The Jeep Wrangler (JK) is the third generation of the Jeep Wrangler off-road vehicle. The Wrangler was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, the JK series 2007 Wrangler Unlimited at the 2006 New York Auto Show.
The car's body and chassis were completely redesigned during the era when Jeep was part of DaimlerChrysler. Just like the Willys MB, the CJ Jeeps and the Wranglers before it, the JK continues to have a separate body and frame, rigid live axles both front and rear, a fold-flat windshield, and can be driven without doors. Also, with the exception of optional 4x2 models, the Wrangler JK continues to have part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing.
In addition to the traditional 2-door Jeep, the JK introduced for the first time a factory standard four-door model, called the Wrangler Unlimited. Contrary to the previous Unlimited, CJ-6 and CJ-8, its wheelbase is stretched by 20 instead of 10 inches.
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Development
In 2001, DaimlerChrysler commissioned development of a TJ successor under the "JK" program code for the third generation Jeep Wrangler. Design work began almost instantly in 2001, with Mark Moushegian winning an internal design competition against Dan Zimmerman (later responsible for 2005 Jeep Hurricane Concept) by the second quarter of 2003. In January 2004, the JK design was frozen at 31 months ahead of production and work began on a conceptual preview.
On November 16, 2004, Jeep released 2 CAD renders of a Jeep pickup. On December 5, 2004, the 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept was unveiled ahead of its January 2005 Detroit Auto Show debut, previewing many of the design elements on the incoming JK. The Wrangler JK was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show with past Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda driving one up some steps and through a plate glass window, just as Robert Lutz had done at the show in January 1992 with the Grand Cherokee.
Commando Green Jeep Wrangler Video
Initial release
The JK was first available for purchase with the 2007 model year, beginning in August 2006. The 2007 model year brought a complete redesign of the Jeep Wrangler, and also a four-door model. The TJ chassis was replaced by an all new JK platform.
The JK Wrangler has been offered from the start in two models:
- A short-wheelbase 2-door, in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels.
- A long-wheelbase Unlimited 4-door, also in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels.
This next-generation Wrangler was noticeably wider than the previous model, with a 3.4-inch (86 mm) wider track; and though the two-door model has a 2-inch (51 mm) longer wheelbase, it is actually 2.5 inches (64 mm) shorter in overall length than the TJ, allowing for a 44.3° approach angle and a 40.4° departure angle. With a larger factory available tire size of 32 inches, the breakover angle on the Rubicon is increased from 22.6° to 25.4°. The four-door Unlimited model has an over 20-inch (510 mm) longer wheelbase at 116 in (2,950 mm) to offer much improved rear seating room, but is nevertheless only 2.4-inch (61 mm) longer than the 2006 TJ Unlimited.
The JK runs almost all vehicle functions, other than steering, under computer software control. Engine, transmission, and to some extent braking are computer controlled, as are lights and auxiliary systems. This is a first for the Wrangler. As of mid-2007, there have been three safety recalls for software fixes.
Stability control is a new safety feature for the JK Wrangler. All versions offer off-road tuned Anti-lock braking system and traction control system with electronic limited slip differential. Standard on the Rubicon trim is a new electronic sway bar disconnect system.
A Sunrider convertible soft top is standard equipment. Also available on the JK model is an optional 3-piece modular hardtop. Although the doors can still be removed in traditional Wrangler fashion, power windows and remote power door locks will be offered for the first time in a Wrangler. Another first is an available navigation system. This is the first generation of the Jeep Wrangler to have a change in the tail lamps.
New features include power windows, remote power door locks, navigation, as well as electronically detachable sway-bars on some models.
The Wrangler X is available with factory installed right-hand drive, targeted at U.S. Mail carriers. Rural mail boxes in the United States are serviced with the carrier behind the wheel. This may also be useful for carriers who wish to get out of their vehicle without the risk of getting hit by traffic. For the 2007 and 2008 model years, the right-hand drive Jeep was the short-wheelbase Wrangler. For the 2009 model year, the right-hand drive Wrangler will be replaced by the right-hand drive Wrangler Unlimited.
JK Wrangler Unlimited
The JK series 2007 Wrangler Unlimited was unveiled at the New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006. It is stretched even more than the TJ model, and featured four doors. This change made it the last-remaining 2-door SUV in North America to gain a four-door option and made it the only four door convertible in production. A full 20.6 inches (523 mm) was added to the JK Wrangler's 95.4-inch (2423 mm) wheelbase. It hit production line in August 2006 and was priced near $21,000.
