Jeep’s 466kW EV off-road monster
A 466kW electric off-road monster headlines the annual Easter roll-out of Jeep concepts.
Magneto 2.0 is its name and it’s one of three new electrified concepts being taken to the Easter Jeep Safari at Moab in Utah where they will be shown off to thousands of off-roading and brand fans.
The presence of these concepts underlines Jeep’s plan to offer an electric vehicle in every SUV segment by 2025 and 100 per cent BEV in Europe by 2030.
So without further ado let’s take a look at what Jeep is rolling out in Moab.
Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Concept
There was a Magneto at Moab in 2021, but it was a pale 212kW/370Nm precursor to this year’s effort, which pounds out 466kW and 1152Nm.
The key to the massive boost in outputs is more than doubling peak amperage to 600 amps, which can be maintained for up to 10 seconds at a time – a bit like a nitrous boost.
No surprise then Jeep claims the Magneto 2.0 can accelerate from 0-60mph (97km/h) in a ludicrous two seconds.
Key Magneto 2.0 tech bits that carry over from the original concept include a custom-built axial flux motor, a six-speed manual transmission and four lithium-ion battery packs that produce a combined 70kWh and operates via an 800-volt system.
The Magneto also includes a driver-selectable maximum regeneration function for off-road one-pedal driving.
Based on a two-door Wrangler with its wheelbase extended by 304mm to help the powertrain bits fit, the Magneto also includes off-road gear like Dynatrac 60 Pro-Rock front axle and Pro-Rock Dynatrac 80 rear axle with a 5.38 ratio and lockers for both axles, custom driveshaft and off-road suspension.
Custom, lightweight bumpers replace the factory units front and rear. Carbon-fibre wheel flares front and rear cover the wide tyres. These elements enhance the Magneto 2.0’s approach and departure angles on the trail.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk PHEV Concept
Jeep says none of these concepts are ever destined for production. In this case you’d have to wonder why? It looks like a production car and Jeep says it’s even been tested on the legendary Rubicon Trail.
It’s based on the petrol-electric hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe that is about to launch in North America and will come to Australia in 2023.
It uses the same powertrain as the production car, comprising two electric motors, a 400-volt 17.3kWh battery pack, a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Its electric-only range is 40km, which was enough for the Trailhawk to conquer Rubicon without firing up its petrol ICE.
The concept adds a detachable front sway bar, 20-inch wheels with 33-inch BFG mud-terrain tires, custom fog light bezels with quad LED projector fog lamps and custom vinyl side graphics to protect the ‘Industrial Blue’ paint job. Mopar rock rails add further protection.
The interior incorporates custom saddle-coloured upholstered seats with ‘Rodney’ houndstooth inserts. The seats also feature the signature 4xe Trailhawk badge and ‘Surf Blue’ stitching.
Jeep ’41 Concept
The name signifies Jeep’s military origins as the Willys MB; a go-anywhere vehicle commissioned by the US army that became legendary in WW2.
Based on the Wrangler, the concept employs the standard 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain which delivers 33km of zero emissions running.
Beyond that it’s mainly cosmetics that define the ’41. Olive drab paint, black powder-coated steel bumpers, Warn winch, an accessory JPP bumper hoop, a tan soft-top and JPP half doors are included. A custom stencil package finishes off the exterior. Inside there’s a retro shifter, canvas-covered seats and more olive drab paint.
The ’41 concept sits on a JPP 2-inch lift kit and 35-inch mud-terrain tires with 17-inch wheels painted in – you guessed it – olive drab.
