The Jeep Low Down Is A Ferrari-Inspired Wrangler With A See-Through Hood
The Easter Jeep Safari concepts that roll out every year often feature retro themes based on SUVs of yore, but this year there’s one that’s a little racier.
The Jeep Low Down Concept is a Wrangler inspired by LeMans racers from the 1960s, like the iconic Ferrari Testa Rossas.
This is somewhat fitting as Jeep and Ferrari have had ownership ties in recent years.
The Low Down also tips its hat to the Lower Forty concept from 2009, which featured 40-inch tires without a suspension lift.
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This time around, the tires are 42-inches and wrapped around 20-inch beadlock wheels, which are accommodated by carbon fiber high-clearance fender flares. Stubby bumpers and the removal of the rear spare tire tighten up the look.
The build is based on the V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392, which will soon be discontinued, but has been equipped with Dana 60 axles.
The engine is housed under a clear power-dome in the carbon fiber hood and the truck painted a special Poison Apple red with a white racing stripe that goes from front fender to front fender over the hood.
It’s also equipped with custom rear doors that have internal handles to create the illusion that it is a two-door vehicle, similar to the stretched LJ Unlimited of 2004 to 2006.
It features a translucent red top and the seats also feature a throwback sports car style with corduroy inserts and metal grommets, while the radio and touchscreen infotainment system have been removed. Jeep says the V8 is all the audio entertainment that is needed.
Jeep also brought a more conventional heritage-inspired wrangler called the Willys Dispatcher Concept that features white 17-inch steelie-style wheels, a new Warn winch designed to look like an old-fashioned one, a hood with the Willys name stamped into it, 1950s-green Element 115 paint with black roof pillars and an interior trimmed in distressed leather and houndstooth cloth. If it looks like something out of the film “Asteroid City” that’s exactly the idea.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept has a 1970s vibe with its black and gold two-tone paint, 40-inch tires and flat fenders, but it also features an air suspension, Rock Slide Engineering rock rails with power-extendable steps built into them and a Decked cargo storage system.
The Jeep Vacationer Concept is a rehash of last-year’s Grand Wagoneer Overland that’s been redone with a classic station wagon style that includes a thin strip of textured wood-look trim, two tone paint and an interior dressed like an old cabin. It carries a RedTail Overland Skyloft on the roof, which is solar-powered and climate-controlled.
None of the concepts are destined for production, as-is, but elements of Easter Jeep Safari concepts often find their way onto future models or into the Jeep Performance Parts and MOPAR accessories catalogs.
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