Peter Palmer: 7 Awesome Concepts for the Easter Jeep Safari

The Easter Jeep Safari is a pilgrimage for off-road enthusiasts and Jeep lovers of all ages. This year, organizers are expecting thousands of attendees in Moab, Utah for the 50th annual event. The 50th anniversary of the Easter Jeep Safari is celebrated along with the 75th anniversary of the Jeep brand.

To mark the occasion, Jeep has seven new concept vehicles, featuring an array of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts, ready to tackle the Moab trails.

“Every year, the Jeep team looks forward to pushing the limits with new, exciting, and capable concept vehicles for our most loyal enthusiasts at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand, FCA Global.

The 2016 crop of Easter Jeep Safari concepts harness both production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts. The Mopar brand is responsible for developing, building, and ensuring all Jeep Performance Parts meet rigorous specifications with regard to 4×4 capabilities.

The concepts built for Moab were done so by a specialized team of engineers, designers, and fabricators. They have introduced more than 50 concepts for the enthusiasts of the Easter Jeep Safari since 2002.

“We’re delighted to share seven of the most capable and eye-catching concept Jeep vehicles we’ve ever created at this year’s historic event,” Manley said.

Here are the 2016 Easter Jeep Safari concepts:

Jeep Crew Chief 715

Engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

Interior: Leather bucket seats with canvas inserts, aircraft-inspired switches, and Mopar all-weather mats.
Exterior: Front/rear winch, Dana 60 front and rear axles, a 4-inch lift kit with Jeep Performance Parts/Fox 2.0 Remote Reservoir shocks, Tactical Green paint, and a 5-foot cargo bed.

Inspiration: The Jeep Crew Chief 715 is a salute to military service vehicles like the Kaiser M715. Original Jeep military service vehicles moved troops through rugged terrain and the Jeep Crew Chief 715 can do the same. The Crew Chief 715 utilizes an on-board air system with a hard-mounted, quick-disconnect fitting for airing up or helping other vehicles on the trail.

Jeep Shortcut

Engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

Interior: Low-back leather bucket seats with plaid inserts, red ball shifter, and four-point safety cage.
Exterior: Unique grille, hood, tailgate, front and rear wheel flares, custom chrome front and rear bumpers, modified exhaust, 17-inch red steel wheels, and 35-inch BF-Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires.

Inspiration: A carefully crafted take on the beloved Jeep CJ-5, this Wrangler-based concept invokes the image of 1950s Americana. Overall body length has been reduced by more than 12 inches to keep the Shortcut concept light and maneuverable on the trails.

Jeep® Renegade Commander Concept 2

Jeep Renegade Commander

Engine: 2.4-liter Tigershark with MultiAir2
Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic with Jeep Active Drive Low

Interior: Katzkin seat covers, body color bezel accents, pedal kit, Mopar off-road kit.
Exterior: 2-inch lift kit and 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels with 29.5-inch BF-Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.

Inspiration: Hitting thetrail and getting away! The Jeep Renegade Commander concept is equipped with an assortment of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts to that end. The Fluorescent Gray exterior features Renegade’s MySky open-air roof with removable panels, which would be especially nice at night.

Jeep Comanche

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 Diesel
Transmission: 9-speed Automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive Lock

Interior: Custom seat covers, pedal covers, door sill guards, and Mopar all-weather mats.
Exterior: Jeep Performance Parts include off-road rock rails, a 2-inch lift kit, and winch.

Inspiration: A military and civilian hybrid, the Jeep Comanche takes the trails and has the utility to match. The wheelbase was increased six inches versus a production Renegade to accommodate a 5-foot bed. The Comanche’s transmission includes both low range and a locking rear differential.

The exterior paint is affectionately called “Beige Against the Machine.”

Jeep® FC 150 Heritage Vehicle 2

Jeep FC 150

Engine: 4.0-liter PowerTech I-6
Transmission: 3 Speed Automatic

Interior: Vinyl seat covers, custom headliner wrapped in a vintage duck hunting pattern, CB radio, and analog compass. How’s that for vintage?
Exterior: Dana 44 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle, and 17-inch white steel wheels wrapped in 33-inch BF-Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires.

Inspiration: From rocky roads to the barren plains, the Jeep FC 150 concept is based on the ideals of an American workhorse. Originally built from 1956 to 1965, the FC 150 (meaning “Forward Control”) is based on the CJ-5. Overall length is kept to a minimum but a full cargo box can still be attached.

It retains its original steel body but off-road capability is enhanced through a modified 2005 Jeep Wrangler chassis.

Jeep Trailcat

Engine: Supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi Hellcat V-8
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

Interior: Dodge Viper sport bucket, carbon fiber seats, featuring Katzkin leather covers with accent stitching.
Exterior: Front and rear Dana 60 axles and Fox shocks, 17-inch beadlock wheels, and 39.5-inch BF-Goodrich Krawler T/A KX tires. Mopar exterior enhancements include a power-dome vented hood, Satin Black grille, LED headlamps, fog lamps, and rock rails.

Inspiration: More than a typical Wrangler, that’s for sure! To accommodate the 707 horsepower Hemi engine, the wheelbase was extended 12 inches. Be it a rough area or higher speed section, The Jeep Trailcat concept is at home on all of Moab’s terrain.

Jeep® Trailstorm Concept

Jeep Trailstorm

Engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6
Transmission: 5 Speed Automatic

Interior: Bedlined with Katzkin seat covers and Mopar all-weather floor mats.
Exterior: Jeep Performance Parts include 17-inch, concept off-road wheels wrapped in 37-inch tires, 2-inch lift kit with Jeep Performance Parts/Fox shocks, tire carrier, and Rubicon winch and bumpers. Mopar exterior enhancements include a winch guard, Satin Black grille, LED headlights, fog lights, high top fenders, and power-dome vented hood.

Inspiration: The Trailstorm concept is the ultimate Jeep Wrangler for exploring the roads less traveled. Based on the Wrangler Unlimited, it offers room for extra gear, tools, and cargo. The camouflage is a perfect touch for the Utah desert too.

The 2016 Easter Jeep Safari runs Sunday, March 20th to Sunday, March 27th. If you are planning on going, let us know. And if you see any of these awesome concepts, let us know that too!

*Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.