeep Surf Blue for all the accents.
Jeepster Beach
This year’s Resto-Mod vehicle is a throwback to the second-generation Jeepster.
The Jeepster Commando was the first compact four-wheel-drive vehicle with an automatic transmission ever to hit the market. The Jeepster Beach concept started as a 1968 Jeepster Commando but then it was miraculously blended with the guts of a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Now that’s the kind of gene splicing I can get into! The body was heavily modified and the exterior got the full chrome trim treatment on top of a brightly colored two-tone paint scheme of Hazy IPA and Zinc Oxide. Great, now I want a beer. I was hoping this was going to boast a big fat V8 and a huge sound system, but instead, we see not so much as far as infotainment, and an eco-friendly 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Jeep claims this isn’t any regular 4 banger though. This Jeep has a completely custom, one-of-a-kind concept calibration that increases the engine output about 25 percent above the production version to a whopping 340 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. Ok, who’s laughing at the little engine that could now?!? Here’s the one I see Tony driving all the way to Utah just to see in person.
Jeep Red Bare
The Jeep Red Bare Rubicon Gladiator concept is an off-road-inspired truck with a soft top and half doors. Powering the concept is the turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine. With its rating of just 260 horsepower, you would think this would be a gutless wonder, but it has 442 lb.-ft. of torque to deliver that power instantaneously. And to take all that powerful torque it connects to a TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission, specially calibrated though for low RPM shifts. The vehicle offers Tony’s favorite color, a vibrant FireCracker Red exterior with custom Matte Black graphics and tasteful gold accents.
Jeep Orange Peelz
(spelled with a z)
Is based on a two-door Wrangler JL and pays tribute to Jeep’s open-air vehicles. Designers removed the side and rear windows and installed half doors and a custom, removable, one-piece Freedom Top glass sunroof. The vehicle features a 2-inch lift kit with FOX shocks, a Satin Black 360-degree custom beltline graphic, and Satin Black vintage Jeep fender badges. It is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, along with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Farout
The Jeep Farout is designed for off-road exploration and uses the 2021 Jeep Gladiator’s class-leading payload and fuel-efficient, long-range-capability 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine. The vehicle also offers the AT Overland Equipment Habitat Truck Topper, a 16-foot-long and 7.5-foot-tall recreational residence that opens and retracts in seconds. Oh, and it can sleep up to four people comfortably. The interior of the vehicle includes tasteful wood lining and a fully functional refrigerator and stove. It also has hanging storage racks, built-in seats, and a decent amount of table space. The exterior features a new Pearl body-color with Chartreuse accents on the hood, tow hooks, springs, badging, and shocks.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 that we’ve talked about here on the show more than a couple of times is making its way to production as we speak. But did you know that it was first conceived as a V-8 powered Wrangler Rubicon concept? It has a 6.4-liter V-8 engine, generating 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque. True Grunt. The exterior is Granite Crystal with bronze-accentuated tow hooks, badging, springs, and shocks. Those ready to drop 80 grand can now see for the first time, in person, what their money is getting them. And last but not least…
Jeep Top Dog
The Jeep Top Dog is based on a 2020 Jeep Gladiator and is designed for mountain bikers. This is the exact same Jeep that we talked about in Episode 462. Painted K-9 blue, the concept has a custom PCOR flatbed storage system instead of the regular truck bed. And in case you don’t remember, this is the one with the electric hot dog roller grill in the back.
Must-Have Stuff Pick-of-the-Week for your Jeep!
Superchips Flashcal F5 $210.95 + FREE Shipping
https://www.extremeterrain.com/superchips-flashcal-f5-0716-3571.html
Speedometer Correction for Gears, Tires & Axle Swaps
Recalibrates for Tire Sizes 26″ – 42″ Gears & Axles up to 5.38
2.8″ High Definition Color Screen. Reads & Clears Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
Accessory and TPMS Options
Rubicon 4-Hi & 4-Low Locking Options.Internet Updateable
PC Compatible For all 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Models. Avail for other Jeeps as well.
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Links Mentioned in this Episode
NEXEN Tires USA
Jeep 4-1-1
https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver
The 4×4 Radio Network
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Superchips Flashcal F5 $210.95 + FREE Shipping
https://www.extremeterrain.com/superchips-flashcal-f5-0716-3571.html
Rat Bastards Facebook Group
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Metal Battery Post and Terminal Cleaner
https://www.amazon.com/Metal-Battery-Post-Terminal-Cleaner/dp/B002PS7QRK