Typically if a new model is expected for the next model year at least a concept version is offered at the Detroit Auto Show but no such luck was the case regarding the new Jeep Wrangler. In fact the news is we might not see the production or concept models until the fall of this year and the sales won’t begin until January, at least that’s a real possibility. Even so, we do have an idea of what this new version of the Wrangler will be for the future of the model lineup that we’ll continue to love.
As the first time the Wrangler has been redone since 2007, this is a big step and one that FCA isn’t taking lightly at all. This new Wrangler is expected to maintain much of the classis look with the seven slot grill, the high sides and the round headlights but some changes will be in store. The windshield could be raked back and we may see LEDs in the headlights. The change to the windshield is to offer better fuel mileage while the vehicle will still ride on solid axles it will also have a build that will offer us an impressive use of lightweight materials to help with fuel efficiency.
The following year, 2019, we’re expected to see a pickup truck version of the Wrangler Unlimited model that will give us the first pickup from Jeep since 1992 and the first to come from the Wrangler since the Scrambler that was on the market from 1981-1985. There’s also talk of a future hybrid model that could improve the fuel mileage and the off road performance with more direct power being sent to all the wheels at one time, giving us a great way to enjoy the ride.
Under the hood we expect to see a new version of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that is expected to see around 290 horsepower while a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine could bring in as much as 300 horsepower and carry the name of Hurricane. there is even a rumor of the possibility of a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 being used but that might be nixed with the recent troubles for this engine. These different powertrains will use a six-speed manual transmission as the standard offering and an eight-speed automatic will be offered as an optional gearbox to be had.
As for other features that will be offered the new Jeep Wrangler should be equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rearview camera, heated seats, a navigation system along with a list of luxury features that could be offered on the four-door Unlimited models. While there hasn’t been any actual confirmation of any of the features offered these would make sense when it comes to keeping up in the market. The goal, according to the FCA CEO, is to have a Jeep Wrangler that addresses all the previous shortcomings while continuing to offer what we’ve loved about this SUV for many years.
This is certainly a model that we have looked forward to and expect to see soon. Just because we haven’t seen the production model at a show yet doesn’t mean it’s not on the way. This new Wrangler is expected to begin production in November and we should see the production debut sometime before that time period to give us a much better idea of what the 2018 version of the Wrangler will be. This is one of the most anticipated models in years but certainly we’ll anticipate the pickup truck version even more for the following year.
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