We're still about a year and a half away from actual production of Jeep's new pickup truck, however spy photos released Thursday show the vehicle has progressed somewhat since our last viewing.
We know you hate the camouflaged look as much as we do, yet some of the things to note on this edition are the redesigned bed, which is looking production-ready unlike the last version, a solid glass large rear window which will help visibility, and (even though covered) what we believe are the same type of removable roof panels as last time.
For anything else, well it is hard to say thanks to the covering, but we did learn from our time out in Moab that many early Jeep pickup models have incorporated just about all of the JL Wrangler Unlimited front features - which should be that kinked grille, LED lighting, flare LED light strips, redesigned hood, venting in the front panels, and fold down windshield.
As far as other production features, Jeep has indicated they plan to utilize a newer version of the 3.6L Pentastar engine in upcoming Wranglers, as well as offering a 2.0L Hurricane turbo and a some type of diesel version - as long as the company can settle its current dispute with the US Governement. Hybrid engines may also be feasible.
From what we've learned about the Wrangler JL, it will have both a manual and 8-speed automatic transmission available which should translate to the new pickup.
According to Jeep head Mike Manley, the company has yet to pick out a name for the new truck, but may lean on historical offerings such as Comanche or Gladiator when it comes time to pick a nameplate.
Jeep announced earlier this year that it will continue production of the current Wrangler JK in Toledo, OH, through March of 2018, after which the production line will undergo a retrofit and begin production of the pickup truck later that year.
