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2018 Wrangler (JK) Info Thread - Ordering/Production

JAY

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UPDATED WITH 2018 JK FACT SHEET (FULL SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES PDFs ATTACHED):

2018 Jeep® Wrangler JK Fact Sheet

Auburn Hills, Mich. Sep 1, 2017 - The iconic 2018 Jeep® Wrangler JK – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – features a standard eight-speaker audio system and an optional Premium Alpine Audio Package that includes nine Alpine speakers, a subwoofer and a 552-watt amplifier. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK delivers unmatched off-road capability with legendary four-wheel drive and is produced with more than seven decades of 4x4 engineering experience. Wrangler JK continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, live axles, electronic lockers, and is one of the few mid-size SUVs that offer a six-speed manual transmission, in addition to its five-speed automatic.

New for 2018
  • Wrangler JK models feature new “Wrangler JK” decal on the driver’s side front quarter panel
  • Wrangler JK Golden Eagle, Freedom, and Altitude Editions join the lineup
    • Wrangler JK Golden Eagle features:
      • Premium tan soft top
      • Available tan half doors
      • Golden Eagle center and side hood decals
      • Body-color grille and fender flares with Low Gloss Bronze throats, headlamp rings and Jeep badging
      • Steel front and rear bumpers with bronze tow hooks
      • Heavy duty rock rails with matching black tail lamp guards and fuel fill door
      • 17-inch Low Gloss Bronze wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich KO2 tires
      • Golden Eagle logo on front seats
      • Titanium-painted bezels, vent rings and door handles all with silver bolt heads
      • Light Bronze accent stitching on the McKinley vinyl wrapped front door armrests, console lid, Black leather wrapped steering wheel, and Black cloth seats.
    • Wrangler JK Freedom Edition returns for 2018 with military-themed exterior and interior design cues including:
      • Oscar Mike fender badges and decals on the hood, fenders and rear quarter panel
      • Low Gloss Granite Crystal-painted 17-inch alloy wheels and grille
      • Body-color fender flares
      • Heavy duty rock rails with matching black tail lamp guards and fuel fill door
      • Front and rear steel off-road bumpers
      • Premium black soft top
      • Oscar Mike logo embroidered on the seat backs in silver stitching
      • Silver accent stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, doors, seats and front arm rest
      • Iron Gray Metallic front passenger grab handle, door pulls and dash vent rings.
    • Based on the Sahara model, the Wrangler JK Altitude’s highlights include:
      • Body-color grille with High Gloss Black throats, head lamp rings, front and rear bumper appliques, Jeep badge and 18-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler tires
      • Standard body color hard top
      • Power bulge hood
      • Black tail lamp guards and fuel fill door
      • Standard black leather seats with Diesel Gray accent stitching
      • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with Liquid Titanium-painted spokes and Diesel Gray stitching
      • Liquid Titanium finish vent rings, door and instrument panel grab handles with black bolt heads
  • 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK offers available premium tan soft top on Freedom Edition and Rubicon Recon models
    • Standard on Golden Eagle model
  • Tru-Lok® Locking Rear Differential available on Wrangler JK Willys Wheeler and Freedom Edition

Highlights
  • Jeep Wrangler JK’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and is engineered to provide a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque
  • Jeep Wrangler JK is available with several axle gear ratios, allowing customers to optimize fuel economy and vehicle capability. Wrangler JK is available with 3.21, 3.73 or 4.10 ratios depending on model. Also, Wrangler JK offers towing capability up to 3,500 pounds
  • A best-in-class approach angle of 42.2 degrees, breakover angle of 25.8 degrees and departure angle of 32.3 degrees helps the Jeep Wrangler JK scale the toughest terrain
  • The capable driveline of the Sport and Sahara models include a Dana 30 front axle and Dana 44 rear axle. The Command-Trac NV241 part-time, two-speed transfer case features a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. In addition, an optional Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential provides extra torque and grip in low-traction environments such as sand, mud or snow
  • The Wrangler JK Rubicon Recon model features a front axle upgrade, enhanced off-road rock rails, heavy-duty cast differential covers, Dana 44 front and rear axles and the Rock-Trac NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio. Rubicon Recon also includes electric front and rear locking differentials, disconnecting front sway bar and 32-inch BF Goodrich KM off-road tires, taking the Wrangler JK to the highest level of capability
  • The Jeep Wrangler JK’s signature features include: classic round headlamps, seven-slot grille, trapezoid wheel flares, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable tops and half doors that allow the Wrangler JK to retain the brand’s iconic appearance and function
  • Standard electronic stability control (ESC), electronic roll mitigation, trailer-sway control, Hill-start Assist and brake traction control are among two dozen available safety and security features

Model Lineup
For 2018, the Wrangler JK lineup consists of four models:
  • Sport
  • Sport S
  • Sahara
  • Rubicon

Exterior Colors
  • Chief
  • Baja Yellow
  • Gobi
  • Xtreme Purple
  • Billet Silver
  • Black
  • Bright White
  • Firecracker Red
  • Granite Crystal
  • Rhino

Interior Colors
  • Black
  • Black/Dark Saddle Brown
  • Black/Dark Olive

=========================================================================================

It's been widely reported that the current JK Wrangler will continue production (as a 2018 model year) even as the next generation JL Wrangler begins production in November.

