The concept of overlanding, while well-established, often brings forth the crucial consideration of minimizing gear weight, particularly the vehicle itself, when planning extended remote off-road expeditions. Introducing the Jeep® Bug Out 4xe concept, a vehicle that began its life as a four-door Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon and has evolved into a stripped-down, extended, and highly off-road-capable machine. This innovative concept draws inspiration from the principles of ultralight camping and overlanding, but with a unique and modern twist. Designers at the Jeep brand embraced the core tenet of ultralight camping – meticulous weight management – to create the Jeep Bug Out. This extensively customized and lightweighted vehicle embodies the essence of a responsible, contemporary mobile campsite. In the realm of overlanding, the journey itself holds paramount importance, often surpassing the destination.
Notable Exterior Modifications: The Jeep Bug Out 4xe concept boasts a special-edition PEA51 matte silver exterior paint color accented with vibrant yellow details and graphics, immediately setting it apart. A raised roof, increased by four inches, significantly enhances accessibility to the rear cargo area. The front end features a robust steel bumper equipped with LED auxiliary lights and a custom-designed hood. Mopar front half doors and a custom rear body side with integrated auxiliary battery packs contribute to both weight reduction and functionality. The body has been extended by 12 inches and incorporates a Jeep Gladiator-style drop tailgate along with a high-departure rear tube bumper, optimizing off-road capability. A unique addition is a mounted Jeep electric off-road E-scooter, offering up to 40 minutes of continuous use for exploring beyond the campsite. High-clearance flares accommodate 18-inch lightweight Forgeline wheels fitted with aggressive 37-inch BFG KM3 tires, ensuring exceptional off-road traction and performance.
Notable Interior Modifications: Inside the Bug Out 4xe concept, the front seats feature custom trim with topographic inserts, adding a touch of unique style. Durable, waterproof bed-lined floors are equipped with mole panels and a cargo net, providing secure and versatile storage solutions. A flat rear floor creates an enclosed space, offering shelter from the elements when needed. Interior attachment points have been integrated to accommodate a sleeping hammock, further emphasizing the ultralight camping ethos.
Powertrain and Performance Details: As the Jeep Bug Out 4xe concept started as a four-door Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon, it inherits the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain. This system typically combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kWh battery pack. This configuration allows for both electric-only driving for shorter distances and the combined power of the engine and electric motors for enhanced off-road capability and performance. While specific power figures and performance metrics for this customized concept are not detailed in the provided text, the Wrangler 4xe platform is known for delivering significant torque, crucial for navigating challenging off-road terrain. The electric powertrain also contributes to quieter operation, especially in EV mode, enhancing the experience of being in remote natural environments. The integration of auxiliary battery packs in the rear body side suggests an increased electrical capacity to support camping equipment and the electric scooter. The 37-inch BFG KM3 tires and the lifted suspension, facilitated by the raised roof and high-clearance flares, further underscore the vehicle’s enhanced off-road prowess.
Summary:
- The Jeep Bug Out 4xe concept is based on a four-door Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon.
- It is designed with an ultralight overlanding philosophy, focusing on weight management.
- Exterior modifications include a raised roof, steel bumpers with LED lights, Mopar half doors, and a 12-inch extended body with a Gladiator-style tailgate.
- It features 18-inch lightweight Forgeline wheels with 37-inch BFG KM3 tires and high-clearance flares.
- A mounted Jeep electric off-road E-scooter provides additional mobility.
- Interior modifications include custom-trimmed seats with topographic inserts, bed-lined floors with storage solutions, and a flat rear floor with hammock attachment points.
- It utilizes the Wrangler 4xe’s PHEV powertrain for a blend of electric and gasoline power, optimized for off-road use.
- Auxiliary battery packs are integrated into the rear body side.
Disclaimer: The Jeep Bug Out 4xe Concept is a customized vehicle and its specifications and features are for illustrative purposes only and may not be available on production models.
Source: Jeep
AI Assistance: Gemini