[Wrangler JL News]

Started back in 1967 by the Moab Chamber of Commerce, the Easter Jeep Safari is an annual event where enthusiasts from around the country, maybe even the world, gather to take on the backcountry trails of Moab, Utah.

What makes this event more special are the concept vehicles that Jeep usually brings. This year will be no different as the automaker plans to reveal two customized off-roaders and before the event is set to kick off next week, Jeep has released two teaser photos.

Based on the outgoing Wrangler unlimited, the four-door concept sitting on top of a cliff is dubbed the Switchback. We can expect to see it sporting a set of beefy tires, roof rack, cut out doors and more. The second concept with a short-wheelbase is based on the two-door Wrangler. Called Quicksand, CarScoops thinks it may be sitting on a set of wide tires that are commonly found on desert orientated Wranglers.

Taking place from April 8-16, FCA promises to release more information and images before the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari is underway.

 

[Gina]

Here's the close up shot of the four door and I'm digging the holes cut into those doors. They actually remind me of the ones from sideXside vehicles. Looks like there are two trailer hitches in the rear too?

 

[Mangler]

Trailer hitches or tow hooks. but either way, I'm loving those holes in the doors! That looks pretty badass, but I would hope there are covers that you could install as well? I understand it's custom and just for show but still.. I want them...

 

[JeepFan]

Well with how easy is it to remove doors on a wrangler you can get these doors if you really want them, all while maintaining some level of practicality when you most want it. Some owners I know have a winter setup and summer setup, this applies to them.

 

[Mangler]

This website has all of the photos to check out. The Switchback (the one with the door cutouts) looks phenomenal!

2018 Jeep Wrangler Grille Hides in Plain Sight in Easter Jeep Safari Concepts | Automobile Magazine

 

[JeepFan]

Grille on the Safari model looks to be close to the spy shots. Smart move by Jeep for teasing it in this way all while not giving out too much information on the JL. Basically they just brought to reality on the one part everyone knew about or could get little traction on. This has me thinking about what could be next.

 

[gladiator]

it was probably the same grille we saw, painted black, sitting on cardboard and in some office. plays in perfectly to what happened here for Moab.

 

[Jeepernator]

As I recall, wasn't that grille accidentally shipped to the wrong place? What does give it away as the new grille design it where it bends outwards at around the halfway point. Looks pretty good, especially with the silver accent.

 

[Johnson]

The grill on the safari is the same as the one on the quicksand I think, you just can't see it as well because of the color.

 

[gladiator]

What will be funny is if the grille we're seeing is just a version inspired by the real thing and not the real thing placed on this built. not all that hard to do it so that should always be a possibility.

 

[Johnson]

It's very possible but looking at the indentation from the headlights and the curve of the grill, it looks pretty identical to what we've seen before.

 

[Gina]

The switchback's grille looks pretty flat, doesn't have that bump from the leaked grille we saw earlier this year. But the Safari's grille looks like something we could see on the JL.

 

[gladiator]

The weird thing is there seems to be no place for the Jeep letters to fit, unless this time it will go on the mesh backing? Really can't think of any other areas for it to go.

 

[HighRider]

You're right, add on a set of fog lights and there's nowhere for the Jeep badge to go unless they plan to put it where the bull bars are mounted. But these are just concept models from Jeep. Maybe the JL grille will vary slightly from this and they shorten the slats so there's space up top for the badge.

 

[Johnson]

The switchback looks like it's using the older styled grille. I kind of like it without the logo though, and people definitely don't need it to know that it's a Jeep

 

[Gina]

Jeep doesn't even need a badge anymore to declare what brand the Wrangler belongs to. :grin2: The design is so iconic and easy to spot, you can remove ever badge on the Wrangler and people will still recognize it. Maybe that's why the new grille doesn't really have space for one since it's not really needed.

 

[Johnson]

That definitely is a possibility. I think we may just end up getting a Jeep emblem on the hood towards the bottom of it.

 

[gladiator]

Jeep doesn't even need a badge anymore to declare what brand the Wrangler belongs to. :grin2: The design is so iconic and easy to spot, you can remove ever badge on the Wrangler and people will still recognize it. Maybe that's why the new grille doesn't really have space for one since it's not really needed.

They will want the brands name somewhere on the vehicle and odds are if they keep this up, it will just be on the rear. But thats no problem for me, just have to step on the pedal when i see a Toyota FJ creeping up on the street or trail

 

[Johnson]

Can't think of any other vehicle that doesn't have their badge on the front of the car though

 

[Gina]

I'm saying it's unneeded to identify the Jeep Wrangler, but it'll most likely still be on the front somewhere.

Journalists were given a chance to drive the Switchback at Moab and what's interesting is that there is a concept hood fitted which is currently being approved for production. The JL is already in the testing stages so it can't be for that model. Maybe the pickup?

Jeep Switchback: We Drive the Ultimate Open-Air Wrangler » AutoGuide.com News