For months, they were just words on a page: true three-piece hardtop. The go-to rumor regarding Jeep’s next-generation JL Wrangler headpiece.
But what did it mean. And more importantly, how would it look? Sure, we had ideas in our head, and some put pen to paper and drew out sketches. Yet it was all just educated nonsense, really.
Until Wednesday.
Until spy photography caught up with a JL test vehicle just a bit, um, exposed. Now, thanks to these photos, we can see the JL Wrangler’s hard top in all its glory.
Compared to the current JK fully removable edition, this new top – if you can really call it that any longer – appears to be just what people thought. A three-sectional roof that will peel off similar to what the current Renegade edition offers.
The front two sections on this version look somewhat smaller than the current JK Freedom panels, while the rear section does extend back to at least the quarter windows. It may even go all the way back, however that pesky vinyl camouflage is in the way.
Here is where things get a bit fuzzy. All three panels may no longer extend fully from side to side. Now, it might just be the camo extending up over the doors and windows, and onto the roof a bit to cover the rest of the panels, but it makes more sense these edges are actually part of the vehicle’s new solid frame.
We already knew the current sport bar system was going to that great metallic scrapheap in the sky, in order to strengthen the vehicle’s body in case of rollover, and this further solidifies Jeep will no longer offer a fully-removable hard top on Wrangler.
Keep in mind, this is only one version of possible JL tops. So, if this makes it to your hate list, then know Jeep will offer some type of manual soft top as well, but details on that are still murky. Other possibilities include a glass-topped hard roof like the Chrysler Pacifica, and a power soft top option that may be similar to the older Liberty SkySlider.
You can check out more images of the JL Wrangler with its top exposed thanks to our friends over at JL Wrangler Forums
