It has become a tradition. Every Easter, Jeep showcases a series of concept vehicles as part of the Easter Jeep Safari, a large gathering of off-road enthusiasts in Moab, Utah.
This year, the prototype that catches the eye is the Magneto 2.0, a sort of 100% electric Jeep Wrangler developing 625 horsepower! The team of Car guide traveled to Utah to try it out.
Based on a traditional Wrangler, there is nothing trivial about the Magneto 2.0. Its gasoline engine has been swapped for two electric motors and a 70 kWh battery.
Remember that last year, Jeep presented a first version of an electric Wrangler. Today, the manufacturer has pushed the exercise even further, just to impress once again.
With 625 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque, this electron-powered Wrangler seems as well suited to rocky courses as it is to a drag strip. Its designers ensure that it can go from 0 to 97 km/h in just two seconds!
Photo: Germain Goyer
An electric Jeep… with a manual transmission!
In addition to this excessive power, the Magneto has another major argument that will make many nostalgic people smile: a manual transmission! No electric vehicle currently on sale offers such a transmission. Yet this is the case with the Magneto 2.0. The engineers responsible for its design adapted a six-speed Tremec transmission originally designed for a Dodge Challenger Hellcat.
When starting, there is no need to decompress the clutch gradually as is the case for a gasoline vehicle. Once the first gear engaged, we are ready to press the accelerator to take off. The clutch pedal will however be useful to you then to switch from one report to another, like a gasoline vehicle.
Photo: Germain Goyer
What is the added value? The pleasure factor, believe us! It is totally refreshing to see that some manufacturers do not forget the real driving enthusiasts.
A special look
As you can see from the photos, the Jeep Magneto 2.0 is nothing ordinary. Note that its carbon fiber hood has a translucent part allowing close observation of the powertrain.
Photo: Germain Goyer
We also note that the chassis has been lengthened by 12 inches compared to a conventional Wrangler. It is fitted with 40-inch tires mounted on 20-inch rims.
When will there be an electric Jeep?
Although Jeep offers a plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, it still doesn’t offer anything that’s 100% electric. We remember that the American manufacturer unveiled last March some photos of a future electric SUV, whose format seems to be similar to that of a Compass. His name remains a mystery.
However, one thing is certain, after getting behind the wheel of the Magneto 2.0, we can assure you that we see a bright future for Jeep and electric technology. 4X4 purists and driving enthusiasts will probably not be forgotten.