The FCA met with select Jeep dealers earlier this week in order to discuss the JL-series Wrangler. Thanks to the folks at JL WranglerForums, we know some details about the new car, and we are particularly thrilled about the engines.
The new model of the iconic off-roader is going to be unveiled in November at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show while it should go on sale in December as a 2018 model.
Jeep will launch the new Wrangler with two powertrains, and the base one will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4, this is no surprise because it was confirmed last year. The engine will produce 300 horsepower, and it will be mated to an automatic transmission only, probably an 8-speed. No manual transmission will be offered.
The other unit is going to be an improved variant of the 3.6-liter V6 which currently lies under the hood of the Wrangler. The boost of power is inevitable, and the buyers can opt for both automatic and manual gearbox.
The last option which will be introduced is the diesel engine which should come one year later. It will be a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 which faces some emission problems, and FCA needs to make some changes. We have seen some Wrangler prototypes which had Diesel Exhaust Fluid tanks intended to reduce nitrogen oxides in diesel vehicles.
The performance figures of the diesel unit are unknown at the moment, but the engine that powers the Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers 240 ponies. Also, we cannot talk about the transmission that will be combined with the engine as there is no official information, but rumor has it that automatic gearbox will be the sole option.
The FCA is working on the hybrid powertrain for the Jeep Wrangler as well, but this was not the topic of the meeting. The planned Wrangler pickup wasn’t discussed either. Stay tuned for more details which should emerge before the LA Auto Show which begins on November 27.