We now have hard dates from a supplier source of ours who has provided us the currently scheduled production dates for the 2018 JK:
  • 2018 JK -- 6 Month Model Year
  • 2018 JK Production Start Date -- October 2, 2017
  • 2018 JK Production End Date -- March 30, 2018
  • 2018 JK Order Banks Open -- August 10, 2017 (Note: it's possible that this date could be moved to the following month with banks opening on September 14th)
Wrangler Assembly Plant Schedule: TSP (Toledo Supplier Park - Toledo South)
  • Building 2017 JK Wranglers until 9/30/2017
  • Will build 2018 JK Wranglers starting 10/02/2017 until 3/30/2018
  • Will shut down starting 3/31/2018 for an estimated 3-4 months or longer to retool for the 2019 JT Pickup

Note: Information is subject to change


* Updated 01/05/17 with latest info
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Davos77

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Thx for sharing. What happens at end of March 2018 when they shut down the JK line for good? Will it take months to convert for JL/JLU/JT production and there'll only be a single line making the JL/JLU during that time?
 

Milous

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Thx for sharing. What happens at end of March 2018 when they shut down the JK line for good? Will it take months to convert for JL/JLU/JT production and there'll only be a single line making the JL/JLU during that time?
Yes, single line for awhile, but the changeover shouldn't take more than a month or two, unless some additional plant upgrades are planned.
 

Wolfslash16

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Good to know. That gives me time to decide between the JL and the JK. Heck yeah.
 

Aggie

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Yes, single line for awhile, but the changeover shouldn't take more than a month or two, unless some additional plant upgrades are planned.
So much shorter than the Cherokee --> JL/JLU retool.

That last JK or JKU off the line is going to be worth something special. Very end of such a long successful run!
 

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Campbell

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So much shorter than the Cherokee --> JL/JLU retool.

That last JK or JKU off the line is going to be worth something special. Very end of such a long successful run!
We can probably expect a lot of special editions for the 2018 JK which might also be worth something special too since they're last model year. The 2017 JK is already getting the Sport Freedom, Sahara Winter, Sport Big Bear, Sahara Chief, Sahara Smoky Mountain, and Rubicon Recon editions as far as we know.
 

Bullring

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Will the 2018 JK order guide/pricing be out before the JL order banks open?
I would like to know what all the options are before deciding..
 

F1Mark

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I bet 2018 JK isn't going to get anything different than the 2017. They've said it's only for a small period of time and just to fill in the transition space between the JK and JL. Why bother with new features or packages for not even a complete model year.
 

Frank

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Do not wait to order the new jl
 

Milous

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Will the 2018 JK order guide/pricing be out before the JL order banks open?
I would like to know what all the options are before deciding..
2018 JK guide/pricing should be out in mid September (9/14). JL most likely in October or November.
 

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Bullring

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2018 JK guide/pricing should be out in mid September (9/14). JL most likely in October or November.
Thanks that should definitely help in deciding and hopefully they reveal the JL sooner than both those dates. I'd think they will show the car before ordering opens. Or is that mostly for dealers to get their orders in...
 

ModdedJK

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The fact that a manual tranny would be compact enough, compared to the 8 speed auto, could also mean FCA's design has begun or could be complete to incorporate a manual with the diesel. Obviously this transmission would have to be strong enough to withstand the excellent 420 ft/lbs torque related to the ecodiesel.
There was speculation in the spied manual transmission thread that it might be a Tremec 3160 manual box. As an example that manual is used in the 2016 GT350 Mustang which has high HP and TQ (526HP/429 LB-FT). So if it's really a Tremec 3160, it can hold up to high torque.
 

Billy

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Looks like the Tremec is NOT compatible with a transfer case. All cars listed with the Tremec 3160 are RWD only.
 

Corduroy

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I just saw on some auto blog that the Wrangler Classic was confirmed by a dealer to be coming.

"That's right! The 2018 Jeep Wrangler will also be accompanied by a Wrangler Classic version. This way buyers who enter the showroom can choose between the all-new Wrangler and the Wrangler Classic, which is expected to remain a bit more basic with old technology and a lower barrier of entry."
It got me thinking, is there any way the spy photos could be hiding a slightly modified JK as opposed to the JL? It could explain why it looks so similar?
 

Billy

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I just saw on some auto blog that the Wrangler Classic was confirmed by a dealer to be coming.



It got me thinking, is there any way the spy photos could be hiding a slightly modified JK as opposed to the JL? It could explain why it looks so similar?
The spy shots have most certainly been a combination of JK test mules and prototype JLs. There will be NO structural/sheetmetal changes to the 2018 JK classic. No 8 speed auto either, won't fit.
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