JEEP ® WRANGLER

The Jeep legend began in 1941 when the American Army needed a tough and versatile cross country vehicle to survive the most extreme conditions imaginable. The result was the world's first purpose built four-wheel drive vehicle – nicknamed the ‘Jeep'.

This concept has evolved over the past 60 years to create the Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler signifies toughness, dependability and 4x4 leadership. The famous Jeep grille still graces the front end and is an icon for people who want a vehicle that will go-anywhere and do-anything.

'Back in the 1990s, when the Chrysler design team started work on the Jeep Wrangler we realised we were simply caretakers of one of the most recognisable shapes in the world,' said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design Chrysler Group. 'We knew that whatever we planned for the Wrangler had to be approved by hundreds of thousands of owners... it was one heck of a responsibility.'

The result is a car that is unmistakably a Jeep, but which has been significantly altered and improved over the years.

For 2005, the Jeep Wrangler features ABS brakes as standard across the range, while a new six-speed manual gearbox is also available.

Simon Elliott, Managing Director for Chrysler Group in the UK, said : 'The Jeep is equally at home in town and cities, or on more rugged terrain. The new manual gearbox and ABS brakes will make the Wrangler even more ‘road' friendly, without losing any of its appeal off the beaten track. Wrangler continues to have a strong and loyal following in the UK, and enthusiasts love this tough and capable car that is at home on tarmac as off it.

There are three models in the Jeep Wrangler range - 4.0 Sport, 4.0 Sahara and 4.0 Sahara Auto.

THE WRANGLER RANGE

Sport models, which are available with a manual gearbox only, feature a folding soft top with removable 'soft' side and rear windows. Standard features also include a CD sound system with four speakers, an auxiliary power outlet socket, Neutral Grey Metallic wheelarch mouldings, locking tailgate mounted spare wheel, a body coloured grille and 'Jeep' spare wheel cover.

Seats are covered in either Dark Slate Grey or Khaki colour Satana cloth fabric and the tilt-adjustable steering wheel has a 'soft feel' finish. All Wrangler Sports have 15 inch steel wheels shod with chunky Goodyear Wrangler 215/75 R15 tyres. Wrangler Sport is available in Black Clearcoat, Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat, Patriot Blue Pearlcoat, Deep Beryl Green Pearlcoat colours.

The stylish Wrangler Sahara, which is available with manual or automatic transmission, is distinguishable thanks to 15 inch ‘Ecco' alloy wheels (with 225/75 R15 Goodyear Wrangler tyres) and a removable hard-top with glass side and rear windows. It also has body coloured wheel-arch mouldings and a ' Sahara' graphic on the spare wheel cover. Inside, the Sahara boasts air conditioning and a seven speaker CD sound system with subwoofer and tweeters. Extra oddment space is provided by a rear seat 'saddlebag'.

Sahara models have Sedona cloth seat fabric in two tone Dark/Medium Slate Grey colour and a leather covered tilt adjustable steering wheel. Wrangler Sahara is available in Black Clearcoat, Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat, Patriot Blue Pearlcoat, Deep Beryl Green Pearlcoat, Flame Red Clearcoat and Light Khaki Metallic Clearcoat.

The interior of the Jeep Wrangler remains as practical as ever, retaining its hose out facility with water resistant electronic units and seat fabrics, removable carpets and floor pan plugs. The rear seats can also be folded to increase load space.

EXTERIOR

Traditional Jeep styling cues, such as exposed hinges and latches on the bonnet, doors and tailgate, as well as the windscreen's fold-flat capability and traditional Jeep grille – have all been retained on the current Wrangler. All UK Wranglers have full steel doors, with wind-up glass windows.

Both the soft- and hard-tops are designed for improved sealing, reduced wind noise and ease of operation. The soft-top, standard on all Sport models, is supported by three hinged bows which fold rearward much like a conventional convertible and takes just one third the time to raise or lower than the previous design. The removable hard-top, standard on top-of-the-range Sahara models has quick release header latches, glass side and heated rear windows as well rear wash-wipe.

CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION

The Wrangler features a ladder-type chassis with the body-on-frame construction of its predecessor. The frame has been strengthened to increase overall chassis stiffness and to allow for more precise suspension tuning compared to previous models.

Wrangler's ability off-road is enhanced by its Quadra-Coil suspension. The suspension system features live solid axles, Quadra-Link leading arms at the front and Quadra-Link trailing arms at the rear. There are anti-roll bars at both ends along with heavy duty gas filled shock absorbers. The coil springs offer vastly improved on-road comfort and more precise handling characteristics but with no trade off in the Wrangler's off-road performance.

The coil springs afford an extra seven inches of extra articulation compared to the leaf springs on the previous model, giving the Wrangler even better off-road with improved ground clearance and better angles of approach and departure. For maximum protection off-road, all Wranglers have skid plates under the transfer case and fuel tank.

BRAKES AND STEERING

Steering is by recirculating ball with power assistance with 3.0 turns from lock to lock for a turning circle of 10.25 metres. Brakes have ventilated discs at the front with drums behind.