The Unlimited has the same engine and transmission choices as a short-wheelbase JK. X and Sahara trims offer an option of 4x2 rear-wheel drive in the USA. Optional 4x2 was discontinued after the 2010 model year for the Unlimited. 4-wheel drive became standard for the 2011 model year. It is the only four-door convertible available in the US, since the Hummer H1 with optional rag-top is no longer sold.
The Unlimited offers more options and equipment than any previous Wrangler model, including standard electronic stability program and optional seat-mounted side airbags, remote keyless entry, navigation system, and Sirius Satellite Radio. The navigation and satellite systems are a part of the MyGig Entertainment system that also has a hard drive allowing for the storage of MP3 music files and pictures.
Trim levels
The Standard Wranglers are available in six trim packages (including 2 special editions). The Unlimited Wranglers are available in four trim packages (including 1 special edition). Most packages can be ordered with either hard or soft top, full or half doors ("Sport" and "Rubicon" only).
The Sport base model is available in 2-door versions. It is the "bare bones" Wrangler that can be customized to a buyer's specifications by adding such options as air conditioning and other accessories. It was originally called the "Wrangler X" until 2009. Later, stain-resistant YES Essentials cloth seats replaced standard vinyl seats, an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio input jack, and full-sized spare tire and wheel came standard on this model.
The X-S model features 32-inch tires (on 17-inch wheels), air conditioning, fog lights, cruise control, driver's seat height adjuster, removable doors, and a fold-down windshield. It can be customized to a buyers specifications adding such options as power windows and locks, soft or hard top, rear LSD or locker (2007 only), and other accessories. It was renamed "Sport S" in 2009. Advantages over the Sport included standard air conditioning, alloy wheels, matching spare tire and wheel, YES essentials stain-resistant cloth seats, optional Uconnect touch-screen radios, optional seven-speaker premium sound system with subwoofer, and optional power equipment, such as power door locks and power windows, a first on any Wrangler model.
The Sahara model is the "luxury" model offering accessories such as body colored fenders, "Yes Essentials" seats (in late 2007-2008), power windows and locks and a 7 speaker infinity sound system with subwoofer, among others. It also offered exterior-color fender flares and a gold 'SAHARA' decal on both front fenders.
The Rubicon is the "off-road ready" model, offering 32in BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM off-road tires with aggressive tread, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, and more. 'RUBICON' decals adorned both sides of the hood.
The Rubicon package is the dedicated "Offroad" package. Standard components of the Rubicon package include front and rear next generation Dana 44 axles with electric lockers, Rock-Trac four-wheel drive with 4:1 transfer case, rock rails, 32-spline rear axle with an 8.8-inch ring gear, 4.10 axle gearing, electric releasing sway bar, "Yes Essentials" seats (2007-08), 7-speaker infinity sound system, and any other available option can be added.
Powertrain
A 3.8 L EGH V6 with a displacement of 230.5 cubic inches (3,778 cc) producing 202 hp (151 kW) and 237 pound force-feet (321 N?m) of torque was the base engine in 2007 -2011 models. It replaced the venerable AMC 242 straight-6.
The 2.8 L VM Motori turbodiesel straight-4 producing 177 hp (132 kW) and 302 pound force-feet (409 N?m) of torque used in the Liberty is offered as options outside of U.S., as it does not satisfy U.S. emission control standards for 2007.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic transmission offered as an option. The lower two levels have the Jeep Command-Trac part-time four-wheel drive system with an optional Trac-Loc limited-slip differential, while the Rubicon uses Rock-Trac a version of the NV241 with a 4:1 low range. Electronic locking front- and rear-axles called Tru-lok are also standard on Rubicon models. (A rear locking differential was optional on X and Sahara models for 2007, then only on select X models for 2008 and 2009. From 2010 onward, the only non-Rubicon Wrangler to have the Tru-lok locking differential as an option are the 2015 Wrangler X, based on the Sahara, and the 2016 75th Anniversary Edition Wranglers.)
Updates and editions
2009 model year update
The 2009 model added standard Hill Start Assist (HSA) to prevent rollback on graded surfaces. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) also is available to monitor vehicle movement relative to the intended path and activates the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) if the trailer begins to sway outside set parameters. Additionally, ULEV II emissions replace LEV II emissions on manual transmission equipped vehicles.
Rocky Mountain Edition
The Rocky Mountain Edition is a special edition of the "X" model that was made for 2009 with 32-inch tires (on 18-inch wheels), black tubular sidestep, a 6-disc in-dash changer and visual enhancements such as body colored fenders were optional.
2010 update
The 2010 model added a new easier-to-fold/open soft top, standard UConnect infotainment systems on models equipped with the MyGig radio, and new sun visors that offer more coverage than the old models, as well as integrated vanity mirrors.
