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2018 Jeep Wrangler
Prior to the opening of the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Jeep brand revealed the next generation of its most iconic model, the Wrangler. The signature model of the Jeep lineup, Wrangler traces its roots to the original World War II U.S. military vehicle that originated the Jeep name. As the next generation in a long legacy, the 2018 Wrangler stays true to its heritage in design and off-road capability while evolving with new fuel-efficient powertrains, improved on-road dynamics and advanced safety and technology.
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New Design
The 2018 Wrangler retains its 7-slot grille and round headlights, although the grille is taller and wider, and the outer edges now trace around the shape of the headlights, reminiscent of the Jeep CJ. The keystone-shaped grille sweeps back at the top, and the flatter hood has been reshaped for improved aerodynamics. The Jeep badge above the grille moves to the front fenders. The windshield tips back slightly to improve aerodynamics as well, but it can still be folded flat to the hood, and now only requires the removal of four bolts for folding once the wipers have been removed. All 2018 Wranglers now have body-colored sport bars that feature integrated grab handles.
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Improved Visibility
The 2018 Wrangler’s beltline has been lowered, and the side windows are larger for improved visibility. The rear window is also larger, and both the wiper and the center high-mounted stop light are moved down. A rearview camera is incorporated into the center of the rear-mounted spare tire, and the traditional square taillights offer available LED lighting and contain modules for the blind-spot monitoring system.
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Model Lineup
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is offered in four trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Rubicon and Sahara. The Sport, Sport S and Rubicon are available in both 2-door and 4-door versions, while the Sahara is offered exclusively as a four door. Rubicon and Sahara both include daytime running lights around the perimeter of the headlights, with standard LED turn signals on the front edge of the fender flares and available LED headlights and fog lights. Two-piece body-color fender flares with a black lower insert are standard on Sahara and available on Rubicon.
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Open-Air Options
Two hardtops, a new premium Sunrider soft-top and new Sky One-Touch power top are offered. A body-color hardtop is optional for Sahara and Rubicon, with a black hardtop for Sport and Sport S. A black 3-piece hardtop is offered for all trim levels with removable Freedom Panels and improved latches for quicker removal and installation. Available in black vinyl or premium cloth in black or tan, the new Sunrider soft-top adds two additional bows to support the fabric and new sliding attachments for the rear side windows eliminate zippers. The Sky One-Touch power top is a full-length sliding canvas roof that will be available in the second quarter of 2018.
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Off-Road Capability
The 2018 Wrangler continues to offer advanced off-road capability with two 4-wheel-drive systems and — for the first time — a 2-speed transfer case with full-time 4-wheel drive. The Command-Trac 4×4 system features a 2-speed transfer case and next-generation solid Dana axles. The Wrangler Rubicon includes the Rock-Trac 4×4 system with heavy-duty next-generation Dana 44 axles, a “4LO” ratio of 4:1 and standard Tru-Lok locking differentials.
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Wrangler Rubicon
The most capable off-road Wrangler trim, the Rubicon features higher fenders, a vented hood, improved articulation and total suspension travel with an electronic sway-bar disconnect and standard 33-inch tires. Off-road specs include an approach angle of 44 degrees; a breakover angle of 27.8 degrees; a departure angle of 37 degrees; and 10.9 inches of ground clearance. Rubicon can ford up to 30 inches of water. The available “Donut Door” offers a view through the door when off-roading, and a new half-door design will be available in 2019.
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Powertrain Choices
The Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine gets upgraded for the 2018 Wrangler, while a new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with eTorque technology and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 join the Wrangler lineup as options. The revised Pentastar 3.6-liter is rated at 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque with Engine Start-Stop standard, mated with a new standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 8-speed automatic.
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eTorque Engine
The new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine is rated at 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, mated with the 8-speed automatic transmission. Considered a mild-hybrid engine, the 2.0-liter eTorque features a 48-volt electrical system and can apply torque from the electric motor directly to the driveline. Hybrid functions include auto stop/start, electric power assist, extended fuel shut-off, transmission shift management, intelligent battery charging and regenerative braking. The engine and fuel flow may be turned off when the vehicle is stopped, but also when coasting or when the vehicle is decelerating.
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Demand for Diesel
In response to consumer demand for a diesel engine option, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine will be available for 4-door Wrangler variants starting in 2019. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel is rated at 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, combined with an 8-speed automatic designed to handle the additional grunt. Engine Start-Stop is standard, and new turbocharger technology improves low-end performance.
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Body-On-Frame Design
The new Wrangler continues its traditional body-on-frame design with an all-new frame that utilizes high-strength steel to reduce weight by 100 pounds over the previous model. Total weight savings for the 2018 Wrangler is 200 pounds via aluminum and other weight-saving measures. Aluminum panels and components include doors, hood, fenders, hinges and windshield frame. The rear swing gate has an aluminum outer panel and magnesium inner section. Additional weight savings come from hollow track bars, hollow stabilizer bars, aluminum engine mounts, an aluminum steering gear and a larger, lighter master cylinder.
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Suspension
The 2018 Wrangler continues with the proven 5-link suspension front and rear. The roll center height has been raised and spring rates retuned for a better ride around town, while the shocks have been retuned to try to hit the balance between on-road handling and off-road capability. Shock tuning, hard points and body-mount strategy have all been revised to improve on-road comfort, body-roll control and handling.
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Interior
Inside, the new Wrangler seeks a perfect balance between rugged and refined while staying authentic to its heritage. Designers wanted the interior to harken back with heritage-inspired details such as the Willys Y-spoke motif steering wheel and center stack. The interior feels wider, with trapezoidal shapes and the gauges in a sequential order. The instrument cluster includes either a 3.5-inch or an available 7.0-inch FTF information display. At the top of the center stack is a 7.0-inch or an available 8.4-inch touchscreen for the latest-generation Uconnect system. Cloth or leather seats feature accent stitching, and the Wrangler Sahara includes a hand-wrapped instrument panel with accent stitching.
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Safety Features
The 2018 Wrangler offers more than 75 available active and passive safety features, including Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection; a ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines; electronic stability control with electronic roll mitigation; and four standard airbags.
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Mopar Jeep Performance Parts
Jeep knows that Wrangler owners like to customize their vehicles, and Mopar will offer more than 200 Jeep Performance Parts and accessories at launch for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. New Mopar products available for the new model include Jeep Performance Parts LED off-road lights, lifts kits, beadlock-capable wheels and rock rails. New first-ever Mopar accessories for the Wrangler will be offered, including a roof rack for mounting Mopar carriers, and a tailgate table compatible with the production Trail Rail storage system.