posted 10-02-2014 07:06 PM                  

"The 2017 Jeep Wrangler may leave its historic steel body-on-frame construction and Toledo plant behind, according to Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, as quoted by Automotive News’ Larry Vellequette.

The current Wrangler has good mileage for rugged four wheel drive vehicles, but poor economy overall, at around 17/21 mpg (depending on model and transmission).

Mr. Marchionne said the Wrangler will need to lose weight and might need an aluminum unibody setup; previously, he had implied that Wrangler would be Chrysler’s first car to make extensive use of aluminum since the Plymouth Prowler, whose team was largely hired by Ford.

The 3.6 liter V6 would likely be swapped out for either a Hurricane 2.0 turbo and/or the smaller 3.2 V6. Many believe a diesel will be optional.

Mr. Marchionne said that the Toledo South plant could not handle an aluminum body, but that any solution would not affect local employment. This means that a new plant might be built, or that the plant could also be repurposed (or closed) and the Wrangler moved to Toledo North, Sterling Heights, or Belvidere, though this would mean that the aluminum-bodied Wrangler would be made with steel-bodied cars, which seems unlikely.

The current Wrangler plant was created under Daimler and is enclosed by a “supplier park,” making expansion difficult at best and reducing flexibility.

There has also been considerable talk of using an independent suspension. While there has been an innovative long-travel independent-suspension Wrangler prototype, one suspension engineer said he suspected the company would adopt a version of the Ram 4×4’s setup instead.

posted 10-03-2014 06:23 AM                  

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Originally posted by CJ:
I also had a 2007 Jeep Unlimited (4 door). I've always loved my Jeeps and the 07 was good but it couldn't get out of it's own way! I traded it in this summer on a new 2014 Unlimited and what a difference with the new engine!!! Drives better, rides better, lots of great new features and zips right on down the road. No longer worried about pulling out into traffic!!

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posted 10-03-2014 05:25 PM                  

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Originally posted by mslc10:
I think the discussion really is taking the iconic American Jeep and making it into something unrecognisable. Didn't they already try that?

http://trivillagepennysaver.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/WGIPCar_Collector.jpg

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posted 10-03-2014 06:25 PM                  

Frankly, a Jeep Wrangler or Unlimited aren't the best vehicles for mpg on highways.....but then they weren't meant to be. I've always had Jeeps, mainly for 4 wheeling. I still have my 1983 Jeep CJ7 Limited.

Oh...and I forgot..I always get better mileage than what the mfg. rates it.