So you say you like your Jeep Wrangler JL pictures uncovered, and not bogged down by ugly camouflage, tarps, tape and the like. Well, now it looks like you may have your wish.
Call it a leftover St. Patrick's Day gift way better than a hangover, call it a spring break present. Maybe even call it Jeep giving up camo for Lent. But the highly-plugged in crew over at JL Wrangler Forums posted up some shots Wednesday that they say have been authenticated as an actual Jeep JLU Rubicon.
The photos, posted early Wednesday morning, were from a first-timer on the forum site, and are grainy front and rear side images of what the poster claims is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL. No source material was listed for the photos, however they do appear somewhat similar to Dealer Meeting Photos released last fall.
Quadratec has reached out to several industry sources familiar with the JL design, and was told these images are more than likely an uncovered JL - with one response stating over a 99 percent certainty. Some even wondered if these potential leaked shots mean Jeep is planning to unveil the vehicle at this year's Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The company has already released images of two concept vehicles Tuesday from its planned Moab lineup, and will display more Thursday. While Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne and Jeep head Mike Manley have indicated the JL will probably have its unveiling later in 2017, sending the vehicle out to Moab for its debut makes sense as it could be cross-promoted to EJS fans as well as media at the concurrent New York International Auto Show - which Manley has said he is attending.
The JL Wrangler heads into production this November and is expected on dealer lots by early next year.
We've asked for comment from FCA and are awaiting a response. JL Wrangler Forums, for its part, has been very accurate with info in the past so if these photos pan out, it would be the first uncovered proof of what Jeep has planned for its next generation Wrangler.
The posted shots, despite their grainy quality, appear to show off several features that have only been partially seen under camo for the past year - while also unveiling some new aspects. The solid frame with fixed roll cage, larger front grille with kinked slats, full-length drip rails, raked windshield, longer hood, exposed left and right windshield hinges, headlight rings that curve into the outer part of the grille, relocated fog lights and LED turn signal strips on the fenders are all elements teased over the past year or so from various spy photos.
However, some of the other things these photos depict are certainly first-time looks including driver and passenger side mirrors with turn signal lights that sit higher than current JK mirrors, venting and front quarter panel restyling past the flares that will help increase air flow, fully removable roof and doors, revamped door hinges, slightly larger trunk area, redesigned door handles that sit slightly lower than JK handles, wraparound taillights, and hood catches that are pushed more toward the edge of the hood.
And the best thing of all - the whole design in these pictures retains the overall Wrangler look which has been a key talking point for both Marchionne and Manley over numerous interviews.
Now, granted, nothing is official until we all actually see the finished edition, but these photos sure seem to depict what most believe is a finished JL vehicle.
Will we see it during the Moab EJS, which runs from April 8-16? Here's hoping.
For more on the next-generation Wrangler, check out our dedicated JL page.
