With more SUVs preferring the high street over muddy, rocky trails, Jeep boss Mike Manley plans for the next-generation Wrangler to better compete against these soft-roaders while still maintaining its Rubicon cred.
Automotive News reports Manley's plan to include "continued improvements of the powertrain package," which may mean being fitted with Chrysler's eight-speed automatic and either a smaller gasoline engine than the current 3.6-liter V6 or a diesel like that found in Ram's 1500 EcoDiesel.
Regarding weight, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne believes aluminium would be another key ingredient in not only bringing down weight, but improving fuel economy on top of the aforementioned powertrain upgrades.
As for the solid front and rear axles that give the Wrangler its off-road prowess to compensate for increased weight and rougher highway travel, Manley didn't say whether or not they would stay for the next generation of the iconic vehicle — due sometime in 2017 at the earliest — though he vowed Jeep would not "dilute what Wrangler stands for," citing his killing of the two-wheel-drive Wrangler upon taking the brand's reins.
from The Truth About Cars http://ift.tt/Jh8LjA
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