"The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler reaches new levels of on-road
ride, handling and refinement - an achievement realized while also boosting its off-road capability," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President - Body-on-frame Product Team. "The new suspension enables the Wrangler to corner flatter with less lateral motion, provide better on-center steering feel, and even more effectively absorb on-road bumps and cracks."
Off-road, the Wrangler's higher ground clearance, larger wheels and tires, improved Dana front and rear axles, new electric axle lockers, electronic disconnecting front sway bar (just like the one in the 4x4-tuned Dodge Ram Power Wagon pickup), and optional Command-Trac and Rock-Trac transfer cases give it even greater tenacity on slippery surfaces.
"Re-engineered and redesigned from the ground up, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is the most capable Wrangler in its 65-year history," added Donoughe. "With more ground clearance, better wheel articulation and advanced off-road hardware, Jeep Wrangler is designed to tackle the toughest off-road obstacles."
That
electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar just mentioned, dubbed Active Sway Bar System (ASBS), allows for greater wheel travel when traversing the tough stuff. Off-road techies should get excited about the new Wrangler's 652 Ramp Travel Index (RTI - a measurement of a vehicle's suspension articulation) when the front stabilizer bar is engaged, but should be floored with its 832 RTI when the front stabilizer bar is disconnected, equal to a 28 percent increase. Remember Jamboree friends, this is a stock vehicle... just think what you can do after a little lift!
Getting back to the transfer cases, the Wrangler X and Sahara models, two of three trim levels offered, feature Jeep's second-generation Command-Trac NV241, part-time, two-speed transfer case, boasting a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. Combined with Jeep's Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential (LSD) extra torque and grip is provided when riding over low-traction surfaces, such as sand, gravel, snow or ice.
The third and top-line trim level is once again named Rubicon,
celebrating the brand's dominance over the Rubicon Trail, one of the toughest 4x4 adventures anywhere. The Rubicon edition Wrangler gets an Off-Road Rock-Trac NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, plus electric front- and rear-axle lockers and 32-inch B.F. Goodrich Off-Road tires. What's more, the Rubicon ups its front and rear axles to heavy-duty Dana 44s, before adding many additional off-road-ready enhancements.
As
good as the Rubicon is at taking on the rough stuff, it's not like regularly equipped Wranglers are particularly lacking when compared to their competitors. All 2007 models come standard with three underbelly skid plates, for instance, shielding the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan from untoward rocks or stumps. Also standard, an approach angle of 44.3 degrees and breakover angle of 25.4 degrees, plus its 40.4 degree departure angle allow the new Jeep to climb boulders with even greater ease than any previous Jeep, helping to make sure that only the tires connect with the ground.
Assisting the Wrangler's grip are all-new electronic driver aids such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), although this antiskid feature, along with electronic roll mitigation and ABS-equipped disc brakes all-round (the old one had rear drums as standard) is designed more for safety than off-road prowess. ESP features three modes - "full on," "full off" and "partial on," according to the Wrangler press release. And if it happens to turtle (flip on its back), seat-mounted side airbags will deploy, along with dual stage frontal airbags if needed, all kept in check by DaimlerChrysler's Occupant Classification System (OCS).
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| If the Rubicon can't take you there, man wasn't made to visit it. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Off-road, the Wrangler's higher ground clearance, larger wheels and tires, improved Dana front and rear axles, new electric axle lockers, electronic disconnecting front sway bar (just like the one in the 4x4-tuned Dodge Ram Power Wagon pickup), and optional Command-Trac and Rock-Trac transfer cases give it even greater tenacity on slippery surfaces.
"Re-engineered and redesigned from the ground up, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is the most capable Wrangler in its 65-year history," added Donoughe. "With more ground clearance, better wheel articulation and advanced off-road hardware, Jeep Wrangler is designed to tackle the toughest off-road obstacles."
That
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| Optional electronic active sway bar allows for impressive wheel articulation. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Getting back to the transfer cases, the Wrangler X and Sahara models, two of three trim levels offered, feature Jeep's second-generation Command-Trac NV241, part-time, two-speed transfer case, boasting a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. Combined with Jeep's Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential (LSD) extra torque and grip is provided when riding over low-traction surfaces, such as sand, gravel, snow or ice.
The third and top-line trim level is once again named Rubicon,
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| For those curious, check out the news: here's the new four-door Wrangler Unlimited. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
As
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| ESP and stability control make the Wrangler a much safer vehicle - even for crashing through walls. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Assisting the Wrangler's grip are all-new electronic driver aids such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), although this antiskid feature, along with electronic roll mitigation and ABS-equipped disc brakes all-round (the old one had rear drums as standard) is designed more for safety than off-road prowess. ESP features three modes - "full on," "full off" and "partial on," according to the Wrangler press release. And if it happens to turtle (flip on its back), seat-mounted side airbags will deploy, along with dual stage frontal airbags if needed, all kept in check by DaimlerChrysler's Occupant Classification System (OCS).