Islander Edition
The Islander Edition is a special edition of the "Sport Base" model made in 2010 with "32"ish-inch tires, Islander edition seats, rubber slush mats, black tubular sidestep and visual enhancements such as a blue accented leather steering wheel.
Mountain Edition
The Mountain Edition is a special edition of the "Sport Base" model made for 2010 with 32-inch tires (on 17-inch wheels), black tubular sidestep, black tail light protectors and special edition seats, as well as visual enhancements like black grid and hood decals, a black fuel filler door and graphite dash enhancements. This edition was also available in 4 doors, based on the more equipped "Sport" trim instead of the "Sport Base" trim.
2011 model year refresh
The 2011 model added a new steering wheel, as well as a completely redesigned interior with higher quality materials, larger rear windows to increase rear visibility, and a new USB interface with Bluetooth audio streaming. For the first time ever, automatic temperature controls were also added to the Wrangler as an option. The redesign was intended to provide a more refined interior as well as directly addressing interior comfort in noise and temperature.
70th Anniversary Edition (MY2011)
The 70th Anniversary Edition is a special package based on the Sahara model to commemorate the 70th model year of the Wrangler. This package is available for the 2011 model year on both Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models. Features include: Black/Dark Olive (or Black) leather seats with perforated leather inserts and Chestnut accent stitching and piping, Leather steering wheel with Chestnut accents, Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding, Mopar brushed aluminum sill plates, Door armrest and center console in Dark Olive (or Black) with Chestnut accent, Unique 18-inch polished wheels, Automatic shift knob with satin chrome cap and bezel, Satin chrome HVAC rings, front doorpulls and grab handle, 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen, Unique cluster overlay and needles, and 70th Anniversary badges throughout.
JK-8 Mopar pick-up kit
In 2011 Jeep made a MOPAR kit available, to convert a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a pickup, called JK-8 Independence. The kit turns the car into a two-seater with a 50 inches long steel bed, and the half hard-top works with Freedom Top panels.
2012 model year update
Jeep Wrangler 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, Jeep Wrangler Arctic
The 2012 model, as confirmed by Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne during the 2010 third-quarter sales announcement, received a version of Chrysler's newest V-6 engine known as Pentastar. The version used in the 2012 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy for the 2-door model is rated at 17 mpg City / 21 mpg Highway.
Jeep Wrangler Arctic is based on Jeep Wrangler Sahara, with Arctic badge, decal recall the Yeti, unique black 17-inch wheels, original Mopar accessories, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 petrol engine with the automatic five-speed transmission or 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
The vehicles were unveiled in 64th International Frankfurt Motor Show.
Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition is a package that starts with a Sahara model and adds black exterior treatment including the front badge, the wheel spokes, the fuel door, and a hood sticker. Inside, the vent trim, door pulls, steering-wheel spokes, and passenger grab handle are rendered in black. Stitching is done in red. The Altitude Wrangler paint colors are cherry red, black, white, or silver, and all include a body-colored hardtop.
European models of Jeep Wrangler were introduced in Jeep dealerships starting November 2011. Early models include Sport, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels of Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. Arctic model were introduced in Jeep dealerships in the first quarter of 2012 (for Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited).
Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition (2012)
A version of 2012 model year Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon inspired by Activision's Call of Duty video games was available. Equipment included Rubicon wheels finished in semi-gloss black, black, or bright silver body color, "Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition" graphics on the front fenders and spare tire cover, modified sculpted hood also from AEV (no heat vent); an AEV winch-ready (less the winch plate) front bumper and AEV rear bumper, rock rails, taillamp guards and a fuel-filler door from Mopar accessories; 32-inch off-road tires, live axles with locking differentials in the front and rear, a two-speed transfer case, model-specific black seats with accent stitching and "Call of Duty" logos, unique gauge cluster graphics, dashboard serialized plaque, dashboard grab handle with logo, accent stitching on arm rest, console lid, and steering wheel, as well as Mopar slush floor mats and a rear cargo mat (Unlimited only) with logos.
The vehicles arrived at Jeep showrooms in November 2011.
Equipment
Mopar produced over 250 accessories for 2012 Jeep Wrangler.
Double cab pick-up conversion
Since about 2012, the company American Expedition Vehicles offered an extended wheelbase, double-cab pickup conversion of the Unlimited, called the 'Brute'. Inspired by the Land Rover Defender 130, the Brute has a 139 inch wheelbase and an overall length of 216 inches. After four years of production, the Brute was retired.
