It’s that time of year – the Easter Jeep Safari is closing in a2d Jeep has just released its batch of 2017 concept vehicles for the annual enthusiast even held in Moab, Utah. Jeep is bringing five original concept vehicles to the jamboree, each with their own style. They also have tons of production and experimental parts from Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts bolted on. This particular Jeep, the Wrangler Switchback Concept, showcases a high-level off-roader modified with beefier axles, bigger wheels and tires, and a slew of one-off parts.

Jeep engineers gave this Wrangler a high-line fender kit, custom half-metal doors, concept wheels, a Safari-style hard top, a roof rack, and a unique heat-reduction hood, among other changes.

Of course, what’s a modified Wrangler without a lift kit? The Switchback concept boasts a four-inch suspension lift with remote reservoir Fox Racing shocks. The axles are heavy-duty Dana 44 units, and the tires are 37 inchers from BFGoodrich. There’s plenty more to cover, so keep reading for more.

Continue reading to learn more about the Jeep Switchback Concept.

2017 Jeep Switchback Concept

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  • Model: 2017 Jeep Switchback Concept
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What makes the Jeep Switchback Concept special

This Wrangler started life as a standard Rubicon model. It was then given that four-inch suspension lift with remove-reservoir Fox Racing shocks. A steering bar stabilizer also comes from Fox. The wheels are concept units from Jeep Performance Parts. The 17-inch wheels are wrapped in BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires.

Up front, this Wrangler wears the 10th-anniversary steel bumper with an integrate Warn winch, LED light pots, and a shorty grille guard. Red tow hooks give it some extra flair. The grille has been blacked out with a matte hue, while the headlights are the new upgraded LED units for the 2017 model year. The hood is a new take on the heat reduction hood already offered on several Wrangler models. The plastic fenders have been relocated higher on the body, giving more room for the 37-inch tires to flex.

The windshield is packed with goodies, including concept LED light pods from JPP, along with a two-row LED light bar mounted up top. The windshield mounting plate then lends its bolts to the roof rack, which increased the Wrangler’s cargo capacity. And speaking of the roof, Jeep added a Safari-style hard top with extra height in the rear with Land Rover-esque windows. While not overly original, the windows do bring extra light into the cabin.

The half-metal doors certainly help bring extra light into the cabin, too, thanks to those big holes cut inside. The half-metal doors don’t come with glass windows, so there’s no loss of functionality. The holes do, however, add an extra level of open-air driving, not to mention the 1941 Easter Egg date. Just below, JPP rock rails that double as side steps help protect the rocker panels.

Inside the Switchback concept, Jeep added Katzkin leather seats, body-color bezels on the HVAC vents and dashboard, grab handles, and all-weather floor mats. The entire floor is covered in spray-on bed liner for complete protection. In back, a storage rack holds a first aid kit and roadside safety kit.

Under the hood, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 remains stock, save for a cold air intake. The six-speed manual was skipped over in favor of the five-speed automatic.