Up to seven concepts that Jeep has prepared for its usual commitment on the Easter Jeep Safari, which will be held from March 27th to April 4th, departing from Moab (Utah). And among them we find what is the first all-electric Jeep that they dubbed the Magneto and which is a zero-emission variant of the Jeep Wrangler.
This prototype, which is nothing more than the promised electric Wrangler and which for now remains a concept, is in essence an appetizer of the future urban electric SUV that the American company now belonging to the new Stellantis conglomerate is preparing for 2022. to a pure electric of course, one would expect that on a mechanical level it would be very different.
In any case, Jeep makes its debut on the paths of pure electrification, taking a step beyond the hybrid plug-ins it already has in its portfolio, the Renegade 4xe and the Compass 4xe.
This Jeep Magneto combines the benefits of an all-electric mechanic with those of the off-road world: in other words, it's electric, but no less capable off-road. Furthermore, it seeks to convey the same sensations as a combustion model.
Designed in the latest version of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon in a two-door version with 9inch Jeep jl rgb halo headlights, this Magneto moves thanks to a single electric propeller that yields a power comparable to the powerful 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, as it develops 285 hp and 370 Nm.
Unlike other zero-emissions four-wheel drive units, Jeep does not opt for the two-engine-per-axle solution, but for a single electric block. In this way, it is a six-speed manual gearbox that transmits all its power to the two axes, which by the way is the same found in the standard Wrangler.
The Jeep assumes that this configuration allows the driver to have complete control over the vehicle's traction, but it seems difficult for this solution to remain in what will be its first electric production.
In any case, this electric drive gets its energy from four batteries that together offer a capacity of 70 kWh. These batteries are distributed throughout the car for optimal weight distribution.
Thus, one is located in the fuel tank hole, in a central position, another just in front of it, a third under the engine under the hood, and a fourth in the rear cargo area, where the exhaust silencer is normally located. . Autonomy is not advertised.
All four batteries are protected by waterproof casings, so the Jeep Magneto retains the Wrangler's wading ability, set at about 76 cm. And in terms of performance, this electric prototype promises to sign the 0-96 in 6.8 seconds.
Unlike the Wrangler Rubicon, the electric Magneto offers space for just two occupants, leaving the rear cargo area free. Its bodywork is covered in glossy white in combination with details in Surf Blue, which can be found, for example, on the roof pillars, on the trunk rails, on the rear "box" itself or on the interior moldings.
The hood also features a huge dark gray stripe and is adorned with a generous central air intake, which gives it a muscular print, while small optical LEDs have been added to the grille. In turn, in the cabin we find two leather seats, which combine a darker blue with black.
Although the main protagonist is the Jeep Magneto, also known as the Electric Wrangler, other prototypes that will be present in the Easter Jeep Safari are also interesting. Of the seven presented, stand out the Jeepster Beach, the Jeep Wrangler Orange Peelz or the Jeep Red Bare, for example.
Starting with the first, it's a second-generation restomod Jeepster that, as the segment demands, combines the classic shapes of the legendary model with modern technology. It's basically based on a 1968 Jeepster Commando and is spiced up with the benefits of the Wrangler Rubicon.
Thus, under the hood hides a four-cylinder 2.0 turbo engine that produces 340 hp and 500 Nm of torque and is managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. And all this accompanied by a two-tone body and a modern interior.
For its part, the Jeep Orange Peelz is also based on a two-door Wrangler, eliminates the side or rear windows, has new doors and a one-piece sliding sunroof on the Freedom Top. Its body is in two tones, combining a striking orange and black, and has 17-inch aluminum wheels courtesy of Jeep Performance Parts (JPP).
JPP also signs the new suspension system of this Orange Peelz, personified in a FOX lift kit and shock absorbers. Ingredients that increase ground clearance by two inches.
