Jeep® Wrangler: Legendary Capability Adds Improved Ergonomics For 2013

New open-air and interior appointments make Wrangler even better without compromising unique benchmark off-road capability

• Famous for open-air driving pleasure, Jeep Wrangler adds a new easy-lift top mechanism and a new premium material soft top

• Jeep Wrangler adds comfort and convenience features with new seats, auto-dimming mirror with LED map lighting, new interior lighting, available Alpine speakers and a premium Tire Pressure Monitoring system

• Moab special-edition offers added level of off-road capability and celebrates the historic Jeep off-roading destination

• Award-winning 3.6-liter V-6 engine provides efficiency up to 21 miles per gallon, while delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque

• New wheel designs distinguish Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon models

September 1, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - For the 2013 model year, engineers for the Jeep® Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – focused their attention on interior ergonomics and 4x4 capability. The goal was the make Wrangler even more enjoyable and comfortable on a daily basis from the inside out while continuing to improve its off-road ability.

With the introduction of an all-new powertrain for 2012, Jeep Wrangler features dramatically improved on-road performance combined with even more off-road prowess. Now, with new features added to the interior, the 2013 Wrangler adds improved comfort to its long list of benefits. The result is an untouched level of capability off-road, combined with on-road dynamics, fuel efficiency and interior comfort that make Jeep Wrangler the perfect vehicle for fun daily driving, weekend trail-running or extreme off-road wheeling.

Passengers are now greeted by new front and rear seats. Re-contoured and with larger bolsters, these seats are comfortable for long drives while offering more support for sporting off-road activities. Wrangler Unlimited models get a new release handle for the rear seat fold-down function. This lever allows the seats to be folded with one hand for greater convenience.

Interior courtesy lighting is now found under the instrument panel as well as the cup holder areas for front and rear passengers. An auto-dimming electro chromatic mirror is standard on all models and will feature LED map lights for front passengers.

A new Alpine premium speaker system is available for standard and navigation-equipped audio systems, and an optional premium Tire Pressure Monitor system can give the direct read-outs for each individual tire.

Jeep Wrangler offers many options for top configurations from soft to body-color three-piece hard tops. New for 2013 is a revised soft top on Unlimited models that is easier to raise and lower, especially when operated by one person.

Another highlight is the addition of a premium soft top. Available on all models, the new, premium soft top uses an easier to clean, upscale material. Consisting of three layers, the new top also helps reduce interior noise and is easier to fasten.

Both Wrangler Rubicon and Sahara models receive new wheel designs. Rubicon models now have an aggressive 17-inch 10-hole alloy wheel with polished accents and a mid-gloss gray painted inner face running 255/75R17 BFG Mud Terrain tires; Sahara models feature an 18-inch five-hole alloy wheel with a polished lip and sparkle silver painted inner face and 255/70R18 Bridgestone Dueler tires.

Dual windshield washer nozzles are now standard and help clear away mud and dirt from the windshield more thoroughly.

One of Jeep Wrangler's trademarks is its broad color palate, and this holds true for the 2013 model year. New exterior colors include True Blue Pearl, Billet Silver, Rock Lobster, Commando (green), and with late availability, Rugged Brown and Dune. Black, Bright White, Dozer, Deep Cherry Red, Gecko and Crush continue from 2012.

Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition

To kick off the 2013 model year, Jeep Wrangler will debut a limited edition model named after one of the most popular off-road destinations in the world, Moab, Utah. The Jeep Wrangler Moab edition is based on the Sahara model and will be equipped with hardware popular with off-roading enthusiasts.

Official upgrades include 17-inch Rubicon alloy wheels painted gloss black running new 245/75R17 Goodyear Silent Armor off-road tires. Wrangler Moab comes standard with the Trak-Lok anti-spin rear differential with an available electronic rear locking differential. When equipped with a manual transmission and a 3.73 rear axle ratio, Wrangler Moab has a crawl ratio of 45:1.

