Next-Gen 2018 Jeep Wrangler Spied Testing for the Very First Time

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

The next-generation 2018 Jeep Wrangler has been spied testing for the very first time.

Sporting significant camouflage, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler prototype was caught on camera by spy photographers outside Auburn Hills, Michigan. Although it is heavily camouflaged, you can still make out the trademark Wrangler front end, but noticeably different are the bulging front fenders. Expect various aerodynamic tweaks to be made to the Wrangler’s new body with the main changes being a fixed windshield and a possibly longer front end.

SEE ALSO: 6 Things I Learned Driving the 2016 Jeep Wrangler

The major focus will be to shed weight, with Jeep turning to aluminum, even though most of the body will still be made of steel. Under the hood, the Pentastar V6 engine will remain as the mainstream powertrain option, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also rumored to join the lineup is a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 engine, while a hybrid powertrain is also a possibility.

Even though it will have a focus on improving fuel economy, the American automaker promises to also improve the Wrangler’s off-road capabilities. Expect to see the 2018 Jeep Wrangler to make its debut sometime early next year before it heads to dealerships in the summer.

Discuss this story on our Jeep Wrangler Forum

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

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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  • Craig Cole Craig Cole on May 04, 2016

    Very interested to see what FCA has in store for this model. I wonder how much lighter they'll make it or how it will be made even better off-road.

  • Frank Yoster Frank Yoster on May 04, 2016

    Im not sure if im right but those side fenders...in the back ..and possibly front ones...are one peice..if u look closely the fenders dont look 2 peice like the old ones..they look as one with the vehical...i cant describe it..but i have an idea what it may look like...and trust me its gonna look like the Wrangler

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