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UPDATED WITH VERIFIED INFO:
The same new BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires have now been spotted on multiple JLU prototypes. Zooming in on one of our JLU spy photos shows that the JLU prototypes' tires are both taller and wider than the current JKU's tires. The JLU prototypes' tires measure 285/70/17 (as shown below), which is wider than the JK factory tires ranging from 225-255 width. The prototype JLU's tire diameter at 32.71 inches is also larger than the JKU Rubicon model's 32.05 inch diameter (based on its 255/75/17 tires).
Assuming these are the tires we see on the production JL/JLU, what does this tell us besides the obvious switch from Goodyear to BF Goodrich tires and extra traction provided by wider/larger tires? Wider tires are heavier, experience more rolling resistance and wind resistance, all of which theoretically lower MPG, but this should be more than offset by the new 8 speed automatic transmission and more efficient engines to be offered. The wider and larger tires may also mean widened fenders are hidden underneath the camouflage. Larger fenders and tires may be one of the reasons for the shape of the new grille which tapers inwards towards the bottom (perhaps to make more room for the wider tires/fenders).
Bigger factory tires for the Wrangler were long overdue in our opinion. We also hope that the fenders and wheel backspacing have been designed to accommodate 35 inch and larger tires without modification needed.
Front view of the larger width.
- 245/75R17 tires standard on Sport trim
- LT285/70/R17 tires standard on Rubicon trim.
The same new BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires have now been spotted on multiple JLU prototypes. Zooming in on one of our JLU spy photos shows that the JLU prototypes' tires are both taller and wider than the current JKU's tires. The JLU prototypes' tires measure 285/70/17 (as shown below), which is wider than the JK factory tires ranging from 225-255 width. The prototype JLU's tire diameter at 32.71 inches is also larger than the JKU Rubicon model's 32.05 inch diameter (based on its 255/75/17 tires).
Assuming these are the tires we see on the production JL/JLU, what does this tell us besides the obvious switch from Goodyear to BF Goodrich tires and extra traction provided by wider/larger tires? Wider tires are heavier, experience more rolling resistance and wind resistance, all of which theoretically lower MPG, but this should be more than offset by the new 8 speed automatic transmission and more efficient engines to be offered. The wider and larger tires may also mean widened fenders are hidden underneath the camouflage. Larger fenders and tires may be one of the reasons for the shape of the new grille which tapers inwards towards the bottom (perhaps to make more room for the wider tires/fenders).
Bigger factory tires for the Wrangler were long overdue in our opinion. We also hope that the fenders and wheel backspacing have been designed to accommodate 35 inch and larger tires without modification needed.
Front view of the larger width.
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