What others are saying:
New 2012 Jeep® Wrangler: A New Heart, the Same Soul
All-new 3.6-liter V-6 powertrain provides
more fuel efficiency, improved on-road driving dynamics and refinement,
more power and torque - and even more legendary capability
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
- The
most capable production off-road vehicle in the world gets better:
dramatically improved on-road performance combines with even more
off-road prowess
- All-new premium powertrain will excite core Jeep® followers and attract new customers with improved everyday on-road performance
- New
3.6-liter V-6 engine improves fuel efficiency up to 21 miles per
gallon, while delivering 285 horsepower (40 percent improvement) and 260
lb.-ft. of torque (10 percent improvement)
- Wrangler powertrain
now includes new five-speed automatic transmission shared with Jeep
Grand Cherokee ? for refined shifting and greater performance
- All-new powertrain combined with new-for-2011 interior equal completely new Jeep Wrangler experience
- Wrangler Rubicon now shares body-color hardtop with Sahara models
Jeep®
Wrangler ? the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world ?
becomes even more capable both on- and off-road for 2012, courtesy of an
all-new, more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine,
and a new five-speed automatic transmission ? both of which it shares
with the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The
all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission
dramatically enhance Wrangler's on-road driving performance ? delivering
up to 21 miles per gallon, 40 percent more power and 10 percent more
torque ? while also taking the vehicle's legendary off-road capability
to a new level.
"Jeep Wrangler ? the most capable and iconic vehicle in the world ? has a new heart but retains the same soul for 2012," said Mike Manley,
President and CEO ? Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Our new 3.6-liter
V-6 engine gives the ever-capable Wrangler a completely new, more
refined on-road driving experience ? complete with more fuel efficiency,
power and torque.
"Available
in 2-door and 4-door models and boasting an untouchable combination of
efficient design, open-air freedom, significant towing capability,
improved real-world drivability, and unique 4x4 systems that deliver
unmatched off-road prowess, Jeep Wrangler once again resets the
benchmark and offers consumers the ultimate vehicle for any driving
adventure," Manley added.
Chrysler
Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine ? winner of the prestigious
Ward's 10 Best Engines award ? delivers 285 horsepower (209 kW) and 260
lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm), with greater fuel efficiency. The
improvement, when compared to the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine, is 40
percent in horsepower and 10 percent in torque. Additionally, for
refined shifting and greater performance, the Jeep Wrangler migrates
from a four-speed to a new five-speed automatic transmission. The 2012
Jeep Wrangler also features the company's first application of a manual
transmission to the Pentastar V-6.
The
Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited will continue to be available in
four models: Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon. Combined with an
all-new interior for 2011, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is virtually all-new
over the past two model years and will excite core Jeep followers while
appealing to new customers.
Engineering
The
2012 Jeep Wrangler delivers unmatched off-road capability with
legendary four-wheel drive and is produced with more than seven decades
of 4x4 engineering experience. Wrangler continues to offer a
body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, live
axles, electronic lockers, and is one of the few mid-size SUVs that
offers a six-speed manual transmission ? in addition to its new
five-speed automatic transmission.
The
new automatic transmission benefits the 2012 Wrangler as much as the
new engine with more refined shifting and gear selection. By increasing
the number of speeds from four to five, the transmission allows the
engine to operate in a more efficient RPM range, which helps increase
fuel economy. More speeds also enable the engine to remain in the torque
curve, increasing acceleration. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler boasts a
25-percent improvement in 0?60 mph time, which is now 8.4 seconds. Also,
a lower first-gear ratio in the new automatic transmission gives the
Wrangler more off-road capability via a lower overall crawl ratio.
Jeep
Wrangler is now available with more axle gear ratios allowing customers
to optimize fuel economy and/or vehicle capability. Wrangler is
available with 3.21, 3.73 or 4.10 ratios depending on model. Also,
Wrangler offers towing capability up to 3,500 lbs.
A
best-in-class approach angle of 44.6 degrees, breakover angle of 25.5
degrees and best-in-class departure angle of 40.6 degrees, helps the
Jeep Wrangler scale the toughest terrain.
The
capable driveline of the Sport and Sahara models include a Dana 30
front axle and Dana 44 rear axle. The Command-Trac® NV241, part-time,
two-speed transfer case, features a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. In
addition, an optional Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential provides
extra torque and grip in low-traction environments such as sand, mud or
snow.
