Jeep JL Wrangler Spy Shot Speculations by Truck Trend

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
Here's another article regarding the new spy shots of the all new Jeep JL Wrangler published up by Edward Sanchez of Truck Trend. In it, you'll see a lot of speculation regarding the EcoDiesel it may come with as well as the possibility of beefier axles. Check it out.

2018 Wrangler Spied! Hints at Upcoming Jeep Pickup
Edward A. Sanchez

2018-jeep-wrangler-mule-rear-close.jpg

Outwardly, there’s not a lot to give away that this is the highly anticipated next-generation Jeep Wrangler. For all intents and purposes, it looks like a present-generation JK Rubicon two-door with a mesh mask over its grille and a flat-gray paintjob. However, a closer inspection reveals that this is not exactly your run-of-the-mill JK. Among several giveaways is a suspiciously low-hanging rear fuel tank. At first we thought it could be a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank for the nearly certain diesel option, but we believe it’s just laying low because of the kludged body attached to the new chassis.

On the right side there’s what appears to be an electrical sensor wire running from underneath the hood and into the cab, indicating powertrain development testing. So what do we know for sure about the new JL Wrangler? We’re confident it will still have solid axles front and rear, a conventional two-speed transfer case, and a body-on-frame construction. There might be some aluminum on it, but we’ve been assured it will remain predominantly steel. Most models will get an eight-speed automatic, although we expect the six-speed manual to continue to be available. It will most likely get the next-generation Pentastar just announced for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee as standard. The diesel option could either be the 3.0L VM Motori EcoDiesel used in the Ram 1500 and Grand Cherokee or a 2.8L or 2.2L I-4. Regardless, expect at least 300 lb-ft of torque and well more than 400 if it’s the V-6.

The solid front and rear axles on this mule look to be significantly beefier than they are on the current Wrangler JK. Not only will these tougher axles provide better off-road performance and durability, they'll also allow for other body configurations to enter the mix. As before, the Wrangler will come in short- and long-wheelbase styles, but, like we reported earlier this week, Jeep's iconic off-roader will once again be available as a compact pickup (unseen in the Wrangler/CJ lineup since the dearly missed CJ-8). Those heavy-duty axles should safely enable a payload of at least 1,000 pounds in the Jeep pickup's bed, to say nothing of the added weight of the longer frame and body. It's yet to be ascertained whether the Wrangler truck will be a single-cab shortbed based on the Wrangler Unlimited's wheelbase or if it will come with its own longer wheelbase.

Read more: http://www.trucktrend.com/future-tr...p-wrangler-hot-weather-testing/#ixzz3lGfBRUZH
 

seanb123

New member
This all sounds great I'm just wondering where they will cut the corners for better gas mileage especially if they have heavier axels
 

piginajeep

The Original Smartass
And how do we know it's not for Europe or Israel ?? Why do they assume it's for the U.S. Market ?
 

JamesWyatt

Member
Here's another article regarding the new spy shots...

The solid front and rear axles on this mule look to be significantly beefier than they are on the current Wrangler JK...

Do they look beefier to you?

Sounds like the JL may add up to be a real improvement based on JK feedback from Jeepers. Diesel, beefier solid axles, vertical TJ-style grill, easier-to-fold windshield, retains removable/convertible top and half doors, pickup version, etc. I'd have to think they will finally use factory wheels and rock rails that will accommodate larger tires, too.
 

07JKSahara

New member
Does it look like the rear shocks are more upright than the current jk? I have to look, but I remember mine pointing inward.
 

JamesWyatt

Member
They won't hit 30mpg in a Wrangler with that diesel. The Wrangler isn't aerodynamic enough.

Well, for one that's the JK body. The JL is reported to have a smaller grill with more swoop to the body. Also will likely have aluminum doors and hood. And 8-speed trans. Secondly they can do a lot with the diesel platform from a tuning perspective. Plus I'll bet the 30 mpg is a base 2-dr Sport with high axle gears.
 

Heholua

Member
Well, for one that's the JK body. The JL is reported to have a smaller grill with more swoop to the body. Also will likely have aluminum doors and hood. And 8-speed trans. Secondly they can do a lot with the diesel platform from a tuning perspective. Plus I'll bet the 30 mpg is a base 2-dr Sport with high axle gears.

You can tweak that body all you want, but the height off the ground and the wind disturbance from the solid axles are mpg killers.
 
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