Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
Slated to start production in the spring of 2017, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler (JL) has some big shoes to fill. Based on the following spy photographs, the fourth generation of the “Go Anywhere. Do Anything” off-road vehicle will do just fine.
Our team of carparazzi caught a pre-production prototype of the all-new Jeep Wrangler on a casual drive in the United States. Although design details are not easy to observe due to the heavy camouflage, it’s certain to say that the new kid on the block is more aerodynamic than its old man. The windshield is more raked than ever while the front fenders appear to be squatter. Overall, the JL looks great cladded in camo.
Although unconfirmed, word on the street is that powered soft top panels that fold down will make an appearance, replacing the traditional soft top we know and love. An unnamed source told JL Wrangler Forums that a “hardtop glass panel resembling a panoramic sunroof” will be available as an optional extra. The all-new Wrangler “will also come in a true 3-piece steel roof hardtop.” Speculation aside, it's worth mentioning that the exposed door hinge mechanism will soldier on.
Underneath the skin, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler retains the body-on-ladder-frame construction and a pair of solid axles. However, these spy shots are showing that the JL has a differential casing unlike the one used by the Wrangler JK. Other than that, the aft end of the prototype shows relocated lateral links, meaning that the JL boasts new suspension geometry. Underhood goodies are on the menu as well.
As mentioned in one of our previous stories, an updated 3.6 Pentastar V6 will be joined by a 2.0 turbo-four with up to 300 HP. A turbo diesel could also make the cut, albeit it’s too soon to tell if the oil-chugging mill will make it Stateside. If it does, chances are the unit will come in the form of the EcoDiesel available in the Grand Cherokee. A hybrid powertrain is also on the cards, as is a pickup truck body style.
Although unconfirmed, word on the street is that powered soft top panels that fold down will make an appearance, replacing the traditional soft top we know and love. An unnamed source told JL Wrangler Forums that a “hardtop glass panel resembling a panoramic sunroof” will be available as an optional extra. The all-new Wrangler “will also come in a true 3-piece steel roof hardtop.” Speculation aside, it's worth mentioning that the exposed door hinge mechanism will soldier on.
Underneath the skin, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler retains the body-on-ladder-frame construction and a pair of solid axles. However, these spy shots are showing that the JL has a differential casing unlike the one used by the Wrangler JK. Other than that, the aft end of the prototype shows relocated lateral links, meaning that the JL boasts new suspension geometry. Underhood goodies are on the menu as well.
As mentioned in one of our previous stories, an updated 3.6 Pentastar V6 will be joined by a 2.0 turbo-four with up to 300 HP. A turbo diesel could also make the cut, albeit it’s too soon to tell if the oil-chugging mill will make it Stateside. If it does, chances are the unit will come in the form of the EcoDiesel available in the Grand Cherokee. A hybrid powertrain is also on the cards, as is a pickup truck body style.
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