2018 Jeep Wrangler NOT Going Unibody
Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts can let out a sigh of relief, for now.
According to a recent report from Automotive News, the next-generation Wrangler will remain body-on-frame instead of moving to unibody construction. As a result, production of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will remain at the Toledo, Ohio plant since the off-roader will continue to feature a body-on-frame architecture. Earlier this year, Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne mulled a unibody Wrangler with an aluminum body, implying that the Wrangler’s production would have to be moved to another plant.
SEE ALSO: Jeep Mulls Over Aluminum, Turbo Engine for Next-Gen Wrangler
While Jeep spokesman Todd Goyer declined to comment on the new Wrangler that is due in 2017, he did insist that it’ll be “the most capable Wrangler ever.” Just because production is remaining at Toledo doesn’t make it a certainty that the next-generation Wrangler won’t move to an aluminum body. In fact, the American automaker is leaning towards it despite increased costs.
GALLERY: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport S
[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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I also wish that Jeep would worry more about improving the gas mileage, than a minor change to aluminum. 16/19 sucks when compared to their Dodge 1500 truck that comes with a diesel engine and gets well over what the Wrangler currently acheives...
The wrangler is the AR15 of the auto world. The moment that changes, it will die a long painful death. The ability to bolt on various parts to personalize and change performance is amazing. The stock durability is more than good enough. The more an owner can do to make changes plug and play the better the wrangler will sell. If Fiat would focus on making it as interchangeable as possible they would find they have a winner. They could start with their CAFE standard model with hybrid motor, IFS, Aluminum skin city driving cross over. Then allow you to add options, steel skin, solid Axles (Dana 30/45/60 Axles), motor options (4,6,8 cyl/Des./Gas), wheels/tire options, lifts etc. Have the standard Ruib model for off road. Safari for mall crawer, and sport base no thrills off road jeep.