Unique exterior features on the Wrangler Moab include a Mopar power dome hood, premium rock rails, black fuel filler door and tail lamp guards and matching premium black front and rear off-road bumpers. Other exterior touches include the new premium soft top, black wheel arches, a matte black Jeep grille badge and 'Moab' decals on the hood. A body-color three-piece hard top is optional.

Interior modifications include black or saddle premium leather seats with black stitching, 'Moab' embossed instrument panel grab handle, Mopar slush mats and Iron Gray trim on the vent rings, grab handles and steering wheel spokes.

The Jeep Wrangler Moab will be available as a two-door Wrangler or Wrangler Unlimited model and available in Crush, Dozer, Rock Lobster, Gecko, Black and Bright White.

Engineering

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler delivers unmatched off-road capability with legendary four-wheel drive and is produced with more than seven decades of 4x4 engineering experience. Wrangler continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, live axles, electronic lockers, and is one of the few mid-size SUVs that offers a six-speed manual transmission – in addition to its five-speed automatic transmission.

The Jeep Wrangler is available with several axle gear ratios allowing customers to optimize fuel economy and/or vehicle capability. Wrangler is available with 3.21, 3.73 or 4.10 ratios depending on model. Also, Wrangler offers towing capability up to 3,500 lbs.

A best-in-class approach angle of 44.3 degrees, breakover angle of 25.5 degrees and departure angle of 40.4 degrees, helps the Jeep Wrangler scale the toughest terrain.

The capable driveline of the Sport and Sahara models include a Dana 30 front axle and Dana

44 rear axle. The Command-Trac® NV241, part-time, two-speed transfer case, features a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. In addition, an optional Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential provides extra torque and grip in low-traction environments such as sand, mud or snow.

The Wrangler Rubicon model features heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles and the Rock-Trac® NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio. Rubicon also includes electric front and rear locking differentials, disconnecting front sway bar and 32-inch tires, taking the Wrangler to the highest level of capability.

Design

The interior to Wrangler combines rich styling, versatility, comfort and intuitive feature use. Highlights include automatic temperature controls, heated premium leather seats, power mirrors and steering wheel controls for vehicle systems. Large rear windows are engineered for greater visibility. A USB port connects to the media center, 12-volt accessory outlets are located throughout the Wrangler and a 115-volt AC outlet is available to power select three-pronged home electronics.

The Jeep Wrangler's signature features include classic round headlamps, seven-slot grille, trapezoid wheel flares, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable and convertible tops and half doors that allow the Wrangler to retain the brand's iconic appearance and function. Wrangler Rubicon and Sahara models share a body-color hardtop option, offering a premium appearance.

With room for five adults, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited remains the only four-door 4x4 convertible on the market.

Safety, Security, and Connectivity

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are available with an array of safety and security technology features. Standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Trailer-sway Control, Hill-start Assist and brake traction control are among two dozen available safety and security features. Jeep safety systems are engineered to improve handling and accident avoidance while providing occupant protection, allowing Jeep Wrangler customers the ability to safely 'go anywhere and do anything.'

Jeep Wrangler stays connected with Uconnect systems, including voice recognition, Bluetooth® streaming audio, navigation and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The Wrangler's connectivity systems have improved ergonomics by giving the driver control at their fingertips. Intuitive buttons on the front and rear of the steering wheel control a number of features allowing the driver to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Manufacturing

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are built in the Toledo Supplier Park in Toledo, Ohio.

by Jeep

An automobile marque and registered trademark of Chrysler, Jeep is the oldest off-road vehicle brand. First appearing as the prototype Bantam BRC, the original vehicle became the primary light 4-wheel-drive vehicle of the U.S. Army and allies during World War II and the postwar period. Jeeps have also been used by the U.S. Postal Service during the 20th century for mail services. One suggestion for the origin of the name 'Jeep' was that the vehicle bore the designation 'GP' (for 'Government Purposes' or 'General Purpose'), which was phonetically slurred into the word Jeep.