ENGINE

The 4.0-litre straight six petrol engine used in the Wrangler is a well proven Jeep unit, offering an ideal blend of power with economy. The engine features state-of-the-art aluminium pistons and modifications including reprofiled camshafts and revised valve springs allow for a substantial increase in low-speed torque, quieter valve train operation and a smoother idle.

It develops 174 bhp at 4600 rpm and an impressive 218 lb ft of torque at 3500 rpm, to give the manual Wrangler 4.0 a maximum speed of 108 mph, with 0-62 mph taking just 9.9 seconds. Figures for the automatic version are 107 mph and 10.6 seconds.

As part of the NVH package, the cast iron block of the 4.0-litre engine has been stiffened with extra ribbing while at the same time the valve cover is isolated and a main bearing brace added.

The 4.0-litre model has six speed manual transmission as standard with a high/low ratio transfer gearbox coupled to Jeep's proven Command-Trac® part-time four-wheel drive system. Four speed automatic transmission is available as an alternative on Sahara models.

SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION

For 2005, Jeep Wrangler will feature the NSG 370 six-speed manual transmission. The six-speed gearbox provides a 4.46:1 first-gear ratio, versus the 3.83:1 ratio of the five-speed transmission it replaces for improved launch and traction.

'Because Jeep vehicles are designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions, the NSG 370 transmission has a unique gear case and direct-shift system specifically designed for the Jeep application,' said Frank Frederick, Director – Manual and Rear-Wheel-Drive Transmissions and Driveline Engineering, Chrysler Group.

The NSG 370 six-speed manual transmission provides optimal shift quality, improved quietness and high quality. A new dual-ratio transmission shift-tower system allows packaging of the six-speed shift pattern within the existing Jeep vehicles, and it is tuned for optimized shift quality. For smooth operation the First and Second gears have triple-cone synchronization, the Third and Fourth gears feature double-cone and the Fifth and Sixth gears single-cone synchronization. Hard-finished gears allow for quiet operation. A multi-rail, steel-construction shift system delivers high strength and precision. The two-piece aluminium case with integrated clutch housing assures powertrain stiffness and light weight. The new First-gear ratio combined with six-speed step spread allows optimization of axle ratios for fuel economy and performance.

COMMAND-TRAC

Two wheel-drive is used in normal operation and on dry roads and you can ‘shift on the fly' at up to 55mph into 4x4 high range for extra grip on a slippery surface. On loose surfaces you can use low range, which provides more than double the torque at the same engine speed as you would use in high range.

Using Command-Trac:

A floor-mounted shift lever engages four-wheel drive. This system features 2.72:1 low-range gearing for added low-speed power and a neutral position for towing. There is no centre differential.

Command-Trac is a 'shift-on-the-fly' part-time system. A driver can shift the vehicle's transfer case from two-wheel drive into four-wheel-drive high speed without stopping. Command-Trac is ideal for slippery or loose surfaces such as mud, snow or sand but it is not recommended for operation on dry road.

The transfer case delivers engine torque from the transmission to the front and rear driveshafts at equal speeds for four-wheel-drive operation. In the transfer case with four-wheel-drive engaged, both front and rear driveshafts are locked by a chain and gearset and always turn at the same speed. In doing so, they form a single driving unit.

The rigid connection between the front and rear driveshafts allows no differential action, which is why Jeep recommends that this system not be engaged on dry road. When turning, the only components that can compensate for normal front-to-rear differences on dry road are the tyres – through wheel slippage. As the Command-Trac vehicle is in two-wheel drive most of the time, wear and tear of the four-wheel drive components is limited.

The Command-Trac transfer case allows the selection of four shift positions:

Transfer Case Shift Lever Positions – 2Hi;4Hi;Neutral;4Lo

Two-wheel drive (2WD) – for normal driving

Part-time four-wheel-drive high range (4H) – for use on slippery or loose surfaces only; this position can be shifted on-the-fly at speeds up to 55 mph (88.5 kph)

Neutral – allows the vehicle to be towed behind another vehicle

Part-time four-wheel-drive low range (4L) – for temporary use when added low-speed pulling power or greater torque (for off-road driving) is desired (not intended for normal driving); 4L is engaged by slowing the vehicle to 2-3 mph (3-5 kph) without stopping, shifting the transmission into neutral, then shifting the transfer case lever firmly to 4L (a momentary release of the accelerator pedal may expedite the shift).

SAFETY

The Wrangler features high levels of occupant safety with driver and front seat passenger airbags as standard, together with height adjustable front seat belts. Both rear seats have full three-point safety harnesses. A third, high level, rear brake lamp and variable intermittent speed wash/wipe system completes the package.

WARRANTY

All Wrangler models are covered by the comprehensive Jeep warranty scheme, which provides a three-year/60,000 mile mechanical warranty, seven-year anti-corrosion warranty and 12 months European roadside assistance.

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