Automotive

Jeep teases all-new 2018 Wrangler ahead of LA Auto Show

Jeep teases all-new 2018 Wrangler ahead of LA Auto Show
Set to be fully revealed at the upcoming LA Auto Show, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will mark the fourth generation of this iconic SUV
Set to be fully revealed at the upcoming LA Auto Show, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will mark the fourth generation of this iconic SUV
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The new 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is teased with this photograph, showing the new body styling given to the next-generation of the iconic off-roader
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The new 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is teased with this photograph, showing the new body styling given to the next-generation of the iconic off-roader
Set to be fully revealed at the upcoming LA Auto Show, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will mark the fourth generation of this iconic SUV
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Set to be fully revealed at the upcoming LA Auto Show, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will mark the fourth generation of this iconic SUV
A few details can be gleaned from the three photographs teased by Jeep for this new-generation Wrangler model
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A few details can be gleaned from the three photographs teased by Jeep for this new-generation Wrangler model
Mopar unveiled a swath of new accessories for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler models, which is set to be the latest generation of the most-accessorized vehicle in the world
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Mopar unveiled a swath of new accessories for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler models, which is set to be the latest generation of the most-accessorized vehicle in the world
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Currently in its third generation, the Jeep Wrangler is instantly recognizable. A descendent of the Willys Jeep of the Second World War, the Wrangler entered the market in 1987 on the YJ chassis and progressed through the TJ and current JK chassis. Jeep has teased its fourth-generation Wrangler coming for 2018, which will be built on a new JL chassis and debut at the LA Auto Show on November 29.

The teaser photos shown of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler show that it will remain heavily influenced by its iconic design with a slotted grille, round headlamps, and square body shape with trapezoidal fenders. It's also clear that the compact two-door Wrangler and the mid-sized four-door Wrangler Unlimited will remain the norm for the new design.

The new 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is teased with this photograph, showing the new body styling given to the next-generation of the iconic off-roader
The new 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is teased with this photograph, showing the new body styling given to the next-generation of the iconic off-roader

Changes apparent in the photos are a more compact look, either because the vehicles really has been shrunken some or because the design elements make for a smaller-looking rig. The hood seems a bit shorter in comparison to the rest of the Wrangler's body length, and the rear overhang appears smaller than on the current-generation of the Jeep. The windscreen also appears a bit more raked and less perpendicular to the ground versus the current model and and the rear roll bar has a stronger curve down into the body.

Angles on the fenders are also more rounded off, matching that curve on the roll bar, and the door openings are more curved and missing the squared edges seen on the current model. The removed doors, lowered windscreen, and lack of a roof in the photos of the Wrangler Rubicon two-door make it clear that the new-generation retains those capabilities.

A few details can be gleaned from the three photographs teased by Jeep for this new-generation Wrangler model
A few details can be gleaned from the three photographs teased by Jeep for this new-generation Wrangler model

The overhead shot of that same model shows a thickened central cross beam for the roll bars, but the inward-canting rear of the pillar remains from classic Jeeps of old. The hood line is flatter and more square than the current-gen vehicle, and the bumper far less pronounced up front. Details of the hood can be seen as well, showing that the new Rubicon hood has backward-facing vents and fewer rough edges compared to the current 2017 model.

Photos of the 2018 Wrangler Unlimited model show a hardtop installed along with all four doors. The front grille looks like a mixture of the outgoing 2017 Wrangler's slotted grille and the new-generation slotted grille found on the current-generation Grand Cherokee and Compass models. Lamps in the front fenders are integrated across the fascia, as are less pronounced fog lamps in the bumper below. It also appears that the Jeep Wrangler will retain its flat-roofed, mostly square-bodied look.

At SEMA, were a new line of accessories from Mopar that will be released alongside the 2018 Jeep Wrangler were revealed. They include all of the usual suspects in terms of lighting additions, decals, suspension upgrades, and more.

Jeep also hinted at the long-rumored and mostly confirmed plans for a hybrid option in the new Wrangler by saying "advanced fuel-efficient powertrains" will be available alongside more "open-air options."

Until the LA Motor Show on November 29, it's unlikely find out much more.

Source: Jeep

View gallery - 4 images
4 comments
4 comments
guzmanchinky
Love my 2017 Rubicon Unlimited. Tow it behind my RV, and go places off road most vehicles wouldn't dare, all with the roof open and heated seats. Great little truck. I only wish it had a turbo diesel. Or an "electric crawl mode" where you could get smooth torque from electric motors for those 1mph rock crawl moments...
StWils
I do not mind the minimalist changes from Jeeps all the way back to the Willys, however, does this traditionalism include the historically normal crappy reliability coupled with pricey repairs? I would be a lot more impressed if they learned some engineering skills from Toyota and built a vehicle that wears well AND is easy and inexpensive to repair. I have put a lot of miles on ARMY jeeps and I greatly miss them and their reliability. The civilian jeeps are not so tough or fixable. A company that does not improve or learn deserves not to do well. After all, FIAT still translates as "Fix It Again Tony". Jeep is not far behind here.
BrianK56
As a Jeep owner for most of my life, I believe they stopped making Jeeps in the 1970's. These new padded, decked out vehicles are glamorized relatives of the actual Jeep that most people can not afford to buy.
Mayakovski
Hey, the new 2018 Jeep is out!
Cool, what's new about it?
Ummm, it's still called a Jeep???