by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
You could really call them bookends if you want. These new 2024 Easter Jeep Safari concept teaser renderings.
You could, because they first pretty much depict the start of Jeep’s adventure in this world, way back in 1941, followed by its more recent foray into the high-powered, engine-performing, horsepower-crazy, enthusiast climate.
Yup, the first teasers Jeep unveiled on Thursday about its new EJS concept crop, seemed to capture both the start and finish of some of its memorable vehicles.
Of course, like always, these first-look renderings only show off a tiny glimpse of what the actual concepts may look like when they appear in the southeastern Utah desert later this month.
However, it is interesting that Jeep would use the title ‘Willys’ on one rendering, and then subtly blur out the 392 logo from the other. First, because it's been 23 years since Jeep used the term ‘Willys’ in one of its concept designs, while the 392 motor will no longer be an option following the 2024 model year.
The brand, then owned by DaimlerChrysler, did show off a concept in North America back in 2001 titled 'Willys Concept Car' that was a two-door open-air vehicle, with ultra-lightweight carbon fiber on an aluminum frame. Additionally, Jeep did bring out a concept titled ’41 back in 2022, which sought to celebrate the brand’s iconic military history, but this new Willys may take things even further. The brand currently has a new Rubicon model that adds Nappa leather seats, a premium Alpine audio system, noise control, Highline flares, and a host of other safety features to the standard Rubicon edition.
Some of those features may appear in this Willys, while perhaps designers craft other cues that better fit the mantra’s military history. We'll see.
As far as the second concept rendering, this red-hued vehicle looks to definitely have a 6.4L Hemi engine for stellar power, but like always, these first images just don’t offer much. One thing to note is the vehicle’s fender flares, which seem to have a new venting system unlike anything Jeep has offered before.
Whether or not these flares will be a production issue item is something we’ll have to see over the next few weeks.
Last year, Jeep brought out seven concepts to Moab — including the third version of its powerful all-electric two-door Wrangler dubbed Magneto. Outfitted with a manual transmission, Dynatrac 60 front and 80 rear axles, and 5.38:1 gearing, this machine could push out 285 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque at its mild setting; then 650 hp and 900 lb-ft of torque at maximum.
Jeep plans to have an all-electric Wrangler ready to go for the 2028 model year, though most likely not something like this concept. Additionally, the brand’s all-electric Recon is set to hit showrooms this fall and will become Jeep’s first North American all-electric vehicle.
Other concepts last year highlighted the 4xe platform and included a 1978 SJ Cherokee with a turbocharged 2.0L engine with twin batteries, 37-inch tires and a retro orange/yellow interior, a Tuscadero pink Wrangler sporting the revised 2024 model year grille and some AEV Level 2 upfit items, and dark blue hued Wrangler Unlimited prominently displaying Jeep Performance Parts like lighting, front grille, tubular doors and a custom fabricated rear tire carrier.
Non-4xe platforms completing last year’s concept list were the Scrambler 392 — a lime green, two-door mash-up of Wrangler and Gladiator features that sported the brand’s powerful 392 6.4L Hemi engine; a Grand Wagoneer Overland concept with a ceiling access into a pop up carbon fiber tent, as well as a subbed out interior that had no rear seats but some beanbag chairs, throw rug and ambient lighting; and finally a Rubicon Gladiator dubbed Sideburn that offered a front fold-down grille bench, customized rear cargo shelf, boxed sides and integrated tailgate with MOLLE paneling and steps that help provide easier access into the bed.
Each year, EJS attracts thousands to the Utah desert for a week’s worth of off-roading and congregating on some of the best 4x4 trails in the world. This year’s 58th annual event is set for March 23-31.
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Jeep Officially Attending 2024 Easter Jeep Safari
