Did a Photo of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler's Front Grille Leak?
We have good reason to believe this is the front grille for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.
The photo comes from an anonymous source that sent it to JLWranglerForums.com, and much of its design elements line up with what we’ve seen on prototypes caught on camera by spy photographers. The forum says the anonymous source is connected to a sheetmetal fabricator and we can see slightly wider slats being used, along with a lack of turn-signal housings that are found on the current model. This corresponds with spy photos showing a 2018 Jeep Wrangler prototype sporting its turn-signal indicators on the fenders.
SEE ALSO: Everything We Know about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler
It is believed that Jeep wants to make the new Wrangler more aerodynamic, and a bend in the front grille will aid in achieving that goal. We’ve also seen that the SUV will have a sloped windshield, although the overall boxy design remains.
Another big question that is whether Jeep will outfit the new Wrangler with a 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine as rumored, given that it has been accused of using defeat devices on its diesel vehicles. The engine is currently found in the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, offering 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Assuming it is found compliant with EPA regulations, it would be an ideal match for the new Wrangler.
[Source: JLWranglerForums]
Discuss this story on our Jeep Wrangler Forum
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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Interesting that this leak would come from a sheetmetal fabricator, given that the JK grille is plastic. The new Wrangler's grille could be fabricated from metal, but plastic would be less susceptible to dents and dings and (I would think) lighter weight as well.
What, no front directionals/parking lights under the round headlights ??? A repeat of the TJ, when the designers forgot about these, and at the last minute, tacked them onto the front fenders?