by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief
Anyone who is an avid film buff knows a sequel rarely outperforms the original. For every Empire Strikes Back or Godfather Part II, there are scores of Caddyshack 2’s or Speed 2: Cruise Control’s littering the landscape.
Well, as this year’s Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah draws closer, it looks like Jeep will test that sequel idea thoroughly with its latest concept rendering.
The brand Thursday unveiled artwork for a ‘Magneto 2.0’ concept vehicle that should be another all-electric Wrangler — if it follows script from last year’s movie, er, Magneto vehicle.
”Like all good comebacks, do you stick with the proven blueprint in all of its mind-boggling electrified glory or do you push the limits on legendary Jeep 4x4 capability and off-road development even further?” Jeep parent Stellantis said in a press release. “Fair to say the enthusiasts already know the answer. The story continues ...”
In keeping with how Jeep has shown off its concepts this year, this rendering didn’t offer much detail on the vehicle besides its name and what looks to be a bikini-style color scheme. Additionally, the side flares have some detail on them that could indicate carbon fiber material — making them lighter and perhaps more durable.
There are also accents above the hood that could mean a slightly different design than the previous Magneto, and probably some engine mods as well because, well, it is a sequel after all.
Last year’s white, blue and black Magneto concept stood out against all other Jeep concepts because it was an entirely electrified Wrangler. Plus, it rolled out into the Utah desert with a manual transmission as well.
In fact, many thought this concept would end up going into production as the first-ever all-electric Jeep. However, Stellantis announced earlier this year that it was making a smaller Jeep SUV as its first entirely electric model.
The original Magneto's low-speed electric motor punched up 285 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque last year in Moab which nearly mirrored the Pentastar 3.6L’s 285 hp and 260 lb-ft. However, with all of that torque instantly available, the Magneto boasted a 6.8 second 0-60 time as opposed to the gas-powered Pentastar’s 7.4 second time.
That vehicle also included four lithium-ion battery packs designers located in the cargo area, former fuel tank location, and under the hood — all of which delivered a total of 70 kWh. Besides those, another pair of 12-volt batteries powered accessories ranging from the stereo to the winch.
For those who questioned durability of electrical equipment in inclement weather, Jeep made sure all of it was housed in waterproof containers so the Magneto could deliver the same 30-inch water-fording capability as a gas-powered Wrangler.
Jeep finished off the Magneto 1.0 with a 2-inch Mopar lift kit, rock rails, 35-inch tires and a Warn winch.
Of course, from Thursday’s rendering it was impossible to tell just what equipment the brand is including on this sequel vehicle, but as sequels are known for bigger and more outlandish stuff, it is certainly possible all kinds of new Jeep Performance Product items will appear on Magneto 2.0 — should designers choose to follow that script.
Thursday’s rendering release now makes seven concepts Jeep has unveiled for this year’s EJS event. Previously, the brand has shown off a possible 4xe plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee, potentially a plug-in hybrid Gladiator, 20th-anniversary edition Wrangler Rubicon, a combination Wrangler/Gladiator, military-style Rubicon 4xe and open-air Wrangler 4xe. Most will display that hybrid 4xe capability, while the anniversary Wrangler and Wrangler/Gladiator combo look to appear with Jeep’s powerful 392 Hemi engine.
This year’s EJS event runs from April 9 to 17.
path ahead
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