Jeep Wrangler 2017 - Not Unibody but most capable Wrangler ever!

Diehard fans of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler never fear! The Wrangler is not going unibody. Wrangler enthusiasts will be relieved to hear the next-generation wrangler will remain body-on-frame rather than moving to a unibody construction.

Earlier in the year, Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne was contemplating a unibody Wrangler with an aluminum body, which would mean production would be moved to another plant - currently, production at the Wrangler's Ohio plant specializes in body-on-frame architecture.

Production is remaining at the Ohio plant, but that doesn't mean the next-generation Wrangler won't move to an aluminum body - despite increased costs, it seems the company is moving towards it. Jeep spokesman Todd Goyer didn't comment on the new Wrangler due out in 2017, but he did insist it'll be "the most capable Wrangler ever".

Wrangler backs down on Aluminum body

Going against previous statements, FCA has decided against a fully aluminum body for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. Instead, the Wrangler will only use aluminum on the hood, tailgate and doors.

An aluminum body would make the Wrangler lightweight, but the material comes with a hefty price tag. As FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne commented, "We've run the numbers and we've simulated mileage and impact. Because of the difference in cost - not just of the material but the actual assembly process - I think we can do almost as well without doing it all aluminum. I think we can get very close."

Jeep was toying with the idea of a lightweight all-aluminum body to improve the Wrangler's fuel economy. It seems the brand is also going to introduce an eight-speed transmission to the Wrangler, also potentially including the 3.0-liter diesel found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

For all you fans, the classic Wrangler features are still there - body-on-frame construction, solid axles, and the same timeless style will all feature in the new Wrangler.

Source

www.autoguide.com