Brian Williams, SpiedBilde
2018 Jeep Wrangler
By Perry Mack
There’s a great deal of media coverage every time someone spots a new Wrangler JL test mule, or finds some ‘leaked’ information. Let’s review what’s been said, and the key information that has not. I’m a Jeep enthusiast and should be stoked, but my gut feeling is this new Wrangler will be a huge disappointment to the off-road community.
Let’s begin from the top down. Spy shots and a grainy leaked photo from the factory (similar quality to Sasquatch photos – I’m not going to reprint them here) show a slightly more raked front windshield and everyone comments on the improved aerodynamics. However, it will never be an aerodynamic vehicle, and it’s not supposed to be. If a Jeep buyer wants aerodynamic – buy a Cherokee. The second thing never mentioned is that the raked windshield should help with stone chips. Rocks hit the near vertical windshield of my 2015 JKU like an MLB batter swinging for the fence. I’ve replaced the windshield once and had six chip repairs in two years. That’s nine times the average of my Ram, Ford, Isuzu, GMC and Suzuki trucks.
Then there’s a long list of inconsequential visuals. Signal lights on the mirrors, a bend in the front grille (oh my), a fender vent aft of the front fender (looks kind of cool), a chamfered character line below the windows (right at the top of my Christmas wish list) a hood vent, which does look great, but is probably a higher trim option, and an improved looking bumper (which off-roaders will still want to replace with something beefier).
Then there’s the list of things that don’t change to keep the Wrangler faithful happy. It’s still a convertible, the front windshield still folds down, you’ll be able to order a manual transmission, and the six and eight speed transmissions remain unchanged.
Some of the innovations that have been available in the aftermarket, you will now be able to buy from the dealer including a power soft top, upgraded axles and new colours in the soft top.
On the meatier side of the equation are the engine options. The 3.6L V6 VVT will return, and we expect some minor tweaks to improve the hp, torque and fuel economy.
Then there are the two new engine options. First is the long awaited 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel. 4WD expects to see an engine similar to what powers the current Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, which produces 240 hp @ 3,600 rpm and 420 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm. This will be an impressive improvement over the current 3.6L Pentastar’s 285 Hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. But it comes at a price. In the Cherokee line up it is a $7145 upgrade over the 3.6L Pentastar, and is only available in two upper trim packages of the Grand Cherokee – Overland and Summit - starting at $61,345. The base MSRP for a Cherokee Sport is $27695, which means in order to get a diesel engine in ‘Cherokee’ (regular and Grand); you have to spend an additional $33,650 CDN over the entry level Sport. Wow. If Jeep wants to knock our socks off, offer the diesel in all the trim levels of the Wrangler.
The second engine is a 2.0L, inline, four-cylinder, double overhead cam, direct injection gas engine with a belt starter generator ( 2.0 I4 DOHC DI Turbo engine with BSG). Jeep has named it the ‘Hurricane’ after the inline four that powered many Willys from 1950 to 1971. Alfa Romeo has a similar engine out now that produces 276 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque through a flat curve from 2,250 to 4500 rpm, so we expect similar numbers when Jeep unveils this engine.
BSG is auto start stop technology, which shuts the engine off at a short stop (traffic light) and restarts when the driver steps on the gas. To those unfamiliar with the technology, it sounds like it will be plagued with problems, but it is ‘old’, proven technology. It is likely that it will automatically disconnect when 4x4 is selected.
After that there are some trim and option availability changes including the lack of a two-door Sahara package.
I expect the engines will be the biggest news for the new JL. Jeep currently dominates the segment with sales at their highest levels ever, which I believe is why Wrangler was the last to get a diesel engine, although FCA had them in other brands and models. The delay is because FCA just didn’t have to spend the money on Wrangler any sooner.
There’s a long list of ‘not just yet’ that is more exciting. At the top of the list is the pick-up version, called the Wrangler JT, but it’s not out for another year.
My gut feeling is that the best news about the upcoming JL is that a new JK should be more affordable while JL production ramps up. FCA will be producing both models for a few months at the same time. The big reveal is rumoured to be at the Los Angeles Auto Show Nov 27, 2017 (but not 100% confirmed). And that is when the speculation will stop and truth will be told.