A fun car to drive, whether it be cruising around the neighborhood, or taking on a perilous off-road trek, the Jeep Wrangler was first introduced to the world in 1987. Able to withstand the test of time, the Wrangler continues to be a very popular vehicle. Since its conception in 1987, the Wrangler has undergone 3 major design revisions from the YJ until the JK and through the changes, the Wrangler continues to prove itself as 'the gold standard' of off-road vehicles.

Arguably one of the most recognizable Jeep vehicles; the Wrangler is considered a mini sport utility vehicle and has always been produced by Chrysler, under the Jeep name. A successor of the World War II Jeep vehicle, the Wrangler underwent a big makeover in 1987, again in 1997 and 2007. The Wrangler is known by Jeep under a variety of names including YJ, JK and TJ. Targeting at maximizing comfort to expand the appeal of the Wrangler beyond the off-road world, Chrysler has continued to update the Jeep Wrangler year after year.

Built in Brampton, Ontario, the Wrangler; also known as the YJ began production in 1987 and continued to be produced at this location until 1992. In that year it began to be produced by Jeep's Toledo North Assembly plant located in Toledo, Ohio. The cars were also produced in Canada for many years, but they weren't sold under the Wrangler name, instead, it was offered as a trim level of a Chevy pickup. From 1987 until 1995, models were known as YK, and from 1997 the 2006 the models were sold as TJ. The Wrangler YJ sold nearly 700,000 units.

The YJ was available as a two door convertible as well as a two door truck. The YJ offered three different engine options that included a 2.0 liter, 4.0 liter as well as a 4.2 liter along with four different transmission options. The YJ was available with two different gas tanks, either an optional 20 gallon tank or the standard 15-gallon tank. The 15-gallon tank was pretty standard for this type of vehicle at this time, compared to now where there is a demand for greater fuel capacity.

The Jeep Wrangler that was produced from 1997 for a decade was dubbed the TJ and was offered with three different engines that included a 2.4 liter, 4.0 liter as well as the 2.5 liter. The TJ was available as both a two door convertible and a two door truck. The transmission was available in three different offerings including a four-speed automatic, a five-speed manual and a six speed manual. A compromise between the standard 15 gallon tank and the optional 20 gallon tank offered on the YJ from 1987 until 1995 was the 19 US gallon gas tank offered on the TJ.

Departing from the World War II era CJ Jeeps, the TJ went back to the round headlights from the square headlights featured on the YJ. The Wrangler TJ also had an unlimited model that 10' longer than the standard wrangler. Continuing on as a very popular roadster, the TJ was in production until 2006. Owners were able to maximize the off-road experience beyond the base model with vast customization options.

The name for the Wrangler changed to JK from 2007 onwards until it is updated again. The KJ features a two-door model as well as two four-door models. Longer, wider and featuring more spaces than its predecessors, the JK came in three trim options; the X, Sahara and Rubicon. The current engine of the JK is a 3.6 liter V6 with either a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The all-new JK came with a larger gas tank than previous ones and had a fuel capacity at 21.6 US gallons, which was more popular with the customers. The Rubicon and the Sahara models include 17-inch wheels instead of the 16-inch wheels that were standard on the X. Both of these models also have additional body trim and styling as well as interior features.

Standing the test of time, unlike many vehicles, the Wrangler has the capability to change when the needs of the consumer change. Today the Wrangler can be thought of as a family car, due to its diversity, capacious interior and safety ratings. The Wrangler has been, and continues to be the best-regarded 4X4 off-road vehicle.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4x4x4 was created by taking the 2007 Wrangler and adding two extra doors and extra length. Keeping the same iconic style, the Unlimited retained the classic look but expanded the appeal beyond the 2-door Wrangler's 'niche' market. Continuing to possess off-road and anywhere capability the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited featured a less rugged feel and was more geared 'toward suburban assault vehicle' with its comfort for everyday functions.

The Unlimited retained the convertible options and actually has several configurations with the 3-piece modular 'Freedom Top' feature.

by Jessican Donaldson