Campbell
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Manley just confirmed yesterday's info about a public reveal at the LA Auto Show, specifically on Nov 28 or 29.
“We’re going to see Wrangler this year,” he told us. “With the LA Show dates shifting back we’ve managed to coincide with that, so you’ll see new Wrangler on 28 or 29 November. “It’ll be right on the cusp of production when it hits Los Angeles and Europe will probably be August or September 2018.”
Rest of the article:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/jeep/wrangler/98833/exclusive-new-2018-jeep-wrangler-secrets-uncovered
“We’re going to see Wrangler this year,” he told us. “With the LA Show dates shifting back we’ve managed to coincide with that, so you’ll see new Wrangler on 28 or 29 November. “It’ll be right on the cusp of production when it hits Los Angeles and Europe will probably be August or September 2018.”
Rest of the article:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/jeep/wrangler/98833/exclusive-new-2018-jeep-wrangler-secrets-uncovered
Further details of the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler have emerged, including news that it’s likely to be the first Jeep model to feature electric power.
Speaking to Auto Express about the new car, Jeep boss Mike Manley said: “It really does move everything the Wrangler stands for forward significantly.
“You’ll be really surprised how far we’ve been able to move things in terms of capability, fuel economy, ride comfort, noise and all of those things. I’m very pleased with where it is.”
Manley also hinted that while the new car is an all-new model, the look won’t change significantly, saying: “It’s definitely going to move the game along but you will absolutely know it’s a Wrangler – for sure! If we did anything that departed from the Wrangler formula I don’t think I’d be able to get out of the States.”
Features already seen on concept cars like the Jeep Switchback, developed for this year’s Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, will make it onto the new car, as Manley explained: “The concepts absolutely point to the new car – stuff you’ve seen at Moab you’ll be able to point to and see in the new car.”
Most likely to make the switch from concept to production Wrangler are items like the new headlight treatment and possibly even the ‘doughnut’ doors of the Switchback. The famous cab rearward treatment, prominent bonnet, extended wheel arches and upright seven bar grille will also remain.
When asked if the new Wrangler platform was ready for electric power, Manley told us, “This platform is future-proofed.”
“Like everyone we have clearly defined plans for electrification of our vehicles. As you get into the 20s it’s impossible to have a balanced fleet without a wide range of electrification – we have those plans and we have the technology. You’ll probably hear more about electrification towards the end of this year.”
That ties in with the launch of the new Wrangler, which Manley revealed would take place at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. “We’re going to see Wrangler this year,” he told us. “With the LA Show dates shifting back we’ve managed to coincide with that, so you’ll see new Wrangler on 28 or 29 November.
“It’ll be right on the cusp of production when it hits Los Angeles and Europe will probably be August or September 2018.”
Manley also confirmed that a Jeep pickup would follow Wrangler out of the blocks in 2019, to be followed by the range-topping Grand Wagoneer in 2020. A smaller Jeep sitting under the Renegade is also under consideration, with Manley telling us: “We’re still very much looking at a smaller entry level Jeep – we’ve still got to work our way through a strong, viable business plan for that”
Jeep Wrangler hybrid: what we already know
Jeep has experimented with hybrid tech in past, releasing a Wrangler EV concept as long ago as 2008. And Mike Manley has previously indicated to Auto Express that the brand was considering electrification for the new Wrangler in 2015 and at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
In an interview at the Geneva Motor Show, Manley revealed that the next Wrangler will feature some form of hybridisation. Asked directly if a hybrid would feature in the new range, he said, “Yes. We have continued our studies on hybridisation for the Wrangler, and it’s a balance for us. Obviously there are loads of different hybrid technologies, from mild to 48v through to full battery-electric.
“For the Wrangler you need to strike the right balance; we don’t want to do something that will leave you stranded on a hillside. So for me, full battery EV is not a great fit. But hybridisation works well with the brand because of the attributes that come with electric motors – not just the torque, but also the control.”
Manley added that the new Wrangler would be put through a weight reduction programmed, but would still use the high-strength steels that ensure its robustness in extreme conditions. Jeep has also concentrated on improving the fuel economy and NVH on the new 4x4.
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