Well, we finally have a better view of the Jeep’s upcoming next gen Wrangler or the JL. As it is to be expected the “specimen” that is caught is wearing a lot of camo hiding some of its main features, but since it is just a few months away from the official reveal the camo is hiding less and less. This spied prototype is unveiling a number of things like the new grille, front and rear fascias, front and rear LED lights, hinges for the fold-down windshield and doors, and a flush fuel-filler cap.
Jeep has been busy lately, and besides this, they are also in the process of testing the four door variant of the Wrangler, as well as its, production confirmed, pickup version named the Scrambler. Since this is Jeep we are talking about and its Wrangler model, you really shouldn’t expect many outside changes. The JL Wrangler will remain true to its famous design with a few bits and pieces updated to fit the new age, but it will still remain rugged body-on-frame design with solid front and rear axles and steel construction (for the most part). The company decided to save some weight and try and improve the fuel economy, so they gave a go to aluminum usage which is something entirely new from Jeep.
To continue their efforts for fuel savings, an inline 4 unit will be made available, with a possibility of the second unit in the form of turbocharged V6 diesel which will come sometime later. The base one that will be offered from the day one it hits showrooms will be the good old V6, and it will be attached to either 6-speed manual or the 8-speed automatic transmission. If you recall, there were some rumors that surfaced about two months ago and those were related to a few Wrangler versions that might get a permanent four wheel drive, but that should be taken with a grain of salt until something official comes out.
The next gen Wrangler JL will be produced at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ plant in Toledo, Ohio and the production is slated for late 2017. It should debut sometime in November this year as a 2018 model year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show which is pushed back to December 1–10, 2017.
