[Wrangler JL News]

Jeep CEO Mike Manley revealed a few more details of the brand’s next generation Wrangler in an exclusive interview with Auto Express.

We can look forward to improvements in terms of “capability, fuel economy, ride comfort, noise”, among other areas. Though the exterior will remain largely unchanged, still retaining that iconic Wrangler look, Manley did mention that it’s an all-new model.

Meaning hiding under that familiar body are new features, some of which are taken from concept cars like the Jeep Switchback and Safari, both of which were developed for this year’s Easter Jeep Safari. The most likely features that could move on to production are things like headlights and maybe even the Switchback’s cut-out doors.

Of course, they had to ask about the rumored hybrid variant and Manley essentially confirmed Jeep’s future Wrangler plans by stating that “This platform is future-proofed. As you get into the 20s it’s impossible to have a balanced fleet without a wide range of electrification – we have those plans and we have the technology. You’ll probably hear more about electrification towards the end of this year.”

The new Wrangler JL is set to debut at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, more specifically on the 28th or 29th of November. “It’ll be right on the cusp of production when it hits Los Angeles and Europe will probably be August or September 2018.”

Following the Wrangler’s release is the Jeep pickup in 2019 and Grand Wagoneer in 2020. There may even be a new model designed to slot under the Renegade in size, though that entry level Jeep is still under consideration.

 

[Principal Skinr]

Huh?

I'm guessing he means by electrification, hybrids or full electric drive trains.

What does he mean it hits LA and Europe by Aug or Sept of 2018? That sounds about 8 months later than when we should see them at dealerships.

 

[Gina]

I feel like the man is just giving us the run-round and new sources say the Wrangler should go on sale in December this year. Also we should get the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder nicknamed the Hurricane, and the 3.0-liter diesel V-6.

 

[Johnson]

Hybrid system I can see coming from the Pacifica but I think it'll be a great deal of time for us to see it. Either way, it isn't a powertrain that would interest be so I don't really care for this anyhow.

 

[JeepFan]

Huh?

I'm guessing he means by electrification, hybrids or full electric drive trains.

What does he mean it hits LA and Europe by Aug or Sept of 2018? That sounds about 8 months later than when we should see them at dealerships.

I noticed that sometimes car makers will put off certain models till late 2nd or early 3rd quarter of the year so this might be part of Jeep's strategy. Always easier to launch configurations they have always offered from the start. Same buyer types show up all the time.

 

[Gina]

Huh?
What does he mean it hits LA and Europe by Aug or Sept of 2018? That sounds about 8 months later than when we should see them at dealerships.

I think the hybrid or electric models will be unveiled by Aug or Sept of 2018, but not necessarily go on sale until they've worked out all the kinks? Because the engineering team may not have time to fully dedicate to the hybrid models while they're still working on the diesel.

 

[Johnson]

That would make sense if he said that in regards to the same electrification part of the conversation but it was separated. Stating only that "The new Wrangler JL is set to.."

I really hope that was just some misinformation. I guess we only have a few more months to really find out for sure?

 

[JeepFan]

We're almost in August so odds are something will be right around the corner, usually this is when a lot of future product things kick off not only for automotive but many other industries as you can expect in preparation for 2018. Wouldn't be surprised if dealers have some slight insight by now.

 

[Gina]

From a leaked timeline of the JL Wrangler, though the sources have not been confirmed, the 2018 JL and JLU will be revealed at the LA Auto Show, following that was something listed as "Job 1" on dec 11, 2017. No idea what that means.

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[gladiator]

That should be initial production and as you can imagine it will take some time for it to go through production, logistics, PDI, etc. before we see pictures of them going online, unless someone is able to spot the trucks hauling them away from the production facility off to an FCA dealer lot.

 

[Gina]

from the looks of it, we won't be seeing a diesel until next August, so those who really wants a diesel will have to wit a long time for production.

 

[JeepFan]

I guess anyone who really wants a diesel from FCA can get the RAM 1500 EcoDiesel, there's just about nothing else from them that comes close to being like a diesel Wrangler. They might it so much that coming back to a Wrangler won't be an option.

 

[HighRider]

The Jeep prototype was spotted without any bumper camouflage! We now have an uncovered view of the grille and headlights, a very close up view.

 

[JeepFan]

Compared to an early teaser, its good to know in the early teaser we got to see some good official stuff that till now is still in test mules, except this time we have LED headlights