Jeep is debuting an all-electric Wrangler concept that uses a six-speed manual transmission – yes, you read that correctly.
The Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept will star at Jeep’s annual Easter Safari confab in the Moab Desert in Utah this year.
The Magneto is powered by an axial flux electric motor with 213kW of power and 370Nm of torque.
It has an unusually low EV rev limit of 6000rpm, and that’s because the motor drives the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
According to Jeep, the transmission’s clutch “operates as it would with an internal combustion engine” although in quick-shift situations the electric motor goes into regeneration mode when the clutch is engaged in order to “prevent rev-hang”.
The car has a total battery capacity of 70kWh with four battery packs located throughout its body to improve the balance.
One set replaces the fuel tank, another is positioned as a counterbalance, a third unit lives between the bonnet and electric motor, and the fourth occupies the area normally reserved for the muffler and rear storage compartment.
Using an 800V electrical architecture the Magneto should be capable of impressive fast charging times, although Jeep doesn’t quote any figures in this regard – nor has it provided any range estimate.
We do know the Magneto has a claimed 0-60mph (97km/h) time of 6.8 seconds.
Based on the Rubicon spec, the Magneto’s off-road performance is boosted by a 51mm lift kit, 35-inch mud tyres with black 17-inch wheels, and a steel belly pan.
There’s also a custom roll cage, Mopar rock rails, a winch, steel bumpers, and plenty of blue highlights.
There are other three other debutants at this year’s Easter Safari: the Jeepster Beach, Gladiator Red Bare, and Wrangler Orange Peelz.
The Jeepster Beach is a restomod that mates a body taken from a 1968 Jeepster Commando with the underpinnings of the present-day Wrangler.
In addition to a 254kW/500Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, there’s an eight-speed automatic, a 4:1 transfer case, and 35-inch (890mm) tyres.
The interior features red leather upholstery, and the current Wrangler’s dashboard, infotainment system and switchgear. The rear seats have been replaced by a chromed four-point safety cage.
The Jeep Red Bare is a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel Gladiator Rubicon ute with Fire Cracker red paint contrasted with matte black graphics and gold highlights.
Clearly it’s not a car for shy types.
Riding on Dana 44 heavy-duty axles at both ends, a two-inch (51mm) lift kit, and 37-inch (940mm) mud tyres with 17-inch wheels, the Red Bare should be sufficiently capable off-the-beaten track.
On the inside there’s red tartan-style coverings for the seats, as well as the dashboard face plates.
Using a 3.6-litre V6 two-door Wrangler as its basis, the Orange Peelz has been fitted with half doors from JPP and a custom-made one-piece glass sunroof.
For improved chip and crack protection, the windscreen is made from Corning Gorilla Glass, while 4800 lumen LED light pods at the base of the A-pillar should provide plenty of night-time illumination.
There’s also a 2-inch (51mm) lift kit, Fox shocks, 37-inch (940mm) BF Goodrich KM3 mud tyres, and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels.
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