Jeep Wrangler: a new heart, the same soul

THE Jeep Wrangler has now become even more capable both on- and off-road, courtesy of an all-new, more fuel-efficient and more powerful 3.6-litre V-6 petrol engine and a five-speed automatic transmission – both of which it shares with the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The all-new 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine and automatic transmission enhance Jeep Wrangler’s on-road driving performance – delivering 43% more power, 10% more torque and reduced fuel consumption – while also taking the vehicle’s legendary off-road capability to a new level.

Chrysler Group’s 3.6-litre Pentastar engine delivers 209 kW and 347 Nm of torque, along with greater fuel efficiency over the previous 3.8-litre V-6 engine. Additionally, for refined shifting and greater performance, Jeep Wrangler petrol models migrate from a four-speed to a five-speed automatic transmission. The newest Wrangler also features the company’s first application of a manual transmission to the 3.6-litre Pentastar engine.

Powertrain Compact and lightweight, the all-aluminium 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine is more than 40 kg lighter than the previous 3.8-litre V-6 engine that was constructed with a cast-iron block. The 3.6-litre Pentastar engine is extremely quiet, constructed with a high-pressure, die-cast aluminium block fitted with castiron bore liners and aluminium cylinder heads. The engine also has been designed to meet all known future worldwide emission standards and is currently Euro 5 certified.

The all-new 3.6-litre Pentastar engine joins the new 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine. The diesel engine provides power of 147 kW, a 13 per cent improvement over the prior 2.8-litre diesel engine. Torque for the engine comes in at 460 Nm with its five-speed automatic transmission.

Engineering Jeep Wrangler delivers unmatched off-road capability with legendary four-wheel drive and is produced with more than seven decades of 4x4 engineering experience behind it. Wrangler continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, live axles and electronic lockers.

Along with a new powertrain, Jeep engineers have thoroughly optimised ride and sound characteristics of the Wrangler’s bodyon- frame design. New motor and transmission adaptations and revised suspension calibrations contribute to overall improvements that are immediately evident both on- and off-road.

Design In 2011, Jeep introduced an all-new interior to Wrangler that combines rich styling, versatility, comfort and improved feature use. Highlights include upgraded materials, automatic temperature controls, power mirrors and steering-wheelmounted controls for vehicle systems. Larger rear windows are engineered for greater visibility, and a USB port connects to the media centre.

Jeep Wrangler’s signature features include classic round headlamps, seven-slot grille, trapezoid wheel flares, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable and convertible tops and half-doors that allow Wrangler to retain the brand’s iconic appearance and function. The new Wrangler Sahara model now features a bodycolour hardtop option, offering a premium appearance.

Safety and Security Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited offer an array of safety and security features. Standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Trailer-sway Control, Hill-start Assist and brake traction control are among two dozen standard or optional systems.

– Words: www.quickpic.co.za