2018 Jeep Wrangler has evolutionary approach to design with improved aerodynamics; features a retro interior with modern features
Jeep India launched the Wrangler Unlimited in late 2016 signaling the entry of the iconic American SUV manufacturer. The Wrangler’s boxy design is nothing but retro and can attract the off-roading enthusiasts with ease. But, have you ever thought of how its next generation would look like? Here is a gallery of pictures that gives idea of how it stands visually.
The next-generation 2018 Wrangler was officially revealed during the time of Halloween in the US late last year. The highlighting changes are the curved headlamps, turn indicators on ORVMs and a more aggressive front bumper. There is a powered top with buttons on roof console like in the Renegade that offers optional MySky retractable roof.
Also Read: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Petrol Launched in India at Rs. 56 Lakh
Others include detachable roof and doors, vents on the quarter panel of the front fender, a restyled windshield and sporty vents on the revised bonnet. The side profile does have prominent character lines and the new door handles seem are re-positioned. Moreover, the tail lamps have more pronounced look and the windows lines are less edgy than the current model.
The LED turn indicators are now being re-positioned above the front bumper for a more modern appearance. Putting the changes into perspective, we got an evolutionary Wrangler as the next generation model.
Also Read: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Production to Begin from November
The cabin adapts an updated design retaining its shallow and upright dashboard. A heavily revised switchgear configuration is accompanied by more technological features as well. A body-coloured strip runs down the length of the dashboard amidst a new circular AC vents flanking a larger touchscreen infotainment system.
The air con unit gets new controls and dials to operate the touchscreen with the power window switches positioned at the base of the centre stack. The reworked instrument cluster carries over the analogue system while the expected stuffed feature list contains start/stop system, reverse camera, GPS navigation, heated steering and key-less entry.
Having entered production by the end of 2017, it made its global premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show with three possible engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel. Transmission options are a six-speed manual and a new eight-speed automatic. It entered Europe with a debut in Geneva and will be offered in Sport, Sahara and Rubicon configurations.
The new Wrangler will initially be offered with a 3.6-litre V6 and a 2.0-litre turbo four in the US. The familiar Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 will produce 285 horsepower while the smaller 2.0-litre turbo will top the range by pumping out a maximum 368 hp.
The V6 will be essentially identical to the unit offered in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Durango but the 2.0-litre is brand new and exclusive to the new Wrangler. The Wrangler will initially be sold in only four-door guise under the Sport Unlimited, Sahara Unlimited and Rubicon Unlimited badges and a two-door variant is expected later in the US.
The new Wrangler will also feature a number of aluminium components along with a power soft top, premium cloth or leather seats, auto AC, an Alpine audio system, touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, etc. The evolutionary Wrangler will likely be more aerodynamically efficient and has better fuel efficiency with improved riding dynamics and off-roading abilities.
Jeep claims the Wrangler has improved aerodynamics and a fold-down windshield designed to give more open-air freedom. The new generation off-roader will have a number of different door, top and windshield combos. The production of the outgoing model will continue at the Toledo South assembly plant in US until the existing quarter.
The Jeep Wrangler lighter than the last generation model and has body constructed in steel with the doors, fenders and bonnet in aluminium for increased strength and lightness. However, the tail gate was of magnesium built with better toughness. The differential lock can be activated via electronic switch on the centre console and there are four modes: four-wheel-drive high, four-wheel-drive low and the new four-wheel-drive auto that works calculating traction slip through sensors.
By being the off-road focused vehicle for generations, the all-new Jeep Wrangler has loads of new technologies involved. The equipment list comprises of front and rear skid plates with tow hooks while a winch setup is attached to both bumpers. Select models will have removable bumper end caps for adjusting departure and approach angles.
With water wading capacity of 30 inches, the total ground clearance offered is 276 mm with 44 degree approach and 37 degree departure angle. The Rubicon model has a massive 33-inch tyre package on 17-inch off-road wheel. Other main features are mechanically adjustable seats with option of cloth or leather, bettered interior space and material quality and body-coloured rollcage.
As you can in the images, the Rubicon variant gets red interior and exterior while the increased rear seat space with better comfort comes courtesy of the extended wheelbase. There are several Mopar accessories being included as well this year including a special tubed door accessory. Available in both hard and soft top versions, the roof can be easily folded this time around amidst a powered option that slides it back.
Jeep boss Mike Manley has said to US media that a plug-in hybrid Wrangler is “inevitable” and it is expected by 2020. He has not revealed any details though about the powertrain and it could share the driveline with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The packaging and fuel economy benefits are currently being evaluated by Jeep engineers.
The Wrangler Unlimited is expected to be only offered exclusively with the 3.6-litre V6 engine. However, it will have variety of different accessory options including a three-piece hard top and a limited-slip differential. We can expect it to arrive in India later this year or in early 2019 with minor price revision. The existing Wrangler is sold in two variants costing around Rs. 58.74 lakh for petrol 4×4 and Rs. 67.60 lakh for diesel 4×4 (ex-showroom, New Delhi). We hope to see the two-door model launching in India as well going by the spy shots.
2018 Jeep Wrangler Images
Spy Source: MotorBash