by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
They appear from the void right about the same time every year. The right about now time. Images, renderings, sketches — ‘trail markers’ as they are called these days.
Each shows up on the company’s social feeds, and not long after become watercooler fodder for enthusiasts everywhere.
You know them as Jeep’s concept vehicles.
The brand Friday introduced its first two teaser images for this year’s 57th edition of Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, and the company again is promising wild designs along with ‘attached at the hip’ electrification.
If Jeep follows its normal schedule, it will produce several more ‘trail markers’ over the next few weeks that culminate in a overall vehicle reveal right before EJS week begins. The brand will then Wednesday take over Moab’s Walker Drug parking lot, right alongside US Hwy 191 in the middle of town, where everyone can see and interact with the vehicles.
”The first Jeep and JPP sketches hot off the drawing table hint at two of the new concept vehicles, including one 4xe electrified Jeep SUV set to conquer Moab’s tumultuous backcountry trails in absolute silence and further highlight the Jeep brand’s vision of accomplishing Zero Emission Freedom,” Jeep said in a statement.
If you haven’t yet heard, EJS is kind of a big deal. The event annually brings off-road and Jeep passion to a whole new level with trails that range from relaxing all the way to ludicrous speed. And Jeep itself is along for every step of the way.
Last year, the brand brought along seven concept vehicles to the southeastern Utah desert, so it figures they’ll probably have a similar number this year.
The first green teaser sketches show off a two-door, sans doors, Jeep that could be this year's version of Magneto — the all-electric Wrangler Jeep has brought to EJS for the past two years. Its unconventional ‘B’ pillar, what appears to be cutouts in the flares and lack of any kind of cage structure almost mirror what Magneto 2.0 displayed last year. And it also carries around similar extra-wide fender flares protecting knobby off-road tires.
The second image is more conventional up front and the blue paint hues underscore its 4xe powertrain. This Wrangler-ish vehicle looks to incorporate a bunch of Mopar Performance parts as well, and the brand usually includes one of these concepts in its stable each year to show enthusiasts just how easily they can accessorize their Jeep.
Some of those accessories include tubular doors and brown interior seating that could either be a new style seat, probably leather, or premium seat covers. Additionally, while the image’s right side cuts off just after the rear doors, it appears this one will also have some kind of rack system instead of the traditional soft or hardtop.
For Jeep, designing these concepts isn’t just about showing off creativity and imagination. It also gives designers a chance to interact with an invested audience.
“It shows that we’re tuned in with the customers,” said Mark Allen, head of Jeep Design, before last year’s EJS. “There was a point in time when I think we sort of strayed and lost focus with the enthusiast group, and these vehicles reopen that for us.
"And we’re out there watching, listening—these are great conversations. I love nothing more than rolling up on a bunch of Jeeps getting ready to go out on a trail ride with a few of these freaky Jeeps, and they want to come talk to us.”
Last year, Jeep created seven concept vehicles for EJS, including the all-electric Magneto 2.0 that promised 625 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe, Jeep ’41, 20th Anniversary Rubicon Wrangler, Jeep Bob, D-Coder Gladiator and Rubicon Birdcage rounded out the selection.
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 57th annual event is set for April 1-9.
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