The
Wrangler Rubicon model features heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles
and the Rock-Trac® NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range
gear ratio. Rubicon also includes electric front and rear locking
differentials, disconnecting front sway bar and 32-inch tires, taking
the Wrangler to the highest level of capability.
Design
In
2011, Jeep introduced an all-new interior to Wrangler that combines
rich styling, versatility, comfort and improved feature use. Highlights
include upgraded materials, automatic temperature controls, heated
seats, power mirrors and steering wheel controls for vehicle systems.
Larger rear windows are engineered for greater visibility. A USB port
connects to the media center, 12-volt accessory outlets are located
throughout the Wrangler and a 115-volt AC outlet is available to power
select two-pronged home electronics.
Jeep
Wrangler's signature features include classic round headlamps,
seven-slot grille, trapezoid wheel flares, removable doors, exposed
hinges, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable and convertible
tops and half-doors that allow the Wrangler to retain the brand's iconic
appearance and function. New for 2012, Wrangler Rubicon models now
share a body-color hardtop option with the Sahara model, offering a
premium appearance.
With room for five adults, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited remains the only four-door 4x4 convertible on the market.
Safety and Security
The
2012 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are available with an array
of safety and security technology features. Standard electronic
stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Trailer-sway Control,
Hill-start Assist and brake traction control are among two dozen
available safety and security features. Jeep safety systems are
engineered to improve handling and accident avoidance while providing
occupant protection, allowing Jeep Wrangler customers the ability to
safely "go anywhere and do anything."
Connectivity
The
2012 Jeep Wrangler stays connected with Uconnect systems, including
voice recognition, Bluetooth® streaming audio, navigation and SiriusXM
Satellite Radio. The Wrangler's connectivity systems have improved
ergonomics by giving the driver control at their fingertips. Intuitive
buttons on the front and rear of the steering wheel control a number of
features allowing the driver to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the
road.
Quality
The
2012 Jeep Wrangler underwent millions of durability testing miles
during development in the company's scientific labs, at its proving
grounds and on public roads in various climates.
The
Wrangler's 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine recorded more than 12 million
customer-equivalent miles on engine dynamometers prior to production.
Testing was increased by 50 percent compared to previous Chrysler Group
V-6 engines, to guarantee a long life against severe conditions and
accommodate high-load applications such as trailer towing. Reducing
noise, vibration and harshness was a key objective for every engine
component and was achieved using advanced computer-aided engineering
techniques.
As
the Wrangler approached production, the company also tested day and
night, on- and off-road to put the equivalent of three years of wear and
tear on the vehicle in approximately three months time. This
accelerated testing occurred on public roads, paved and unpaved, in an
attempt to find and fix any issues before the first SUVs were delivered
to customers. The test drivers checked all the functional aspects of the
vehicle, such as heating and cooling, window operation, convertible and
removable hardtop operation and navigation system.
Manufacturing
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are built in the Toledo Supplier Park in Toledo, Ohio.
The plant features the flexibility to integrate the all-new powertrain
with the addition of new engine carriers and transmission lift
equipment.
The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is manufactured at the Trenton engine plant in Michigan. The five-speed automatic transmission is produced in Kokomo, Indiana (ITP2), and the manual six-speed transmission is produced in Gaggenau, Germany.
Wrangler
Sahara and Rubicon models offer a body-color hardtop and fender flares.
A new paint process was developed to match the body color to the sheet
molded compound (SMC) hardtops that exceeds the corporate quality
standards of paint adhesion and UV resistance in the harshest
environments. The body and top are painted separately with blended and
matched paint to assure color continuity.
Jeep Brand
Built
on 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with
class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who
seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation
to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that
continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any
journey with confidence.
The
Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty,
Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around
the world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America
? and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline
and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services
vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.
SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC
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RELATED LINKS
http://www.chryslergroupllc.com
2012 Jeep Wrangler: First Drive
Except
for the Porsche 911, no vehicle has preserved its purity of essence
like the Jeep Wrangler, an original creation as American as jazz and Kim
Kardashian's ass. Now its new Italian don has blessed it with the
latest corporate power parts. Could change actually make the Jeep
better?
Disclaimer: Jeep wanted me to drive the Wrangler so bad they flew me to Oregon and housed me...[in a hotel.]
