2012 Jeep Wrangler Is Here

It’s summer but Santa Cluase is here with the Jeep Wrangler, as the US carmaker is introducing the 2012 Model Year. The vehicle has received the kind of changes we prefer here at autoevolution - technical ones: the main novelty is the fact that the 3.8-liter powerplant has been replaced by a 3.6-liter Pentastar unit.

The new unit, which allows the driver to use 289 hp and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque, outperforms its predecessor by a hefty margin: 84 hp and 23 lb-ft (31 Nm) of torque.

"Jeep Wrangler - the most capable and iconic vehicle in the world - has a new heart but retains the same soul for 2012," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Our new 3.6-liter V-6 engine gives the ever-capable Wrangler a completely new, more refined on-road driving experience - complete with more fuel efficiency, power and torque."

And the changes go further down the drivetrain, as customers can choose a fresh five-speed automatic transmission, which is shared with the Grand Cherokee. In addition to that, the vehicle features new axle rations, which increase its already impressive off-roading abilities.

And you couldn’t say anything bad about the car while on the road, as it’s 0 to 62 mph sprint now stands at 8.4 seconds.

Jeep gave the Wrangler a facelift last year, so we won’t get too many visual changes. However, we do receive body-color hardtop and fender flares for the Sahara and Rubicon models.