Knowledge that the new Wrangler will be more capable of keeping
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| New V6 motor is mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed autobox. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
its tires planted to the ground is good news, especially after hearing that the old 4.0-litre inline-six has been tossed, finally, for an all-new more powerful 3.8-litre V6. The V6 is lighter, can be positioned further back in the engine housing to improve weight distribution, and is more efficient than the outgoing mill, with a 15 horsepower and 5 lb-ft advantage despite a 200 cc drop in displacement. The new 205 horsepower engine sports 240 lb-ft of torque, which should be ample to push the 1,403 to 1,541 kilo (3,785 to 4,129 pound) 4x4 (depending on trim level) along at a reasonable clip. Mated to the new engine is a standard six-speed manual gearbox, while a four-speed automatic is optional. Yes, no five- or six-speed automatic makes the Wrangler autobox seem rather antiquated, although the four-speed unit is robust and reliable, for the most part, which stands for a lot when you're fifty miles into the bush with no repair shop within a day's drive.
And that's the way I like my Wranglers; out in the backcountry, hubs deep in mud, windshield dropped forward, doors removed and top off. I've 4x4ed for most of my life, and while my Dad and I had to "settle" for a Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, we always admired the little Jeeps for going just about anywhere "vehicularly" possible. Although Toyota has conceptually reinvented the classic FJ40, now dubbed FJ Cruiser, its front suspension is independent, windshield can't be dropped, doors must be left attached and roof remains fixed in place at all times.
The
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| Modular hardtop snaps on and off in bits to provide security and sun. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada ) |
Wrangler, on the other hand, is offered up with a myriad of top and door designs. As mentioned previously, full-, half- and soft vinyl-doors are available, while a number of tops include a full vinyl enclosure, plus the innovative Sunrider soft top that features an integrated soft-sunroof larger than any sunroof currently available, and a three-piece modular hardtop with cool T-top-like removable sections over the driver and front passenger. No doubt the aftermarket will join DaimlerChrysler's Mopar accessories division in selling "bras", which would be more appropriately called "thongs", etc, although even in stock and OEM accessory trim the Wrangler boasts "dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations."
Other optional features include power windows and door locks, a full-screen navigation system, and a 368-watt Alpine audio system with MP3 capability and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. In total, nine different exterior colour options are available, plus 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels and tires.
And with those larger wheels and tires, Jeep hopes its all-new
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| With more options and standard features, the Wrangler should continue to remain a popular choice in the Jeep lineup. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Wrangler will roll out of dealerships all the more easily. DaimlerChrysler Canada sold 28,303 Jeeps in Canada last year, up 10.9 percent compared to the 25,521 vehicles it sold in 2004. That upswing continues, with the first quarter in 2006 up 4 percent compared to the same period in 2005, with some 5,826 Jeeps sold already. Internationally, Jeep sold over 400,000 new Wranglers (TJs), Libertys, Grand Cherokees and Commanders last year, an improvement from 2004 of more than 10 percent, and with the new Wrangler, plus the new four-door Wrangler Unlimited, light-duty, entry-level Compass, which will be Jeep's least expensive model at $17,995 for a front-wheel drive version and $19,995 with four-wheel drive, about $10K less than the Wrangler's starting point, and slightly more robust Patriot arriving soon after, it should result in another banner year for the 65 year-old brand.
