Even though a Wrangler revamp looms on the horizon later this year, Jeep is determined to make sure its current JK line gets the proper send off it deserves.
The company announced on Monday a taller, stronger Wrangler - the Rubicon Recon Special Edition - will roll into showrooms later this month.
This Rubicon Recon edition, Jeep said, will take its most capable Wrangler on the market, and bump it up a bit thanks to a new front axle with strengthened tubes, heavy-duty cast front and rear differential covers and enhanced off-road rock rails.
“With an array of beefed up off-road components, the new Rubicon Recon provides even more legendary Jeep Wrangler capability,” said Jeep Head of Brand Mike Manley, in a company release. "With unmatched capability and a unique appearance, Rubicon Recon is the perfect Wrangler for our most loyal, diehard off-road enthusiasts who love to tackle the most demanding trails.”
This is one of several Special Edition JK Wranglers that Jeep is releasing before it closes down the entire JK line early next year. Jeep plans to release its next-generation Wrangler JL in November. Other pending Special Editions include the Wrangler Sport Freedom, Sahara Winter, Sport Big Bear, Sahara Chief, and Sahara Smoky Mountain.
Jeep's Rubicon Recon edition, like all JK Rubicons, contains Jeep’s part-time four-wheel drive system with electronically-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles, and a Rock-Trac two-speed transfer case. When mated with a six-speed manual transmission, the Rubicon has an impressive crawl ratio of 73.1:1, making off-road navigation much easier for legions of enthusiasts. Jeep says it will also have a 5-speed automatic transmission available for the Rubicon Recon as well.
What will set the Recon apart from a standard Rubicon, besides that axle, diff. covers and rock rails, are 17-inch low gloss Granite Crystal painted aluminum wheels, 32-inch BF Goodrich KM off-road tires (upgradable to 35-inch), optional body-color matching fender flares, a dual-vented Power Dome hood, Rubicon Recon decals, low gloss granite crystal exterior trim, red front and rear tow hooks and black jeep badges with red outlining.
Completing the exterior appearance is a low gloss black grille with Granite Crystal inserts and headlamp rings, low gloss Black steel off-road bumpers, and a modified Jeep badge with a red base. The steel front bumper also features a winch-capable design and removable end caps.
Inside the Recon is a variety of vehicle-specific looks, including black leather seats with ‘Rubicon’ logos, red accent stitching, red seat belts, red door netting and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. An eight-speaker audio system, satellite radio, premium ‘Sunrider’ soft top, remote starter, automatic climate control, keyless entry, and power locks comprise some of the Recon's other standard features. Should you choose, there is also a body-colored hard top option available.
The Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition runs $39,145 for a two-door, while the 4-door Unlimited is $42,945. Available colors include Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Firecracker Red, Gobi, Rhino and Granite Crystal.
