by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
As if 625 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque, along with going from zero to 60 miles-per-hour in about two seconds, wasn’t enough from a concept vehicle, Jeep this year is planning on showing off a third iteration of its all-electric Wrangler that may even surpass those staggering numbers.
Call it 'high power in the high desert.'
The brand Thursday announced its final duo of concept vehicles it plans to bring out to the Utah desert in less than two weeks for the annual Easter Jeep Safari event. And with this last release, it now has seven overall concepts slated for EJS.
In these latest sketches, nicknamed ‘Trail Marker 3’, the brand prominently shows off this third generation all-electric Wrangler dubbed Magneto 3.0, and if it is anything like the previous two, it will be crammed full of battery power and Mopar Performance Parts. Additionally, Jeep unveiled a yellow-painted concept that features a reworked old Wagoneer-style front end and looks to be another 4xe-style vehicle thanks to a signature blue tow hook jutting out from its bumper.
”The final grouping of Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar concept sketches take true off-road enthusiasts along for an electrified ride down past and present memory lane,” Jeep said in a statement. “Both concept vehicles push the boundaries of electrification, and their commanding performance will be front and center during the 57th annual Easter Jeep Safari.”
While the brand did not reveal any stats or build info on either concept, it will almost certainly expand the Magneto 3.0 from what the electrified two-door brought to Moab last year.
Magneto 2.0 saw an enormous horsepower gain from the first edition’s mere 285 horses up to 625 last year, as well as almost triple the torque at 850 lb-ft. It utilized a front-mounted axial flux electric motor and new electric calibration that allowed the vehicle to maintain peak amperage for just about 10 seconds.
Both previous all-electric Wranglers also utilized four lithium-ion battery packs that were strategically placed around the chassis for weight balance — combining for a 70 kWh capacity and capable of running the vehicle’s 800-volt system.
All that electric power was hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission with a specially-designed 3.36 first gear ratio, and utilized a Rubicon version Rock-Trac transfer case to help deal with the vehicle’s instant torque delivery while rock crawling.
Other components on Magneto 2.0 included a custom 3-inch lift kit, 40-inch off-road tires mounted on 20-inch wheels, Dynatrac 60 Pro-Rock front axle and a massive Pro-Rock Dynatrac 80 rear axle with a 5.38 ratio and lockers for both axles, custom driveshaft, and an off-road suspension. So expect something similar to enhance this year’s edition, as well as some form of Mopar’s new waterproof interior seats and floor as the vehicle is normally topless.
Of course, Jeep loves to add all sorts of Mopar Performance Products so they’ll certainly have a few goodies added as well.
The other released teaser image is surely what the brand meant by “electrified ride down past … memory lane.”
Well, at least for the front end anyway.
Designers removed the traditional seven-slot grille on this one and replaced with a Wagoneer-style version that harkens back to the 1960s editions. While we are tempted to say this could be a 4xe Wagoneer, Jeep already revealed a Wagoneer concept this year that will most likely take that title. So this could be a reworked JL Wrangler platform, probably a two-door, that may also carry some other nods to the Wagoneer past through the body and interior, while still pulling off the electrification theme and modern Wrangler styling.
With this last image release, Jeep has now displayed all seven of its 2023 EJS concept stable. The brand two weeks ago showed off a green-hued doorless design with a longer bed length and perhaps mirrors integrated into the body, as well as a 4xe Rubicon with what looked like a new rack system and plenty of JPP items. Last week, it revealed two more Wranglers and a Wagoneer — all with separate color schemes in purple, green and red.
Additionally, these vehicles displayed a unique limb riser system, front bumper with integrated winch that will be part of the 2024 Wrangler package offerings and a potential new Mopar full-width light bar.
Last year, Jeep also created seven concept vehicles for EJS, including that all-electric Magneto 2.0, Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe, Jeep ’41, 20th Anniversary Rubicon Wrangler, Jeep Bob, D-Coder Gladiator and Rubicon Birdcage.
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 version is set for April 1-9.
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