NEW 2017 JEEP® WRANGLER RUBICON RECON: EVEN MORE OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY

◾Increased 4x4 capability and protection from the most rugged terrain, courtesy of a front axle upgrade, enhanced off-road rock rails and heavy-duty cast differential covers

◾New 17-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal-painted aluminum wheels, optional body color fender flares and unique red interior accents

◾Available in Jeep® showrooms later this month

February 6, 2017 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Already the most capable production vehicle in the world, Jeep® Wrangler is about to deliver even more capability – specifically more protection from the most severe, rugged off-road terrain – with the addition of the new Wrangler Rubicon Recon. Improved off-road prowess is a result of a stronger front axle, enhanced rock rails and heavy-duty cast differential covers.

'With an array of beefed up off-road components, the new Rubicon Recon provides even more legendary Jeep Wrangler capability,' said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. 'With unmatched capability and a unique appearance, Rubicon Recon is the perfect Wrangler for our most loyal, diehard off-road enthusiasts who love to tackle the most demanding trails.'

The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition arrives in showrooms later this month at a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $39,145 for the two-door model and $42,945 for the Wrangler Unlimited (four-door) model.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition

Based on the Wrangler Rubicon model, the Rubicon Recon Edition ups the off-road ante with a front axle upgrade that features strengthened tubes and heavy-duty end forgings, heavy-duty cast front and rear differential covers and enhanced off-road rock rails that are shortened to accommodate up to 35-inch tires. It is equipped with Wrangler's part-time four-wheel-drive system that has electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles with power being sent to each through a Rock-Trac transfer case with a '4-Low' ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials. With a six-speed manual transmission, the Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition has an impressive crawl ratio of 73.1:1 that makes climbing obstacles easy.

Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is offered in seven colors: Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Firecracker Red, Gobi, Rhino and Granite Crystal.

Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition has many different features that make it distinctive, including a half-inch lift, new 17-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal-painted aluminum wheels wrapped in 32-inch BF Goodrich KM off-road tires, optional body-color fender flares and a dual-vented Power Dome hood with a black-silhouette 'Rubicon' decal on both sides.

A Low Gloss Black grille with Low Gloss Granite Crystal inserts and headlamp rings, Low Gloss Black off-road bumpers and Jeep badge with a red base give the Wrangler Rubicon Recon a toughened exterior look. The steel front bumper features a winch-capable design and removable end caps that help the Wrangler Rubicon Recon climb obstacles without any issues and reduce damage on the trail. Red tow hooks in front and back also provide the Rubicon Recon with added protection and help separate it from the rest of the Wrangler lineup.

Inside, the Wrangler Rubicon Recon comes standard with an eight-speaker audio system, black leather heated seats with a 'Rubicon' embroidered logo and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red accent stitching. Black vinyl-wrapped front door armrest and console lid with black stitching, red accent netting on front and rear door pockets and the center console, and red accent-colored seatbelts help to distinguish the Rubicon Recon from the rest of the Wrangler lineup. A dashboard plaque displays information regarding the front and rear axles, front sway bar, transfer case and tires. A Premium Sunrider soft top is standard while a body-color hard top is also available.

A unique gauge cluster features exclusive styling and also features a premium Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with added read-outs, such as oil pressure, transmission and coolant temperatures, digital speed and individual tire pressure, which are helpful when out on the trail. The passenger grab handle features Midnight Star Black accents that are also found on the vent rings, steering wheel spokes and door pulls.

Final design touches include all-weather slush mats with a red accent 'Jeep' logo and red accented axle locker and sway-bar disconnect switches. Jeep's Connectivity Group, Power Convenience Group, Satellite Radio, remote starter and auto temperature control are also standard.

Jeep Wrangler

The iconic 2017 Jeep Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – features a standard eight-speaker audio system and an optional Premium Alpine Audio Package that includes nine Alpine speakers, a subwoofer and a 552-watt amplifier. The 2017 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 offer a six-speed manual transmission, in addition to its five-speed automatic.

About Jeep Brand

Built on more than 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

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