Next-Gen Jeep Wrangler Will Have Diesel, Hybrid and Pickup Truck Variants
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) confirmed that the Jeep Wrangler will be offered with a diesel engine, a hybrid powertrain and as a pickup truck.
FCA made the announcement during its 2014-2018 business plan update, which revised some of the initial plans laid out back in 2014.
The brand has confirmed that the next-generation Jeep Wrangler, which is set to debut in 2017, will feature both next-gen powertrains, mild hybrid technology and a diesel engine option. In around 2022, the Wrangler will adopt a full hybrid system rather than the mild hybrid setup it will get for the 2018 model year.
No details on the diesel engine or hybrid variants were discussed, though there’s a good possibility that the diesel will be the 3.0-liter unit already used in the Ram and Grand Cherokee.
SEE ALSO: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Mules Spied Testing
These new powertrains are coming to the iconic Jeep because FCA needs to meet strict average fuel economy and CO2 requirements. Along with the updated powertrains, high-strength steel and alternative materials will be used to help reduce weight, active aerodynamic systems will be employed and axle disconnect and electric steering systems will be used, all in an effort to save fuel.
Jeep sales hit record levels in 2015 and FCA wants to take full advantage of that. The brand is now targeting 2 million Jeep sales by 2018, a strategy that will involve new products, including a Jeep Wrangler-based pickup truck along with the large Grand Wagoneer. A timeline for the new truck was not announced, though it will certainly be after 2017 when the next-generation Wrangler launches.
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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There hasn't been a real Jeep Wrangler since 2006. The next "real Jeep" will be made by someone other than Fiat and will be a pure EV.
Diesel? Pickup? Hell yeah. Hybrid? Why the hell not!