Jeep Wrangler
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| {{Infobox Automobile | name=Jeep Wrangler | manufacturer=American Motors Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler | class=Mini SUV (1987-2006) Mid-size SUV (2007-present) | body_style=2-door convertible 2-door truck 4-door convertible | production=1987– | predecessor=Jeep CJ
}} | ||||
| {{Infobox Automobile generation | name=YJ | image=Image:1992 Jeep YJ.JPG | production=1987–1995 | engine=2.5 L AMC I4 4.0/4.2 L AMC I6 | transmission=3-speed TorqueFlite automatic | width= | length= | height= | weight= | wheelbase=
}} |
| {{Infobox Automobile generation | name=TJ | image=Image:Jeep Wrangler.jpg | production=1997–2006 | engine=2.5 L AMC I4 2.4 L PowerTech I4 4.0 L AMC I6 | width=66.7 in (1694 mm) | length=155.4 in (3947 mm) | height=68.4 in (1737 mm) | weight=3449 lb (1564 kg) | wheelbase=93.4 in (2372 mm)
}} | |
| {{Infobox Automobile generation | name=JK | production=2007– | engine=3.8 L OHV V6 | width=73.7 in (1872.0 mm) | length=152.8 in (3881.1 mm) | height=70.9 in (1800.9 mm) | weight= | wheelbase=95.4 in (2423.2 mm)
}} |
The Wrangler (also known as the YJ and TJ, as explained below) is a mini SUV from Jeep. It is a successor to the famous World War II GP vehicle by way of the 'Willy's' Jeep in the 1950s and later by the Jeep CJ series. The Wrangler debuted in 1987, was updated in 1997, and is still popular today.
The Wrangler is produced at Jeep's Toledo South Assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio.
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YJ
The Jeep YJ, sold as the Wrangler, replaced the much-loved but slower-selling Jeep CJ in 1987. It was a new design with a longer wheelbase, less ground clearance, and more comfort, and some of its inspiration came from its stablemate, the Jeep Cherokee, rather than from its CJ predecessor alone (this prompted some Jeep purists to interpret the YJ as a "yuppie Jeep" upon the model's introduction). The YJ also had a leaf spring suspension similar to that of the CJ. 632,231 YJs were built through model year 1995. The YJ was replaced in 1996 by 1997's TJ. YJs are easily identifiable by their rectangular headlights.
The YJ used a 2.5 L AMC I4 or optional 4.2 L AMC I6 until 1991. That year, a fuel injected 180 hp (134 kW) 4.0 L variant replaced the 112 hp (84 kW) 4.2 L straight-6.
The roll cage was extended in 1992 to allow for rear shoulder belts, and anti-lock brakes were added as an option the next year. An automatic transmission option for 4-cylinder Wranglers came in 1994 along with a center high-mounted stop light.
On August 5, 1987, American Motors was bought by Chrysler, and the Jeep marque became a part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division.
TJ
The YJ gave way to the TJ for the 1997 model year. This updated Wrangler featured a coil-spring suspension (based on that of the Jeep Grand Cherokee) for better ride and handling, and a return to the CJ's iconic round headlamps. The engine is the same 4.0 L AMC Straight-6 used in the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. A 2.5 L AMC Inline-4 motor was available on entry-level models until 2003 when the 2.4 L DOHC Neon 4-cylinder engine replaced it.
Other changes included the 1999 additions of a larger standard fuel tank, child seat tethers and sound system improvements in 2000, and intermittent wipers, a new console, and an optional locking compartment for 2001.
TJ Wrangler Rubicon
The Wrangler Rubicon (named for the famed Rubicon Trail off-road test circuit) was introduced in 2003. It features front and rear Dana 44 axles with built-in air-actuated locking differentials, rear helical gear-driven limited slip differential, 4:1 low-range NV241 transfer case, 4.10:1 differential gears, 16 in alloy wheels, and Goodyear MTR P245×75×R16 tires. 2003 and 2004 featured the NV3550 manual transmission in the Rubicon while 2005 changed to a six speed. The 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission was available from 2003 to 2005.
