Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Unveiled at NYIAS
The Wrangler Unlimited will be offered with a sole powerplant; the new 3.8-litre OHV V6 engine that makes 205 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Not only is this replacement engine more powerful than the old 4.0-litre inline-six, it’s more efficient to boot. Available with a six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic, the Unlimited has the ability to tow 1,588 kilos (3,500 lbs) total. While this is good news, many off-road enthusiasts will long for European-bound models, which, for the first time will receive a CRD turbodiesel powerplant, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
It’s true that the body of the new Wrangler Unlimited is a bit shocking, given that in its entire history Jeep has never given a production version of this authentic rock crawler four doors (a concept dubbed Dakar was an instant hit when it debuted in 1997, but never saw the light of day), but there’s plenty of indication that the move will help pull in SUV buyers who might never have considered a Wrangler otherwise. At heart, this is still a Wrangler in every sense; in its character and in its details. Therefore the cause of the fun-loving, go-anywhere, do-anything 2004.5 to 2006 Wrangler Unlimited can only be helped by the decision to make its rear seats more accessible via four doors. Now all that’s left to do is bring that diesel here!
