Monday 3 April 2017

Choose Your Adventure: Jeep Unveils Wrangler Switchback and Safari Concepts

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Jeep-Switchback-and-Safari-concept-PLACEMENT

This year’s Easter Jeep Safari will be the last for the current-generation Jeep Wrangler, as an all-new model is set to make its debut at the end of the year. So the Wrangler-based Switchback and Safari concepts will serve as the swan songs for the decade-old SUV before it rides off to the big mud pit in the sky.

Jeep Switchback

The purist’s choice among Jeep’s 2017 Easter Safari concepts, the Switchback includes a stepped “safari” top, painted white, that is reminiscent of the lid fitted to the original Land Rover Discovery. Complementing the roof are a set of unique half doors that feature holes in their sides, begging the question: Why have doors at all?

Jeep Switchback concept

To maximize the Switchback’s off-road potential, Jeep also lifted the SUV by four inches, placed a Dana 44 axle at each end, and added a set of 17-inch wheels wrapped in 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires. Additionally, Jeep tossed in a set of remote-reservoir Fox shocks, a winch, and a roof rack. All of the Switchback’s exterior lights are of the LED variety, while floorboards coated in spray-in bed liner protect the Switchback’s insides from the elements.

Jeep Safari

Unlike the Switchback, the Safari is a Wrangler Unlimited designed to appeal to modern techies. A dashboard-mounted iPad, a roof-mounted drone, rotating rear seats, and chic clear-vinyl doors are just a few of the strange concessions to modernity adopted by the Safari. Still, the concept is a Wrangler at heart, so it is fitted with a two-inch lift kit, 18-inch wheels with 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires, Dana 44 axles with differential lockers, full-length skid plates, and an onboard air compressor. Overall length is trimmed, as well—a concession, Jeep said, to help the funky concept off-road.

Both concepts are powered by the Wrangler Unlimited’s stock 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine, fitted with a cold-air intake, while a five-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting duties. Our adventure would probably include shifting for ourselves.

Jeep-Switchback-and-Safari-concept-REEL

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