2023 Easter Jeep Safari Concept – Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure
The 2023 Easter Jeep Safari was something else. Spring is in full swing, but it’s hard to tell with the current cold fronts going around. Still, a little cold won’t stop Jeepers from trekking, socializing, and checking out all the new merch to deck out their own Jeep off-road warriors. Like every year, Mopar wants to show off what a Jeeper can do when they find new additions from the Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) catalog, courtesy of Mopar. This year, there were several concepts, some really pushing the limits, so we broke up the list this year to give appropriate attention to some of the larger beasts. Last week, we looked at the Grand Wagoneer Overland Concept, and this week, we shine the light on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure Concept.
The 4xe should tip anyone off. Built upon the already iconic, best-selling, and most capable PHEV in America, the Rubicon 4xe Departure comes from the Wrangler 4xe. From the ground up, the wheels are 17-by-8.5-inch Vintage Bronze KMC Impact OL wheels wrapped in 37-inch BFGoodrich tires. Ground clearance gets an additional boost with a JPP 2-inch lift kit with BILSTEIN performance shock absorbers with remote reservoirs that provide improved cooling for increased suspension travel and off-road capabilities. New, custom, flat-fender flares and wheel liners also don the wheel and tire combination, providing more clearance. They also feature removable daytime- running-light (DRL) covers for additional clearance.
Up in front, the seven-slot front grille is protected by a 4’ x 1’ custom-designed tubular grille guard. For some relaxation and taking a break from trekking, an innovative bumper bench can be used by folding the grille guard down. If in a tough spot, a modified Rubicon bumper with a Warn winch can be found below the grille guard for some towing. In the rear, the concept comes with three concept header-mounted, 11-inch TYRI rectangular LED lights with custom brackets that can be mounted to the backside of the windshield header. Each light can be pivoted down when the windshield is folded to add some light to the ground in addition to custom rock lights.
All around the body of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure Concept are additions to protect the vehicle and passengers. Jeeps are known for mounting a spare wheel and tire to the rear, but surely more can be done. A custom convertible tube gate offers various positions for the spare wheel and tire – when flipped outward, this setup acts as a bed extender to provide more cargo space; when turned inward, off-roading capability is improved with the extra space. In either position, consumers can make use of red stop lamps mounted on the center line of the rear (CHMSL) and a factory backup camera.
Going off road usually comes with equipment if planning to spend a day on the trail. A rear cargo compartment features Jeep Rubicon trail rails with tie downs for storing equipment on the roof. Inside, a signature JPP all-weather cargo mat helps to keep the interior clean. The new JPP heavy-duty vinyl flooring system is also available, complete with integrated Jeep floor drains to make cleanup easier.
Speaking of the interior, there are some pretty vivid chromatic seating surfaces, using a combination of light Acorn Squash Nappa leather contrasted and darker Carnegie Hall brown Nappa leather, stitched with warm off-white Serafil thread. Inside-and-out, consumers will find a stunning Dark Harbor blue paint job and on the instrument panel (featuring various Vintage Bronze accents). Jeepers can also record trail rides via an instrument panel accessory rail to mount phones.
Now that sounds like a great off-road Jeep concept. As always, this is just a sample of what consumers can do when modifying a Jeep with the JPP catalog. It all starts with buying your own new Jeep Wrangler at Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.