They have teased us for the past 16 months, the photos have, of a vehicle nestled under layers of camouflage. Sometimes all black. Sometimes in digital black and white, like some Wrangler-shaped rolling cow traveling down the road.
And we waited. Subsided, really, on these things called spy photos which appeared here and there of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' next generation Jeep Wrangler.
At times there was the odd wardrobe malfunction – a tail light glimpse here, some new windshield hinges there. A peek into the vehicle’s inside, revealing an all-new dash. Each time, each picture, generating more and more interest as everyone wondered just how many changes FCA would make to the vehicle. Sure, the spy shots made the thing look like a Wrangler, but who really knew.
The company’s brass like CEO Sergio Marchionne and Jeep Boss Mike Manley tried to satiate us with talking points such as ‘no way would we mess with the Jeep’s DNA. Or, ‘we know how hardcore Jeep fans are, and the vehicle will definitely live up to expectations.’
And all the while we waited. Hoping. That the Jeep we’ve known forever, would not be changed forever.
Well, wait no more. Spy cameras have ‘caught’ two Unlimited versions of the JL, what looks to be a Rubicon and Sahara, on the road with just about all of their distracting camouflage removed.
It’s not exactly a reveal. That will come later in a fancy press conference either at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late November, or at the automotive aftermarket industry’s mega event called SEMA in early November. But these photos, first displayed Wednesday by JL Wrangler Forums are definitely an FCA-inspired coming out party for its new vehicle which, thankfully, does retain the overall classic Wrangler look while adding interesting changes.
First, starting in the front, you’ll notice that oft-talked about raked back windshield which slants about 15 degrees more than the current JK, and should help out with aerodynamics. The Wrangler JL’s grille may help as well thanks to wider grill slat openings that are also taller and kinked in the middle just like the YJ grille. Headlight openings also get a bit of a change and now seep slightly into the grille slat area.
Speaking of headlights, they will incorporate LED technology again for 2018, and will also be bolstered by horizontal LED light strips integrated into the fenders instead of the grille. Reworked front bumpers appear to be more aggressive and will continue to contain fog lights.
Moving to the hood, the Rubicon edition looks to arrive with a cowl-type version, with openings designed to ventilate the engine area, as well as sculpted lines to accommodate aerodynamics. While it is unclear if Sahara or Sport will have this design, we do know every hood will be somewhat longer than the current JK edition to fit the new 8-speed automatic transmission, and will incorporate aluminum into the build to reduce weight.
One thing to note on the hood is the appearance of exposed windshield hinges. We’ve speculated before that the JL’s windshield will return to the days when it was way easier to fold down. Presumably, integrated grab handles on the interior of the A pillar will allow the windshield to fold, while retaining a second part of the frame in place for structure.
Besides LED light strips, the JL’s flares now appear slightly thinner and have design lines along the flare edge. Some have speculated this could be a modular feature, allowing the top part to be removed for an even thinner look, but most likely this is just an aesthetic change. The front flares will also will include an interior opening leading to a small vent directly behind each flare for improved airflow.
Rounding out some other noticeable front end changes are another good look at the redesigned hood catches and side mirrors. These catches will now have a steel latch instead of rubber that should eliminate any hood flutter. Side mirrors look to be somewhat taller and narrower, with aerodynamic flared edges and turn signal lights – at least on the Rubicon edition. Many have speculated these side mirrors will also have blind spot monitoring.
Next, on the JL’s side, you’ll find both the front and rear door hinges appear to be slightly redesigned, but are still exposed so door removal remains a possibility. Like the hood, JL doors will contain aluminum and should be lighter as well. The Rubicon photos also display low profile rock sliders similar to the current edition, while the Sahara features a full-length one-piece side step design.
Also redesigned are the vehicle’s door handles, as they no longer have a push button and perhaps now have sensors for proximity keyless entry like the Grand Cherokee. The vehicle’s tailgate handle shares this appearance.
Finally, it looks like JL Rubicon owners will have a swing-out fuel door cover instead of the traditional recessed design. This may just be an option, however, as the Sahara shots still show off what looks like the normal opening.
Heading behind the vehicle, the JL will sport a new set of LED tail lights that seem to take cues from the Renegade, and may come with differing appearances depending on the vehicle trim level. The Rubicon shows off a red outline, with an entire white center section, while the Sahara displays an entire red taillight with small white center section.
Additionally, the redesigned rear bumper now either has red reflector lights or additional brake lights integrated into the bumper just below the spare tire, while the license plate will relocate from just under the driver tail light to the bumper.
As far as the spare tire, it appears to sit lower on the tailgate than the current JK, and will also have a government-mandated back up camera in the center section.
The JL Wrangler is currently scheduled to begin production November 13th, with four-door hardtop models rolling first, followed by soft top models later in December.
Two-door JL editions are expected to enter FCA’s production cycle in February 2018 (hardtop) and March (soft top).
All versions will initially come with the 3.6L Pentastar which has been infused with Electronic Start/Stop technology, while a 2.0L BSG mild hybrid powerplant should arrive in March 2018.
