By SEMA News Editors
Jeep has introduced four new 4x4 concept vehicles outfitted with Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) accessories and performance upgrades.
Debuted during Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, the four new vehicles are equipped with a variety of propulsion systems and equipment to take four-wheeling to the next level.
Jeep Low Down Concept
The new Low Down concept pays homage to the Lower 40, a former Jeep concept vehicle introduced 15 years ago, with 42-in. BFGoodrich Krawler 42x14.5R20 mud-terrain tires mounted on 20-in. beadlock wheels under its custom high-clearance carbon fender flares. The stock Wrangler Rubicon 392 suspension remains intact, but Dana 60 axles with 5.38 gears replace the standard Dana 44 axles with 4.10 gears. Between the diameter of the tires and the shortening of the front and rear bumpers, the Low Down's center of gravity remains low, while the ground clearance, breakover, and approach and departure angles are all improved.
The body, coated in Poison Apple Red paint, is streamlined via the removal of the rear door handles, a custom carbon hood with a see-through power dome and a bespoke race-style fuel filler door located in the driver-side rear quarter-panel. The interior features custom black leather seats with cloth inserts, Rhino-lined floors and a custom radio-delete instrument panel, as well as a purpose-built, red-tinted bikini top.
The Jeep Low Down is powered by the 475hp 6.4L 392 V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic.
Jeep Willys Dispatcher Concept
The Jeep Willys Dispatcher is a Wrangler 4xe-based concept meant to invoke the post-war civilian Jeep, according to the manufacturer.
Super Traxion 36-in. tires are wrapped around vintage-style 16-by-7-in. alloy steel wheels. A custom old-school front bumper houses an 8274 Warn winch, featuring a Warn Epic Series winch hook and D rings. The windshield header is coated in gloss black, while the exterior is otherwise painted in a custom shade of Element 115 Green, accented with the cream-colored "steelies."
Inside, the Dispatcher gets a custom retrim in a mix of distressed saddle leather and houndstooth cloth inserts. The front and rear headrests have been removed to give the seats the low-back vintage feel, Jeep said. Additionally, the Willys is equipped with a JPP bikini, rugged JPP vinyl covering for the floor and a JPP onboard air compressor.
The Willys Dispatcher is powered by the 2.0L plug-in hybrid 4xe propulsion system that delivers 375 hp through an eight-speed automatic. Dana 50 Advantech front and rear axles with 4.70 gears transfer power and torque to the Super Traxion tires.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top concept was designed to push the performance boundaries of the midsize truck.
With a Ginger Snap metallic exterior and retro-inspired two-tone graphics, the Gladiator Rubicon High Top concept rides on new 40x13.5R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires mounted on 18-by-9-in. Satin Black KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels.
Concept JPP flat fender flares at all four corners provide increased off-road ride clearance. Dana 60 front and rear axles with matching 5.38:1 gearing and an AccuAir adjustable air suspension help make easy work of any serious off-road excursion. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, delivers a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque.
A modified front bumper from American Expedition Vehicles features a custom protective hoop sitting and a Warn winch. Rock rail power steps from Rock Slide Engineering protect the undercarriage and a DECKED truck bed storage system offers additional lockable cargo space.
Inside, seats have been retrimmed with custom quilted and perforated tan and black Alea leather and feature an embossed JPP logo on the headrests. Overhead protection is provided by a JPP sun bonnet. Completing the interior are a JPP pedal kit, all-weather floor mats and door sill guards.
Jeep Vacationeer Concept
The Jeep Vacationeer concept is a premium SUV that features unique bodyside woodgrain graphics that harken back to Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models from the late '60s through the early '90s.
The SUV rides on 35-in. BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires, wrapped around 18-by-9-in. bead grip 701 Method racing wheels that provide a natural 1.5-in. lift for superior off-road performance. Larger wheel openings and custom bodyside flare extensions add to the aggressive look.
Front and rear skid plates provide underbody protection while a front-mounted Warn winch addresses difficult off-road situations. At the front of the white, Rhino-lined roof, three 11-in. TYRI LED lights provide improved forward lighting. The roof is modified with a custom, carbon-fiber RedTail Overland Skyloft. The stock second- and third-row seats have been removed to accommodate the integration of the Skyloft with a custom weatherproof, pass-thru entrance that allows easy access from the interior floor.
A fore/aft sliding door and a small step, which also doubles as a usable table, ease access. The rear space features a bed-lined cargo floor.