Jeep Wrangler Unlimited climbs mountains

Looks like the Volkswagen Touareg will cry itself to sleep because the Jeep Wrangler managed to outshine it, becoming the first four wheeled vehicle to reach an altitude of over 6,600 meters. The previous record was set by the Volkswagen SUV, which climbed at 6,080 meters (much, much more than a regular person should expect to climb in his of her lifetime). But this record was surpassed, even crushed, by two Jeep Wrangler Unlimited vehicles, which almost touched the sky at an altitude of 6,646 meters (21,804 feet). This is a genuine world record, being certified by Guinness World Record and all.

The climb took place on the Ojos del Salado volcano, which has now been turned into the highest parking lot, only for jeeps, as the sign points out. George Murphy, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President of Global Marketing now has a reason to brag, and this record will prove to be a big selling point of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited:

“This was exactly the challenge to separate the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited from all other 4x4 vehicles. A climb like this in not just off-road, but extreme conditions, is a testament to the performance of the vehicle’s powertrain, suspension and overall quality. We are very proud that Wrangler Unlimited was the first vehicle to be able to complete such a rigorous challenge, and believe that it really does set the vehicle apart from its competition.”

Compared to the Volkswagen Touareg, which set the previous record and had a 3.2 liter V6 engine, these Jeep Wranglers both had 3.8 liters petrol V6 engines and Goodyear MT/R tires, which were put to the test when the vehicles had to cross a ice area covered with snow. The initial goal of the Jeep Wrangler team was to reach 6,500 meters, but once they got there they couldn't stop and carried on with their journey, calling it quits at 6,646 meters.