[Wrangler JL News]

We’ve been anxiously waiting for the Wrangler JL’s production model to be revealed and so far, we’ve only seen it roaming around under heavy camouflage. To get us through these tough times until Jeep finally decides to unveil their next generation Wrangler, we’ve come up with a rendering of what the off-roader could look like.

So far, from what we can see in the test mule spy shots, the windshield seems to have a steeper rake to improve the Wrangler’s aerodynamics so we’ve incorporated that into the render along with an elongated front end in order to fit FCA's 8-speed automatic transmission. Something else that has been stretched is the wheelbase, just a couple of inches for a roomier interior.

What you may not notice in the renderings are the wider front fenders and the panoramic sunroof. We first noticed the wider front fenders from spy shots taken back in May and later that same month, a rumor was circulating about the Wrangler JL’s three roof options; power soft top, hardtop glass panel, and a 3-piece hardtop. we just decided to go with the panoramic roof since it's the first something like this is appearing the Wrangler.

As for the JL’s front, its grille may be getting a bend near the top and the turns signals have been relocated to the outer fenders instead of their traditional location on either side of the grille.

Making up the JL’s rear angled illustration are taillights based on the Renegade's "X" design setup and the noticeably missing exposed screws.

These renderings are based off of rumors, speculations, and spy photo observations from the past year and we think they’re a good representation of what the 2018 Jeep Wrangler could look like.

>> More 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Rendering Pictures <<

Check Out Our Featured Gallery: 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Rendering

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[Johnson]

The panoramic roof does look really cool on this. I thought it would be a dumb idea but it's starting to grow on me.

 

[gladiator]

Always thought they would expand on the whole roof idea they had going on with the Renegade. At least here we might see it taken up a notch, but I wouldn't mind having something of the same spec as what the Renegade has.

 

[linkpin]

I'm not a fan of the curved grill and hope, as you point out, that this is just a "rendering". The flat grill is a very important ichonic characteristic of the Wrangler line. I would have no problem if the grill was simply raked back to improve the aero.

 

[Johnson]

I think the spy shots confirmed that it will have that arch to it towards the top I believe. Which I do agree with you though, the flat grill is the only grill that should be on the Wrangler.

 

[gladiator]

I'm not a fan of the curved grill and hope, as you point out, that this is just a "rendering". The flat grill is a very important ichonic characteristic of the Wrangler line. I would have no problem if the grill was simply raked back to improve the aero.

Most of these renderings give poor examples of how the real deal will look, most of the guys creating these renderings aren't car designers and for all we know that curved grille could be part of something much bigger, like an entire front face lift... on that it could look great.

 

[GrandLake]

The panoramic roof does look really cool on this. I thought it would be a dumb idea but it's starting to grow on me.

I would avoid this thing like the plague. My wife and I own two jeeps, and I have numerous friends with them. We obviously don't know the details on this roof, but in the past Jeep has installed a drain in their sunroof that runs down the pillar next to the windshield. If this drain becomes clogged, which is apparently common, then the water overflows into your dashboard. A friend of mine had this happen to him and Jeep would not cover it under warranty. It cost him about $4,000 to get all the electronics in his dash replaced.

I'm very much looking forward to the new wrangler, but I won't be buying anything with roof drain.

 

[Johnson]

I would avoid this thing like the plague. My wife and I own two jeeps, and I have numerous friends with them. We obviously don't know the details on this roof, but in the past Jeep has installed a drain in their sunroof that runs down the pillar next to the windshield. If this drain becomes clogged, which is apparently common, then the water overflows into your dashboard. A friend of mine had this happen to him and Jeep would not cover it under warranty. It cost him about $4,000 to get all the electronics in his dash replaced.

I'm very much looking forward to the new wrangler, but I won't be buying anything with roof drain.

Ouch, thanks for the heads up :|

That is quite unfortunate that they wouldn't even cover it under warranty though, it's a flaw with the drainage system itself, it's not like you chose to clog it.

In that case I'll definitely be opting out of that then.

 

[gladiator]

I feel sorry for potential owners looking on here, especially those that don't understand it as well as others do and that can turn someone away from the next wrangler. for me it might mean sitting on the sidelines for 6-months to a year before taking action.

 

[Johnson]

Well.. that's why potential owners come to forums. To learn and gain knowledge on these things and ask questions. For you're average Joe, they wouldn't know half of these issues and how things work at all so it's of no harm

 

[Jeepernator]

Glad I came upon this thread then. Always liked the panoramic roofs but didn't know the drainage system can get clogged. With how much electronics are stuffed into the dash these days, any water leaking on it could be costly.

 

[AVENTUS]

I'm all about more visibility in the roof, in any event, whether it be an all glass as rendered (which seems really cumbersome to store if one piece)

More likely going to be two or three removable panels, each with as much of their top being clear as possible.

lexan (hard top) or clear vinyl (power soft top)

 

[AVENTUS]

I also hope the door hinges change, to a system where a fully open door, could be lifted vertically right off it's hinge. Like where the door frame itself has the downward Pin/bolt, that slides into a female tube/hinge, that stays on the jeep.

Quick remove doors would really be a popular option.

Even a low cost option, if the power windows and power locks could have a quick remove wiring harness, or if non-power manual-window doors, could still have power locks, via a deadbolt which extends from the pillars, into a female port on the doors.

 

[geezer1]

I'm not a fan of the curved grill and hope, as you point out, that this is just a "rendering". The flat grill is a very important ichonic characteristic of the Wrangler line. I would have no problem if the grill was simply raked back to improve the aero.

I too am concerned about the possibility of a curved grille. One of the things I really like about Wranglers is the flat grille, which sets it apart from everything else out there. This could actually be a deal breaker for me if it looks less like a Wrangler and more like a typical SUV. Holding my breath waiting for an actual picture...

 

[geezer1]

Well, I can exhale now. I just saw an actual picture of the JL grille and it looks pretty good when all's said and done. The rendering doesn't do it justice, (as someone pointed out earlier may be the case). Don't know how I missed the pics, they've been out for a while now but I'm glad I saw them. Makes me feel a lot better about the JL.

 

[Johnson]

I was too very skeptical about the grill but the pictures have made me content

 

[gladiator]

i wasn't too worried from the beginning, after looking at what they have recently done and then expanding out to see what FCA as a whole has been doing over the last few years. that sort of analysis gives you confidence in future products like this.


plus, producing a specific product this long... its hard to mess it up.

 

[Johnson]

True.. especially when so much of it has been working for a large amount of years.

 

[Jeepernator]

Did anyone notice the odd looking headlights? Looks like four arrows, not that I'm complaining. May as well switch up the headlights if they're going with the new "X" taillights.

 

[Gina]

They don't look very functional so it's most likely added on a whim from the artist. Even the mules had normal headlights, there's only so many changes an enthusiast will take. :grin2: