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Back to March 2012 Motorsports News Archive
| 05-03-2012 at 13:00: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Upgraded | |
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The revitalised Wrangler range focuses on performance, eco-friendly technology and refinement to further strengthen the iconic vehicle’s impact in the Australian off-road 4WD segment. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler, in short-wheelbase Wrangler and long-wheelbase Unlimited form, benefits from changes aimed at giving the highly respected off-roader even more impetus in the Australian new-car market where Jeep is showing strong, sustainable sales growth that is accelerating in 2012, with January sales running 175 per cent higher than for the same month in 2011. Of chief significance in 2012 is the Wrangler’s adoption of the efficient new Pentastar 3.6-litre V6, already available in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which produces much greater power and torque than the previous 3.8-litre engine, giving improved performance and fuel economy as well as lower exhaust emissions – not to mention greatly enhanced driving pleasure. With a maximum power output of 209 kW it adds a substantial 63 kW over the previous engine, while the torque figure rises spectacularly too, from 315 Nm to 347 Nm. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in the Sport two-door Wrangler is reduced from 11.2 seconds in the six-speed manual transmission version to a swift 8.1 seconds – an astonishing 27.7 per cent improvement. The Pentastar V6 Wrangler is now available with the W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission with adaptive electronic control, or Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver-interactive manual control to further enhance the driving experience, as well as the Wrangler’s overall refinement. This efficient, smooth-shifting transmission replaces the previous four-speed unit and combines with the new V6 engine to produce outstanding results in terms of performance, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures. For example, the five-speed automatic two-door Wrangler Sport equipped with the new 3.6-litre Pentastar engine accelerates to 100 km/h in the same 8.1 seconds as the manual transmission version, while fuel consumption and emissions figures are virtually identical – the six-speed manual’s combined figure is 11.2 L/100km, while the automatic is 11.3 L/100km. CO2 emissions are 259 g/km and 263 g/km respectively. The Wrangler continues with the torquey and economical, Euro V compliant 2.8-litre CRD turbodiesel that, in five-speed automatic form, winds out a hefty 460 Nm of torque. The CRD’s power output was upgraded from 130 kW to 147 kW last year and it continues to offer the five-speed automatic as an option over the standard six-speed manual transmission. A Stop/Start function is standard with the CRD in manual format. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler range includes short-wheelbase Wrangler Sport and Rubicon variants, as well as the long-wheelbase Wrangler Unlimited which is also available in Sport and Rubicon form. All variants (except the Rubicon) offer the choice of the new 3.6-lite petrol V6 or the torquey 2.8-litre CRD turbodiesel with either five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The Jeep Wrangler’s four-wheel drive credentials are legendary. With the part-time Command-Trac® two-speed transfer case supplying drive to either the rear wheels or all four wheels and a tough, separate chassis featuring live axles front and rear as well as long-travel coil-spring suspension, the Wrangler is immensely capable in the toughest off-road conditions. Wrangler is also available with Brake Lock Differentials (BLD) integrated into the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) that further extend off-road capabilities through the selective use of braking force on individual wheels to spread torque evenly when operating in low-traction situations. For even more extended off-road capability, the heavy-duty Rubicon model comes with remote-locking front and rear differentials, heavy-duty Dana axles front and rear, electronically disconnecting sway bars, beefy Rock- Trac® transfer case, a 4.10:1 axle ratio, heavy-duty rock rails, Freedom Top and premium audio system. 2012 also brings new options for the Rubicon model, including a body-coloured three-piece hardtop, leather-trimmed seats, heated in the front and including height adjustment and map pockets behind the front seat backrests, as well as body-coloured fender flares. Standard features in the 2012 Jeep Wrangler include: Advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bagsFour-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with off-road calibrationElectronic Stability Control (ESC) with Brake Assist, All-Speed Traction Control (ASTC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) and Brake Locking Differentials (BLD)Hill-start AssistHill Descent Control (auto only)Sentry Key® anti-theft engine immobiliser Air-conditioning with automatic temperature controlMedia Centre 130 CD/DVD/MP3 radio with Audio JackSix speakers17-inch aluminium wheelsTyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) warning lampHeadlamp levelling system, manualNext Generation heavy-duty Dana axles (Rubicon only)Command-Trac® four-wheel drive system (Rubicon only)Quadra-Coil™ suspension with front five-link solid axle and rear five-link solid axle with heavy-duty monotube gas charged shock absorbersTransfer case and fuel tank skid plates
“The extra refinement introduced by the new Pentastar V6, teamed with the five-speed automatic transmission, is part of the ongoing development of a core model in the Jeep range. The driver in particular will appreciate the punchy response and overall smoothness of the Wrangler’s new petrol engine,” he continued. There is never any doubt that the 2012 Wrangler is a Jeep. With the hallmark seven-slot grille, round headlights, squared-off, flared fenders and an upright, rectangular windshield it harks right back to the original 1941 model. The Jeep Wrangler’s flat, clamshell bonnet intersects trapezoidal fender flares, which appear as separate mudguard components – similar to some of the first civilian Jeeps. Resistant to dents and corrosion, the bolted-on mudguards are removable. Once again replicating the original, the Wrangler features exposed hardware including bonnet latches and folding windscreen bumpers. The forged door and windscreen hinges are also exposed. The Wrangler’s full-framed or half doors are removable, with the full-framed doors also featuring power windows and power door locks. The doors include traditional check straps. The Wrangler comes with blow-moulded step assists mounted to the body and featuring a diamond plate surface texture. For added body protection, Rubicon models come standard with heavy-duty rock rails. From the exposed fuel-filler cap to the externally mounted spare tyre, the rear of the Jeep Wrangler maintains its rugged appeal. The tail lights, reminiscent of the 1941 Willys Jeep, are mounted separately from the body. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited With a longer wheelbase, front-hinged rear doors, exposed B-pillar and larger sport bar, the Wrangler Unlimited doesn’t go unnoticed. The Wrangler Unlimited has a 523 millimetres longer wheelbase with full-framed or half rear doors is encompassed by taut lines and sharp angles appearing not so much styled as constructed. The result is a design that is simple, strong and purpose-built, giving Wrangler Unlimited a military quality: upright and rugged, imposing without being intimidating. Providing easy entry and exit, all four doors on the Wrangler Unlimited are front-hinged, with inside and outside handles, and windows that travel all the way down. Rear doors feature exposed forged hinges and open a full 90 degrees. With hundreds of different top, door and windscreen combinations, all Jeep Wrangler models offer a three-piece modular hardtop – Jeep’s Freedom Top – which features left- and right-front passenger panels and a rear panel. The left- and right-front passenger panels may be stored inside the vehicle, while the rear section can remain in place or be removed separately. |
The iconic four-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler has received an upgraded engine and transmission for the 2012 model year.
“With impressive sales from star performers such as the new Compass and the segment-dominating Grand Cherokee, Jeep is off to a spectacular start in 2012 – a beginning that will be given even more substance with the new Wrangler, “ said Clyde Campbell, the Managing Director of Chrysler Australia Pty Ltd.^ Back to top ^
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