After spending the past 10 years offering just a single engine choice to its Wrangler owners upon purchase, Jeep may be poised to open the engine options gateway when its new 2018 JL Wrangler hits dealerships early next year, according to a recent anonymous tip to Jalopnik.
The source, who claimed to have connections at a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles assembly plant, says Jeep has six engine choices planned for the JL; two versions of its 3.6L Pentastar, two diesel options – a 3.0L and 2.2L, as well as two 2.0L Hurricane four-cylinder engines.
While nothing was confirmed by FCA, we’ve heard over the past year that the JL will launch with a redesigned Pentastar 3.6L engine in its standard package, and will have that 2.0L Hurricane as an upgradable option. A diesel engine has been seen in testing, likely the 3.0L unit found in the Grand Cherokee, but appears to be destined (at least initially) for export. This may change down the line as FCA and governmental regulators work through the company’s current diesel issues. All engines would come with new Electronic Start/Stop technology, but no overall specs or availability was disclosed for any of the six proposed engine offerings.
The duo Pentastar mention does merit further review though, as some have said FCA is working on a direct injection version, or even a turbo-charged option, that would initially go into its 2019 Dodge Ram 1500. If this tip is correct, it would appear to also give JL buyers a much more powerful Pentastar option down the road, in addition to the standard version.
Jeep is already on record that hybrid technology will also play a part in the future of Wrangler, but it is still unclear if FCA would alter one of these listed engines to fit with electrification, or if the automaker would develop an entirely new hybrid platform.
Besides engine news, the tipster provided information on potential JL body styling and top options as well, which seemed to confirm what already has been well documented - such as the next generation JL arriving in both a two-door and four-door configuration. New Wrangler soft tops would include a black or tan color, while hard tops would have a black or body-colored (probably Sahara) appearance. In addition, JL owners could upgrade to a powered, retractable hard top similar to what FCA offers with the Renegade edition.
Jeep rolled out its current generation JK Wrangler in 2007 with an underpowered 3.8L V6 that pushed out a mere 205hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. The company switched to the 3.6L Pentastar engine in 2012, which saw a huge increase in power numbers – now kicking out 285hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
FCA expects the JL Wrangler to enter production this November, but has not officially rolled out an unveiling date.
