I recently did an article about the upcoming JL Wrangler, but as not a lot of information was available back then and details were scarce. Thankfully, as the new Jeep inches ever closer to production, more and more information starts seeing the light of day. We now have a more general idea of where the JL is headed, as well as what it will actually be like. Here’s an update of what I currently know.
Jeep Wrangler JL updates
Let’s start with the basics. The Wrangler will see the light of day sometime in September of this year, 2017. There will be an actual press launch with official images and videos, so be very excited for that. Shortly after, in November, the ordering process will be open to the general public, meaning you can walk in any dealership and pre-order the truck. Production of the standard Wrangler is set to kick off in the same month, with the pickup version (JT) coming in a year later (September 2018). It’s expected to become a best seller and a monumental new model for Jeep. If it lives up to its expectations, which I’m really hoping it will, production will likely continue for a lot of years.
Jeep Wrangler JL 2 door
Now then, what about the details? Well, for starters, the old six-speed auto will most likely disappear altogether from the Wrangler lineup in favor of a brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission. It will increase fuel economy while boosting performance at the same time. Naturally, a six-speed manual will still be thrown in the mix for anyone who enjoys changing gear themselves. Both will make great transmissions, especially when you find out what engines they’re getting mated to.
The engine lineup isn’t massive, but there’s more than enough choice. The older 3.6L Pentastar V6 is a great unit, so it makes sense that Jeep will continue using it even on the new Wrangler. The real showstopper is expected to be the new 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder dubbed the “Hurricane”. Despite it being two cylinders and 1.6 liter down on the V6 engine, it will supposedly deliver around 300 horsepower, some 15 more than the current V6 Pentastar. Whether it will rest below it or above it still remains a mystery, as the V6 is capable of even more power with a few tweaks. There’s no denying the torque a turbocharger can put out however, so it could go either way.
Speaking of torque, Jeep has finally listened to it fan base and announced a diesel in the Wrangler. A 3.0 liter VM diesel engine will be making an appearance, but no word on exact horsepower or torque. If anything, it should be even more suited to off-roading than the gasoline variants.
As always, keep your eyes open on this segment for any news, as I continue to do regular updates regarding the 2018 JL Wrangler. As we get closer to September, more and more information will start to unravel. I’ll keep you posted as it does.