Jeep and Ram brand CEO, Mike Manley, reveals new information about the upcoming 2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler pickup truck, according to a recent report by Edmunds.com.
First up is the release schedule for next generation (codename: JL) Wrangler and its pickup truck variant. Mike Manley confirmed that the 2018 Wrangler will go on sale in the first half of 2017, according to the report. It is less than a year away. When will it be officially revealed? There is no official word on this yet, although many rumors point to the 2017 Detroit Auto Show in January. Production of the Wrangler pickup truck is scheduled to start later, in early 2018. Jeep is positioning the 2018 Wrangler pickup as the choice for off-road enthusiasts. There is no confirmation on the name for the new pickup truck from Jeep.
CEO made a very interesting statement, according to the report: “No morphing a three-door out of a four-door, or a four-door out of a three-door; that’s when you pick up compromises along the way,” he said. “We really tried to make sure we made the best two-door, the best three-door, the best four-door we can.” The current Wrangler comes in a two-door and four-door “Unlimited” versions. What is this three-door version he speaks of? Could the pickup truck version have three doors or are they making a hatchback variant?
Manley also said that the 2018 Wrangler will weigh less, be more aerodynamic, and offer better fuel economy than the current model. The 2016 Wrangler curb weights range from 3,760 lbs for the base two-door to 4,315 lbs for the Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock. The exact weigh savings was not specified, although we know that it will utilize more aluminum components. A lighter Wrangler is welcome news all the way around. Lighter curb weight helps with the on-road and off-road performance. The steeper raked windshield and other design changes will make it more slippery through the air without messing too much with the iconic Wrangler styling.
Improved fuel economy was the primary goal for the JL Wrangler. The exact improvement was not specified, but more efficient engine options are key in the hunt for more MPGs. A turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine is rumored for the next Jeep. For reference, the current JK Wrangler is EPA rated at 17 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway.
Here are our Top 10 predictions for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler pickup truck.
