We're going to get these things built sooner, but you won't be able to drive one until later. That's apparently the new motto for Jeep as it inches closer to a Job 1 production date for the redesigned Wrangler.
JL Wrangler Forums said today it confirmed that Jeep is moving the new JL Wrangler's initial production date up to October 16 which is a bit earlier than anticipated. The forum site also indicated allocation and ordering will most likely open sometime in October as well, based off new codes now appearing in Jeep Dealership Allocation Systems.
These Dealership System screenshots depict the next generation Wrangler with an ordering code of 'JM' for 2-door editions, and 'JP' for 4-door versions. This is apparently so dealerships will be able to correctly order the new Wranglers for customers who want the JL versus a standard JK - which also will be available as a 2018 model and in production through the end of March 2018.
Unfortunately, according to JL Wrangler Forums, Jeep has placed a 90-day 'Yard Hold' on all new JL models which means any newly ordered JL will not arrive on dealership lots until somewhere around the week of January 16th.
The move forward in production for the JL also makes it entirely possible the vehicle will debut at the Specialty Equipment Market Association's show in Las Vegas later this month. Quadratec will have a full team at the SEMA show, October 31-November 3, to bring you up-to-the-minute news on any breaking JL Wrangler information. Currently, Jeep is officially planning on a reveal during the Los Angeles Auto show either November 29 or 30.
Additionally, Jeep had listed the 4-door JL hardtop edition with the 3.6L Pentastar as its first model coming off the line on November 13, followed by the 4-door soft top with 3.6L beginning December 11th. It is unclear at this time how ordering and delivery of either model will be affected by the Yard Hold.
