[Wrangler JL News]

This is the moment fans have been anxiously waiting for, at least for the past few months, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL finally debuted today at the L.A. Auto Show.

The Truth About Cars is at said show to bring us the nitty-gritty details of the next generation Wrangler and it all looks promising. Though one thing worth mentioning from the start is the manual gearbox’s availability, which is only in 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 powered variants for now.

At launch, the aforementioned engine will deliver 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque via a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. As previously leaked in a Environmental Protection Agency, the manual variant has a city/highway fuel economy rating of 17 mpg and 23 mpg respectively. An automatic gearbox bumps that up to 18 mpg and 23 mpg.

The second engine option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder, which is good for 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. What’s interesting about this powertrain is the 48-volt battery and belt starter-generator it comes with, making it a mild hybrid vehicle. Those hoping for a 3.0-liter diesel offering will have to wait as it won’t be offered initially.

Those interested can choose from two 4×4 systems, though only the “two-speed transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive” was mentioned.

Pricing for the new Wrangler JL is still under wraps, but Jeep is likely to release those numbers as we approach the Wrangler’s sale date next January.

 

[Solo]

It will be interesting to see how many people choose the 4 cylinders over the
V-6. Personally, I would stick with the classic V6 option, what about you guys?

 

[englishfil]

Engine choice

Whichever I choose I will let Jeep make it for a year before deciding. Being in a land of expensive gasoline ('petrol') I am likely to go for the 2.0l turbo BSG. Need to hear some feedback on user experience first. Raw hp is not as important as power-to-weight ratio - so will 2.0l with electrical gubbins be lighter or heaver than the good ol' Pentastar? Much as the diesel will be king of torque the future emission legislation/ DPF issues mean it is dead in the water - at least for people like me who run their vehicle for a decade before buying another fully loaded.