The program for Jeep’s new Wrangler has had more leaks than a screen door on a submarine, from the leak of its owner’s manual and standard options list to the discovery by our own Bozi Tatarevic of potential power numbers for the JL’s new turbocharged mill.
Always of interest to new-car shoppers are the official fuel economy ratings. Such numbers just appeared for the new Wrangler on the EPA’s website, leaving only the texture on underside of the JL driver’s seat as a surprise for its big reveal at the L.A. Auto Show later this year.
The old-style Wrangler Unlimited is currently equipped with a prehistoric automatic transmission when lashed to the Pentastar V6. That powertrain combination is currently rated at 16 city/20 highway/18 combined, or 5.6 gallons per 100 miles.
For 2018, the new JL Wrangler Unlimited is available with the company’s eight-speed auto box when the Pentastar is selected. These extra cogs boost the JL’s fuel economy ratings to 18 city/23 highway/20 combined, or 5.0 gallons per 100 miles. Not a huge increase, but big enough of one that Jeep owners sliding into the new model will see a good difference in range. Assuming a 22-gallon fuel tank, an equivalent amount of gasoline would take the driver of the new Wrangler an extra 50 miles.
Those who choose to row their own will see an increase in fuel economy as well. The old six-speed, Pentastar equipper Wrangler Unlimited was rated at 16 city/21 highway/18 combined. The EPA rates the new one at 17 city/23 highway/19 combined. The powertrain and body configuration mentioned here is the only one currently listed for the new Wrangler on the EPA site.
The new Wrangler broke cover (in pictures) during the SEMA Show in Vegas, with a topless red Rubicon and brown Sahara Unlimited gracing the screens on our phones and laptops. The Rubicon was shown in Firecracker Red, doors removed, and – joy of joys – windshield folded down. It appears folding the windshield may be a bit easier in the new JL than in the old JK, where bugs-in-yer-teeth wheeling involves removing part of the roll bar system. BFGoodrich All Terrain KO2s and a manual transmission all seem present and accounted for on the Rubicon.
Also recently leaked was a supposed list of standard equipment for the three Wrangler trims that’ll be available at launch: Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon. In the Rubicon, we see 4.10 gears listed as standard equipment, paired with Tru-Lok front and rear axles. Those suspension sticks are listed as a ‘Dana M210 Wide Axle’ up front and a ‘Dana M220 Wide Axle’ astern. This ‘wheeler thinks that’s great news, pointing to a stout level of off-road prowess right out of the box.
Sport and Sahara models are listed in the document as getting a Command-Trac Part Time 4WD system, while the Rubicon is showing a 4:1 Rock-Trac HD Part Time 4WD system. The Rubicon will also likely have a power inverter and a 220 amp alternator, perfect for supplying juice to power-sapping electrical accessories.
The new Jeep Wrangler is expected to appear on stage at this year’s L.A. Auto Show.
I want to invest in the parts company that makes the in bumper lights. They’re going to do a booming business.
Not bad in the ratings department.
“The old-style Wrangler Unlimited is currently equipped with a prehistoric automatic transmission when lashed to the Pentastar V6.”
Is it currently a 6-speed?
It’s a 5-spd unit from the Mercedes days.
Dang… Would the 8 speed just not physically fit in the old chassis?
The Wrangler got the Pentastar in 2012. That year the NAG1 5-speed was the only automatic they had. Pentastar Challengers didn’t get the 8-speed until 2015, I didn’t have 3 years to wait.
I don’t get the hype about this vehicle; it has exactly the same outdated, unrefined look as every other Wrangler – which means it’ll sell like crazy.
And, BTW, Wrangler buyers don’t care about fuel economy. The 10% bump may as well be a 10% decline; it wouldn’t make any difference except in FCA’s CAFE numbers.
SCE… it’s a Jeep thing. You wouldn’t understand.
Yes, so I’m told. I forgot to add that. :)
Take the top and doors off one a go for a ride. Nothing else on the road, or off the road, quite like it.
There is,but it says International Harvester on it snd its a little slower
You mean the Scout that they stopped producing nearly 40 years ago? Cause you know.. those are so easy to find..
Or a 74 series Land Cruiser.
Take the roof, doors, and windshield off your car? I think you’ve just described the motorcycle.
I’m sorry, but YAAAAWWWWNNNNN.