[Wrangler JL News]

Jeep revealed two models from their lineup of six limited-run edition Wranglers last year and now another special edition JK Wrangler has been revealed, the 2017 Rubicon Recon.

Before the new JL Wrangler hits showroom floors and production of the JK ends, Jeep wanted the JK to go out with a bang and that’s where the special editions come in. Previously revealed were the two-door Sport Freedom and Sahara Winter variants. Now the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition has joined the lineup and will start appearing in showrooms later this month.

Sitting half-an-inch higher than the standard Wrangler Rubicon, the Recon edition features upgrades to the chassis and axles for even more off-road capability. Beefier housing tubes, heavy-duty end forgings and heavy-duty cast front and rear differential covers will make the Recon more resilient against damage.

There’s also shorter off-road rock rails to better accommodate a set of 35-inch tires if you choose to switch out of the standard 32-inch BF Goodrich KMs.

According to Carscoops, the Rubicon Recon gets a six-speed manual gearbox for an “impressive crawl ratio of 73.1:1”. Great for those who like to climb everything with their Wrangler and there’s an optional five-speed automatic gearbox.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition will set you back $39,145 for the two-door and $42,945 for the Unlimited four-door version. That’s three models revealed, three more to go.

 

[Gina]

That's not too much of a price increase, around $6,000 more for the Recon Edition and you'll get "an array of beefed up off-road components". Sounds pretty good for those who are advent rock climbers. I'd rather go with the regular two door Wrangler for $33,645.

 

[gladiator]

Most people who want this won't look at price, all they need to know is that its available - at that point all questions, all second guessing stops. Either they want it or don't regardless of price.

What helps is looking at how many of these special versions Jeep moves and if you look at the numbers in real time, its good enough. With my short commutes i've been seeing enough special editions around.

 

[HighRider]

The recon is well worth it if you're already in the market for a Rubicon, but the Wrangler JL release is just around the corner and most people are probably going to wait. There's still around 3 more special editions to come out before the JL goes on sale, I guess Jeep is targeting those who can't wait.

 

[gladiator]

The recon is well worth it if you're already in the market for a Rubicon, but the Wrangler JL release is just around the corner and most people are probably going to wait. There's still around 3 more special editions to come out before the JL goes on sale, I guess Jeep is targeting those who can't wait.

Well, the wait for special edition JL's is a whole different story. Car makers always end a generation of a certain model with a bang and this is just part of it since there will always be loyalists of that generation and legacy for the car maker to finish off.

If the JK timeline of releases is any indication of what we can expect on the JL then you'll have to be patient, very patient.

 

[HighRider]

I don't mean the JL special editions, I meant that those who can't wait for the normal trim JL Wranglers can go for the JK special editions. The Recon does look like a good deal for hat you're getting, but I'd rather wait for the JL specs for comparison before dropping a lot of money.

 

[Johnson]

The JK special editions are something a lot will look forward to but Jeep played it very well. Didn't release spec information on what the new editions come with, but let you know what the names are and when they should be popping up.

I would rather wait for full JL specs though and beginning trim levels before making that decision. Price difference won't mean much if it comes and checks off all the right boxes.

 

[gladiator]

I don't mean the JL special editions, I meant that those who can't wait for the normal trim JL Wranglers can go for the JK special editions. The Recon does look like a good deal for hat you're getting, but I'd rather wait for the JL specs for comparison before dropping a lot of money.

I see what you mean and agree.

I'm here for a reason and that's for the JL, no point of getting some special edition JK that has certain features the JL has as standard and i'm still on a 7+ year old generation of Wrangler. Long way to go before the specs come out, at best we can expect to see them in the 3rd quarter of this year.

 

[Jeepernator]

Really excited for the LA Auto Show if the Wrangler JL is going to debut there, but I also like the idea of having beefier differential covers, housing tubes, etc with the Recon. As much as I like the Recon, the JL is the one for me but I wouldn't mind seeing those reinforced bits as an additional kit.

 

[gladiator]

Don't forget about the SEMA show since its a month before LA and odds are Jeep might bring a customized JL to the show. With the dates so close and respective of their current timeline we're aware of I would be greatly disappointed if they don't follow through on those expectations.

 

[Mangler]

SEMA could see at least a teaser or something to raise the hype even more. Diff covers and all of that, we may have some things from Mopar but without a doubt all of those bits will be available through aftermarket. They may not release parts like that right away with the JL but maybe on a future edition of it?

 

[gladiator]

I'm thinking that with how much more of a mainstream appeal Jeep is going for this time around (or seems to) we might see various theme's that appeal to different buyers and not just one hardcore off-roader. Many themes they can do all based around an active lifestyle.

 

[Mangler]

Definitely. Things like a camper style, road-trip style, of course the typical off-road beast style. There are a lot more perspectives to take other than the "Going to tackle the rocky mountains" as the usual.

 

[gladiator]

Been seeing a lot of camper styles showing up even from higher end car makers like Audi. With people moving more into city centers there will be a growing need to escape, so that's one theme I can see happening that actually provides some level of ROI if Mopar starts selling camping gear - although that's a bit of a stretch.