2018 Jeep Wrangler: The most changes since 1997

The next-generation Jeep Wrangler is reportedly to debut in 2016, as a 2017 model. Sources have told several outlets that Jeep is hard at work on a long-travel independent suspension for Wrangler, perhaps based loosely on a design first launched on the 1963 Jeep Wagoneer. This vehicle used variable-rate leaf springs in back, but were the first off-road vehicles to have independent front suspensions. AMC offshoot AM General uses an independent suspension on its highly capable, but expensive, HMMWV (“Humvee”).


This JackRatchett rendering shows one expected change in the 2017 Jeep Wrangler: a more aerodynamic shape. JackRatchett wrote, “The front grille and fenders would be more flush, with the fender tops being at a greater angle to the body, which has a kick-up just past the door, topped off with a roof that slopes down a little more towards the back.”

Many may ask why Jeep would even want to use an independent suspension. The current design has several advantages:

It is proven to work well off-road
It can be modified by owners for higher off-road performance
Wranglers are out-selling plant capacity already
The setup costs less than an independent suspension


The arguments for the new design include:

It would end the so-called “death wobble,” a public relations and lawsuit problem
Even the Jeep-ready suspension described below would cut unsprung weight by a third, greatly improving on-road ride and handling
On-road behavior would be much improved
The factory could increase capacity by having suspensions assembled elsewhere as an assembly
The change would increase stability and may increase off-road capability for stock vehicles


One possibility would be updating a 1990s design by Chrysler engineers Evan Boberg, Gerry Hentschel, and Bob Sheaves, who created an independent suspension for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler. Unlike conventional independent designs, it would not lose ground clearance during a jounce; the differential travelled with the wheel — if one side of the vehicle was going over a rock or into a ditch, the differential would be pulled up, providing better “real-life” ground clearance. Wheel travel was around 12 inches. (Evan Boberg described the project in his book Common Sense Not Required, Bob Sheaves in this article on Li’l Blue; neither is currently at Chrysler.)



The independent-suspension strategy carries risks. The Wrangler’s off-road credentials will have to be superior to current models to win the hearts of Jeepers, who, with magazine critics, will be ready to call it “a rebadged Fiat,” “fake Jeep,” and “mall runner” — regardless of what it can do on the trail. The system will need to be well tested on all types of terrain, be as durable as the current setup, and capable on all models.

Some have talked about the possibility of making two Wranglers, traditional and independent, which is feasible from an engineering standpoint, but not with regard to production in a space-limited factory. There may be a backup plan in place, but given that such a backup plan would also require two factory redesign plans, the “backup” may simply be spending more time to get it right.

It is not certain that there will be an independent-suspension Wrangler at all; only Jeep knows what Jeep has in the future, and there have been incorrect “leaks” in the past.

The Jeep Wrangler is a key vehicle for Chrysler, often its second best seller after the Ram series, and Sergio Marchionne has said many times they cannot reduce its off-road capability.

Aluminum Wranglers
Automotive News’ Larry Vellequette quoted Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne (May 6, 2014) answering two different questions in a way that points to extensive use on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler (to be produced starting in calendar-year 2017, according to the latest Five Year Plan). In one question, about whether he could think of a better use for aluminum than Wrangler, Mr. Marchionne answered, “No,” indicating that Wrangler was the best use for aluminum. He said at another time yesterday that FCA would be ready to produce aluminum vehicles in 2017, the same year Wrangler (but also probably at least one Alfa Romeo) enters production.

Adding weight, so to speak, to the argument were two slides, used by two different presenters, discussing the importance of weight in meeting carbon dioxide requirements and increasing city gas mileage. Weight is the primary contributor to differences in city-cycle gas mileage, which is currently where Chrysler (and many other manufacturers) are having their greatest economy challenges. Highway mileage, which is influenced by gearing and aerodynamics more than weight, according to the slides, has been addressed by Chrysler and others, but weight has continued to grow as customers get used to top safety ratings, huge wheels, powerful stereos, and silent interiors.

Diesel engines, pickup trucks, and other changes
Many expect Jeep to finally issue a U.S. diesel version of the Wrangler, and a limited production pickup version (Gladiator? Comanche?). The engine would likely be the VM 3.0 liter V6 used in the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it could be a next-generation four-cylinder VM. European Wranglers have used four-cylinder VM diesels for many years.

Most expect Jeep to make the Wrangler more aerodynamic, with a greater slant to the windshield; many have speculated that the fold-down windshield function will finally be dropped. It is a unique feature for Jeep in North America, but few seem to care about it. Removable doors are likely to remain, along with the various hard and soft tops.

There have been no specific, official announcements on timing or suspension choices.

Wrangler specs, parts, repairs Wrangler ancestors, models, and reviews
3.8 V6 • Pentastar • Diesel
Death Wobble / extreme shimmy
Why “Jeep?”
New Venture / New Process
Toledo Assembly Plant
Brazil
Other Jeeps
Jeep Campers
Wrangler Forum
Creating the original Jeep
WWII: Jeep MA and MB
1959-61 • 1965 • 1975-76
Jeep Dakar, Icon concepts
J8
Reviews
Jeep Comanche pickups
Independent suspension
Wrangler: Li’l Blue
2011-2015 Jeep Wrangler
2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler
Wrangler Unlimited
1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Call of Duty II • Arctic
AEV Brute, Scrambler
Earthroamer XVJP

JP mag had some good insight for the next Wrangler.

MSRP for a 2014 Jeep Wrangler is $22,395.

What will an IFS/IRS, aluminum bodied, diesel Wrangler cost?

Sept issue of JP Magazine Jeep news & rumers

'18 Wrangler aluminum unibody!