2018 Jeep Wrangler Won't Go All Aluminum
Contrary to previous plans, the next-generation 2018 Jeep Wrangler will only use aluminum for some of its body panels.
FCA has decided not to give the Wrangler a fully aluminum body and instead will use the lightweight material on the hood, tailgate and doors. “There will be a large portion of that vehicle that will be aluminum. It will not be all aluminum,” FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne said. “We’ve run the numbers and we’ve simulated mileage and the impact. Because of the difference in cost — not just of the material but the actual assembly process — I think we can do almost as well without doing it all-aluminum. I think we can get very close.”
SEE ALSO: 2018 Jeep Wrangler NOT Going Unibody
Jeep is working to improve the Wrangler’s fuel economy and shedding weight is just one way to help with efficiency. The brand is also likely to introduce an eight-speed transmission to the Wrangler along with the possibility of the 3.0-liter diesel found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The basics of the Wrangler, those being body-on-frame construction and solid axles, are expected to remain to keep the off-road crowd happy. Styling also won’t be a big departure from what we see today.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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If they put the V6 diesel in the Wrangler I would consider it ONLY if they put it with a manual transmission. None of that 8-speed auto crap.
The best thing Jeep has done was leaving enough room under the hood for the LS-3, V-8 Chevrolet engine, and the Chevrolet 6l80e transmission. I had this combination installed by a company that has done their homework. When I can keep my foot out of it, it gets 20 MPG, and it passes the emissions test. I am so happy with this conversion, I'm sending my brand new Jeep out to get it's 3.6 swapped. Thank you FCA for leaving the extra room