The confirmation is unofficial, since it does not come straight from FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), but it seems a done deal nonetheless: a diesel-engine version of the Jeep Wrangler will hit the market in the next few months.
The news leaked via information sent to brand dealers, and later published on the JL Wrangler forum devoted to the latest generation of the popular model. This information showed options codes that retailers could check off for a 3.0L diesel engine. It will be wedded to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The document reveals that this combination will offered for the four-door Unlimited Sport, Sahara and Rubicon versions.
There could be other options for the diesel engine, which will might also be offered on the two-door editions of the Sport, Sahara and Rubicon, but bolted to a 6-speed transmission. On the JL Wrangler forum, where the leak originated, it is being made clear that for the moment this is just speculation.
Another code contained in the document did however confirm the presence of a light-hybrid 3.6L V6 engine, expected to debut before the end of 2018.
If all of this does come to pass, there will be some very happy Jeep fans, notably those who have bene clamouring for a diesel engine offering generous torque. These leaked dealers’ documents seem to confirm that their wish is about to become reality.
The Wrangler can currently be had with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, as well as with the well-known 3.6L Pentastar V6.