Last year, the funslayers at Consumer Reports proclaimed the Jeep
Wrangler the worst vehicle for sale in America, even over the Smart
ForTwo. Noisy! Harsh! Vibrate-y! ? which, to Jeep enthusiasts, are
features, not bugs. But the funslayers have a point.
Since it came home from World War II and began civilian life as a
glorified farm implement, the Wrangler has lured thousands of buyers
promising a jamboree of toughness, only to reward them with the on-road
manners of a surly mule and the durability of a box of pinot grigio at a
Josh Grobin concert.
After
Fiat saved Chrysler from its death wobble, the Jeep has undergone an
inside-out transformation meant to address its faults among the
Philistines, leading to this: a Wrangler with more standard horsepower
than a Nissan 350Z sported just five years ago.
True Wrangler acolytes embrace changes with the giddy enthusiasm of
Popes. Fans have never stopped mourning the death of the antique AMC
4-liter inline six motor, and with reason; The advent of the 3.8-liter
V6 in 2007 with the heavier JK chassis and its cranky four-speed
automatic transmission dragooned from Mopar minivans left Wranglers
feeling as if forward motion came from a hundred junebugs bridled to the
front tow hooks.
The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, now the go-to power for all things
Chrysler, sports 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, weighs 90 pounds less
that the boat-anchor 3.8. Changes for Wrangler duty include new intakes,
exhaust and an alternator that will give mechanics a "hey, lookit"
moment: To ensure the engine could survive the Wrangler plowing into 30
inches of water, the alternator was not only raised but reversed, with
its pulley facing the block. Behind it is Chrysler's five-speed
automatic transmission, the one 80% of buyers will take, along with the
carryover six-speed manual for those who want to keep the mule whip in
their hands.
On
pavement, the Wrangler now gallops to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds ? a full
three seconds faster than the previous edition. Combined with last
year's extreme interior improvements and some additional soundproofing,
no longer does driving a Wrangler on a freeway resemble marshaling
mountain goats through a windstorm. There's still more noise than a
family sedan, and the Bridgestones' chatter comes through the floor, but
it's at a dinner-table level, not "Bad Girls Club." The five-speed
plays well with the V6, blipping the throttle before downshifts and
letting it brush redline under a full boot.
The steering still remains more truck than car, but the suspension
doesn't attempt to exhaust passengers with urgent updates about road
seams; it also tracks towards just slight understeer. The weakest link
is the brakes; soft as a deep-fried butter stick, you find the pedal
down a few inches before the orders arrive to the wheels.
But Jeep purists want to know about going slow, which is how I ended
up in a Wrangler Rubicon on a clear-cut hillside in Oregon's Tillamook
forest with my nose closer to zenith than the horizon and wheels
spinning on rocks the size of garden gnomes. Those of us who like cars
attached to the ground aren't used to windshields of nothing but blue
sky, and a few days of journosaur trampling had left the trail with a
slick coat of dust.
It's situations like this where the utter genius of Jeep engineering
kicks in. At 2,000 rpm, the new 3.6 is pumping 96% of its total torque.
Thanks to the extra lubed ring in the five-speed gearbox, a 2012 Jeep
with the standard 3.73 rear axle sports a better crawl ratio ? the
measure of how that torque is multiplied through the axles to the rocks ?
than last year's Rubicon with the heavy-duty 4.10 axle. With the front
sway bars electronically disconnected, the catawampus tires simply took
an extra swig from the accelerator and moved on. Yes, the track was
arranged by Jeep for Jeep ? but few vehicles can survive crawling
through holes large enough to swallow a Smart.
The good news on prices is that Chrysler held the base sticker at par
with the old model, around $22,000. The bad news is that fully loaded
varieties quickly ascend to heights of $34,000, and since Chrysler is
setting sales records for Jeep Wranglers and struggling to keep up with
demand, there's no plans to either adapt the four-cylinder diesel those
sooty Europeans get or build a pickup truck at the factory.
By taming its on-road manners while preserving its off-road skills,
Chrysler has finally made the Wrangler a truck that people can live
with, not in spite of. After seven decades of hauling everything from
farm implements to Daisy Duke, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is the most
capable ever.
Review courtesy of jalopnik via http://jalopnik.com/5832869/2012-jeep-wrangler-first-drive
