[Wrangler JL News]

While it may look like your average JK from the exterior, its not.

So whats hiding under that JK body? In all likelihood, chassis and suspension improvements as well as lighter materials.

Fanboys have admittedly been worried since it was rumoured that the JL would adopt a unibody, all aluminium construction. Don't worry, the changes aren;t nearly as radical as threatened.

JL keeps its solid front and rear axles as well as its body on frame construction. Spy photos confirm this much. By the looks of it the JL is using new axles, new suspension geometry and a new exhaust. Otherwise the JL appears as the JK, Dana axles suspended by coil springs and a boxed frame are hallmarks of the Wrangler.

On the powertrain front we've heard that Jeep worked to make sure that the ZF 8 speed will play nicely with the JL platform, something not possible with JK. There are also rumblings that should JK loose enough weight FCA would consider a 4 cylinder gasoline engine as base. The new Pentastar will find its way underhood but the most interesting rumour is a new diesel 4.

Look for the JL to debut late 2016, retooling is already underway at the Toledo factory. Expect a mild price increase should the JL adopt an aluminium body.

 

[gladiator]

8 speed is a smart move, they know they need what ever bit of help they can to help get better mileage and power delivery and 8 speed should be one of many things to help accomplish just that.

 

[Jeepernator]

I'm more excited about the new axles and suspension for going off road but the ZF 8 speed is great news too as I can't drive manual.

 

[LLANERO]

Article suggests rear track bar is gone. Fron the pics I can still see the track bar, it's just that the axle bracket has been raised to make it more parallel to the ground improving rear stability.

I hope these spy pics are real and the redisign looks so similar to the jk, but I'm a lilltle skeptical about it as have never before seen a vehicle redisign that looks so much like the one it's replacing.

 

[FlameRedJK]

Article suggests rear track bar is gone. Fron the pics I can still see the track bar, it's just that the axle bracket has been raised to make it more parallel to the ground improving rear stability.

I hope these spy pics are real and the redisign looks so similar to the jk, but I'm a lilltle skeptical about it as have never before seen a vehicle redisign that looks so much like the one it's replacing.

Thanks for the insight regarding the rear track bar.

I know it's common for manufacturers to test upcoming vehicles with sheetmetal from the previous generation in order to throw off spy photographers. I'm sure the redesign will look different -- this is just a testing mule to test the chassis and powertrain. The mules with the new sheetmetal will be tested last.

 

[HighRider]

The rear track bar could come as an additional option. Mostly depends on what you plan to do with the Wrangler JL because some people take off the rear track bar when going off road.

 

[Sic]

Mopar is smart here. I had read they were looking at doing an independent front suspension but chose against it because of the burden it would place on the aftermarket at hobbyists...

 

[jeep4life]

Wonder where the rear trackbar went? either way I believe whats up top is just to keep everything on the DL

 

[JK77028]

What does the JL stand for? Anyone have any guesses as to when the 2017 will be for sale?

 

[Jeepernator]

If it could debut early 2017, we may not see it go on sale until late next year. And no idea what the JL stands for, I thought it was some internal code for the people who work for jeep.

 

[Johnson]

I tried searching it up and couldn't find anything either. But late next year is what I'm expecting, maybe October-ish ?