A limited run of 1,000 Wrangler Rubicon "Tomb Raider" models were produced in 2003 to promote the Tomb Raider sequel, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. Along with the standard Rubicon fare, it also included exterior features such as 16 in Alcoa forged aluminum wheels, Tomb Raider badging, and Mopar accessories including a light bar, riveted fender flares, tubular grille guard, diamond-plated bumper guard, etc. Interior features included Dark Slate fabric seats with red accent stitching down the center, silver surround instrument panel bezel, red seatbelts and a Tomb Raider badge with serial number. To match the vehicle in the film, it was offered in Bright Silver but looked nothing like the one in the film.
TJ Wrangler Unlimited
In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited with a 10 in (~25.4 cm) longer wheelbase; it is also known by its unofficial designation of LJ. In 2005, Jeep released the Rubicon Unlimited, which had the wheelbase of the Unlimited and the off-road features of the Rubicon, as well as many other comfort and convenience options not offered on other Wranglers.
JK
2007 will see the complete redesign of the Jeep Wrangler, in both two and four-door models. The TJ platform will be replaced by a new JK platform, becoming this time a mid-size SUV. It will become Jeep's third mid-size SUV, after the Grand Cherokee and the Liberty in the lineup. This next-generation Wrangler is significantly larger than the existing model, with a 2 in (50.8 mm) longer wheelbase and 3.4 in (86.4 mm) wider track. Not only Jeep is the company introducing a third mid-size SUV; Ford is introducing its Edge for 2007.
Many Wrangler enthusiasts have decried this new vehicle's larger size, claiming that it runs counter to the character of the Wrangler, and is too big to be an effective off-road vehicle. However, it should be noted that similar complaints were heard during previous redesigns. Jeep reportedly intends to cement the Wrangler's position as the marque's most-rugged vehicle as new car-based crossover SUVs take some of its on-road market share.
The JK Wrangler is expected to be offered in three versions eventually:
- A short-wheelbase 2-door
- Introduced at 2006 North American International Auto Show with Chrysler group CEO, Tom LaSorda driving it up the steps and through a plate glass window, just as Robert Lutz had done at the show in 1992 with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- A long-wheelbase Unlimited 4-door
- Introduced at the 2006 New York Auto Show buried in dirt and sprayed with a fire hose.
- A long-wheelbase Unlimited pickup truck
A 3.8 L OHV V6 producing 205 hp (153 kW) and 240 ft·lbf (325 N·m) will be the base engine, replacing the venerable AMC Straight-6 engine. The 4.7 L PowerTech V8 and 2.8 L VM Motori turbodiesel straight-4 used in the Liberty are likely to also be offered as options in some markets. A 6-speed manual transmission will be standard, with a 4-speed automatic transmission offered as an option. Stability control will be a new safety feature for the Wrangler.
A traditional soft top is standard equipment. Available equipment includes a Sunrider Soft Top or new 3-piece modular hardtop. The hardtop allows the sides to be removed for an open-air feeling. Although the doors can still be removed in traditional Wrangler fashion, power windows and remote power door locks will be offered for the first time. Another first is an available navigation system.
JK Wrangler Unlimited
The JK series 2007 Wrangler Unlimited was unveiled at the New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006. It is stretched even more than the TJ model, with four doors and 20.6 in (523 mm) added to the JK Wrangler's 95.4 in (2423 mm) wheelbase. It is likely to compete with larger off-road machines like the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Hummer H3, and will be priced near $21,000.
The Unlimited is offered with either rear- or four-wheel drive and three trim levels, X, Sahara, and Rubicon. The lower two levels have the Command-Trac NV241 part-time two-speed transfer case with an optional Trak-Lok limited-slip differential, while the Rubicon uses a Rock-Trak version of the NV241 with electronic front- and rear-axle locking.
All Unlimited models use the 3.8 L V6 engine with 205 hp (153 kW) and 240 ft·lbf (325 N·m). The 6-speed manual is the standard transmission, with a 4-speed automatic also offered. The Unlimited offers more options and equipment than any Wrangler, including standard electronic stability program and optional seat-mounted side airbags, remote keyless entry, navigation system, and Sirius satellite radio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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