2018 Jeep Wrangler JL & Scrambler JT

http://www.trucktrend.com/news/1605-first-look-2018-jeep-wrangler-jl-in-heavy-camouflage/

• Solid front axle remains
• 3.6L Pentastar V6 carries over
• 2.0L Turbo I4 with 300hp will be optional
• 3.0L EcoDiesel available

 

I'd like to see real world mpg numbers for the eco diesel, I like wranglers but crappy mpgs have held me back

 

What's with that bumper?

 

I don't know why the need for all the heavy camo, it's a wrangler, it's gonna look like a wrangler

 

Interesting to see Duratracs being tested as an OE tire. They are a bit noisier than the typical OE tire offerings.

 

Probably the same reason the 2016 Tacoma has a protruding chin, to satisfy new crash requirements coming online around 2018.

 

2.0L turbo I-4 engine spotted in testing. For production, they will either clean up the plumbing or put a big plastic cover over everything.

 

No thanks, I like looking into my engine bay and seeing the ground on every side.

 

Some "confirmed" information from a "dealer source": http://www.jlwranglerforums.com/for...-Dates-Engines-Transmissions-and-New-Features

July-August 2017: 2018 Wrangler Order Banks Open
September 2017: 2018 Wrangler Production Begins
September 1, 2017: 2018 Wrangler Press Launch
Early 2018: 2018 Wrangler Pickup (JP) Production Begins
Summer 2018: 2018 Model Year Production Ends

New Features (for North America):

• New ZF 8 Speed Transmission
• 2.0L "Hurricane" Turbo Engine (with new 850RE transmission)
• 3.0L VM Diesel Engine (with new 8HP75 transmission)
• 3.6L Pentastar V6 Upgraded Engine (with new 850RE transmission)
• New fourth-generation Uconnect 8.4" navigation system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• Interchangeable soft / hard top
• Power softtop
• True 3-piece hardtop
• Optional hardtop glass panel

 

looking forward to the truck version with the diesel, should be the ultimate setup. My dad has a 2door jk with hardtop and v6. It drives a lot better than the older jeeps and gets around 20 mpg, better than my reg cab Tacoma.

 

Huh, 3-speed T-case... "Questions asked by Jeep: How do you feel about no manual transmission option? Would you be interested in a 3-spd transfer case? Are you okay with not having a windshield that folds down? What about a hybrid power plant option? How much towing capacity and payload should the 4-door have?"

 

Does this mean no more manual transmission for the Jeep?

 

That's a big mistake if so.

 

I remember reading somewhere the manual accounts for 10-15% of Wrangler sales, like with the Tacoma. Jeep will probably continue to offer the current manual with the 3.6L Pentastar. The other two engine options may become auto-only.

 

So the JL will get a Chrysler corporate-style shifter for its 8-speed. Wonder how many unintended acceleration cases will occur off-road.

 

Not sure if it's comparable or not, but the Cherokee 8 speed has been a mess in that platform. Realistically, it won't matter because so few Wrangler owners actually take their Jeeps off-road.

 

My Ram has the 8 speed and I have no issue with the turn dial


I'll be buying a ecodiesel JP when they come out

 

Where I work we make the 8 speed transmissions for Chrysler, dodge, landRover and jaguar. Interested to see it in a jeep jk.

 

The dial is OK. The console shifter has been subject to a recall because it is not immediately intuitive - you slap the shifter in a direction to change drive mode but then shifter returns to center. There have been 121 accidents and 41 injuries resulting from rollaways - drivers thinking the vehicle is in P when it wasn't. The Chekov actor may have died because of it:
http://autoweek.com/article/recalls/fca-recall-11-million-vehicles-confusing-shifter
http://www.freep.com/story/money/ca...ht-after-actor-anton-yelchins-death/86140930/