With all the noise lately about potential mergers and acquisitions, selling and stock prices, it seems like actual vehicle information has taken a back seat to finance.
But some intriguing new photos of an exposed 2018 Wrangler JL body shell have recently surfaced to get us back on track to discussing Jeep’s next greatest redesign.
These photos, said to have been taken inside a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ facility, give us a new glimpse – sans camo – of a few of the vehicle’s changing features.
For one, and something much discussed since we first learned of its existence, is a better shot of what those vents right past the front fender flares will accomplish. Many wondered if they would even be functional or just a cosmetic piece. After all, the JL’s hood design appears to have plenty of venting to dissipate engine bay heat, so what would be the point of side vents?
Well, from this side photo, it looks like the openings will help increase air flow through the fender area – hopefully reducing the vehicle’s drag and driving up fuel economy. This is one area FCA engineers seemingly have really focused on while constructing the latest Wrangler, with aluminum finding its way into the vehicle’s hood, doors and axles in an attempt to reduce weight and improve MPG. And all this because of federally-mandated fuel economy targets that may change over the next year or so.
Moving on, this side view also gives a good look at the redesigned JL hood catches. These new pieces appear much beefier than previous editions and now will come with a metal attachment rung instead of the current bungee design. Hopefully, the engineers determined this stronger build eliminates that notorious hood flutter prevalent in the JK edition Wrangler.
Heading to the front of the vehicle, this shot clearly shows off the new LED fender lighting strips and amber side lights, which will take the place of the current grille mounted lights. The new JL grille, if you haven’t seen it before, will feature slightly larger grille slot openings and also integrates the headlights into the grille design. It will also ‘kink’ those grille slots somewhat like the YJ grille.
At the back of the JL body, the photography depicts not only a different tailgate handle, but what looks to be a somewhat lower spare tire mounting spot as well. This new handle effectively eliminates the JK-style push button in favor of a pull handle that should be easier to open. It may also work with the JL’s keyless proximity entry system, though that is unconfirmed. You should also see this same type handle on the front and rear doors too.
As far as the lower spare tire mounting position, some are saying it is about 3-4” lower than the JK mount so it could go side by side with the optional 285/70R17 tire set up, in order to lower the spare and make it easier to see out the back window. Additionally, it may also help lower the vehicle’s center of gravity although it remains to be seen how it will fit in with the JL's rear bumper.
Regardless, the next generation 2018 Wrangler JL should be available to order sometime in October, while production is scheduled to begin November 13 in Toledo, Ohio. First edition models are expected on dealership lots by early next year.
