Wrangler Magneto 2.0: What You Need To Know
Of all the big deal concepts at Easter Jeep Safari 2022, the Wrangler Magneto 2.0 might be the coolest one. Last year, Jeep brought out the all-electric, manual transmission Magneto concept. As cool as it was, a sub 300 horsepower drivetrain and 33 inch tires weren’t exactly headline figures.
Jeep brand bumped things up a notch for 2022. Magneto 2.0 produces a claimed 625 horsepower for a hard to believe 0-60 in 2 seconds. Of course off-road capability takes much more than a big horsepower figure. The Magneto 2.0 sits on an intimidating set of 40 inch tires. Thankfully Jeep fitted this JL with Dana 60 and Dana 80 axles. Otherwise the electric motor’s 850 lb-ft of torque would likely wreak havoc on the rest of its drivetrain.
The transmission saw similar upgrades to handle the other-worldly forces at play underneath this unassuming 2-door Wrangler body. The 6-speed started life as a Hellcat transmission. However, Jeep’s team worked the transmission internals even further to make it stronger still.
But It Doesn’t Stop There
Naturally, all of these improvements are supported by none other than King suspension tucked beneath the fenders. Jeep has not published any figures on range for the Magneto 2.0. Granted, with 40 inch rubber, it wouldn’t be a spectacular figure.
How Does It Drive?
Tommy had a chance to take the new Magneto out for a drive with Jim Morrison, head of Jeep Brand. The most interesting aspect of the Magneto driving experience comes from the manual transmission.
Since the electric motor is stationary without throttle input, unlike an ICE, you can be stationary in gear with the clutch out. The clutch’s only job is allowing you to change gear. Once you pick a gear, you can forget about the clutch all together.
Having a wide range of gearing options is definitely useful for varying driving conditions like off-roading. To see this concept in action, check out the video linked below.
