The Mountain Goat Gets Practical
Previously I had reported that Jeep would be bringing a resurrected TJ-based Scrambler pickup to market for the 2005 model year. Was I wrong or is the new Unlimited just the first of an entire lineup of extended wheelbase TJs.
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| With Jeep's new Unlimited, the classic TJ gets stretched out. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Whichever, Jeep's classic SUV has gone practical by adding 381 mm (15-inches) of additional length and the added functionality that its 330 mm (13-inch) longer cargo area offers. That remaining 51 mm (2 inches) hasn't been forgotten, being added between the two rows of seats to make rear passengers more comfortable.
When all is said and done though, the Unlimited is still a Jeep TJ. While nowhere near as refined as most of the current crop of SUVs, its open-air fun and 4x4 functionality is still top of its class.
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| Chrysler set out to create a longer TJ, while maintaining the true fun and freedom of the original. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
"We hear time and time again that owners don't want us to change a thing on their Jeep vehicles. But there is also a smaller group of Jeep owners who told us they would love a Jeep Wrangler (TJ), but needed more space for their lifestyle," stated Jeff Bell, Vice President - Chrysler/Jeep Marketing, Chrysler Group. "We set out to create a longer wheelbase Wrangler (TJ) that could give those customers what they really wanted, while maintaining the true fun and freedom of the original Jeep Wrangler (TJ)."
Hey, the idea proved fairly popular once before so why not now when SUVs dominate the automotive landscape. And the Unlimited model benefits by more than just the extra space. For one, it delivers a better ride. That makes sense considering a longer wheelbase almost always irons out more bumps than a short one. The Unlimited has been stretched by 254 mm (10 inches) to 2,616 mm (103 inches) overall.