2013 model year update
The Wrangler series have received the following update/improvements; newly contoured seats and trim, a lever for one-handed rear-seat folding (previously a two-handed operation), ambient cabin lighting, and the return of the long-awaited second windshield washer nozzle.
2013 Moab edition
Similar to the 2012 "Call of Duty" version, it was named in recognition of the mountainous Utah east-central region that plays host to the annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari. The newest addition to the Wrangler lineup was aimed to bridge the gap between Rubicon and Sahara style.
Available for both Wrangler models, the Moab's uniqueness was its distinguishing exterior features which included the steel bumpers front and rear from AEV (less the winch plate), rock sliders on the sills, tail light guards, front skid plate, black fuel filler door and a modified sculpted hood also from AEV (no heat vent). Color choice was limited to black, white, and a quartet of signature hues: Gecko, Dune, Crush, and Rock Lobster with fender flares in matte black only.
Other components and options were as follows: A limited-slip rear differential is standard and a locking unit is optional, 32" Goodyear Silent Armor tires on black-painted versions of the same wheels found on the 2013 Rubicon, Wrangler's standard 2.72:1 transfer case (no option for a Rubicon 4:1), a soft canvas top cut from the same cloth as the Chrysler 200 Convertible's and optional color matching hard top.
2013 Overland edition
For Australia, the year revived the Jeep 'Overland' name, with the introduction of a premium / luxury version, featuring for instance leather-trimmed seats, automatic headlights and a reversing camera.
Production
The 2013 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are built in the Toledo Supplier Park in Toledo, Ohio.
As of May 17, 2013, Chrysler Group's Toledo (Ohio) Assembly Complex produced its one-millionth JK model, a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition, to be delivered to a customer in Sarasota, Florida.
Marketing
As part of 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition launch, the Jeep X Games Avalanche Scramble sweepstakes campaign featured a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition grand prize and 3 'X Games Aspen 2013' prizes.
Commando Jeep
The Commando Jeep is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) tactical vehicle based on the Jeep Wrangler with a factory installed turbodiesel engine operating on JP-8 and global diesel fuels. It is a vehicle modified for use by airborne forces, special operations forces, and combat engineers.
2014 model year refresh
Wrangler, Rubicon Edition, X Edition, Polar Edition, Freedom Edition, Willys Wheeler Edition, Dragon Edition
Changes to Jeep Wrangler include a new Trail Kit (two D-rings, a tow strap, gloves and a bag to store the items), clear park lamps and turn signal indicators replace the amber units, 6 new body colors (Amp'd, Anvil, Copperhead, Flame Red, Granite Crystal and Hydro Blue (Freedom Edition only)) for total of 10.
Changes to Sport models include the introduction of optional UConnect 6.5-inch touchscreen radio with hard drive storage and SiriusXM Radio, optional 32-inch Tire and Wheel Group (semi-gloss black 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels, BF Goodrich KM LT255/75R17 off-road tires).
Available as a two-door Wrangler or four-door Wrangler Unlimited, the Rubicon X is a version of Rubicon with electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles, Rock-Trac transfer case with a "4-Low" ratio of 4:1, 4.10 front/rear axle ratio Tru-Lok locking differentials, six-speed manual transmission, BF Goodrich KM 255/75R17 tires, 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels painted satin black with polished faces and a red Jeep Wrangler 'icon' logo on the inside pocket, black front and rear steel off-road bumpers, front steel bumper featuring removable end caps and a winch-capable design, a dual-intake Power Dome hood, red tow hooks, Mopar rock rails, Mopar black fuel filler door, a red-silhouette "Rubicon" decal on both sides of the hood, Premium Sunrider soft top (optional black three-piece Freedom hard top or body-color hard top), Black leather seats, seat heaters for the front passengers, a unique gauge cluster features Rubicon X exclusive styling and a premium Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with added read-outs such as oil pressure, transmission and coolant temperatures, digital speed and individual tire pressure; passenger grab handle with Quick Silver accents that are also found on the vent rings, steering wheel spokes and door pulls; Mopar slush mats, unique axle locker, sway-bar disconnect switches.
New limited edition trim packages include the Wrangler Dragon edition, which includes a black three-piece hard top, Bronze Satin Gloss paint with Dragon decals, and unique 18 inch wheels and front fascia. Jeep introduced the Polar Edition Wrangler in 2014 which was available in 2-door and 4 door and came in three distinct colors; Hydro Pearl Blue, Billet Silver Metallic, and Bright White. In addition to the new colors, the Polar Edition came with options including automatic climate control and heated seats to supplement the black leather seats. The Polar Edition has some similarities to the Sahara such as body colored fender flares and also came standard with a body colored hard top. The Polar Edition is equipped with a standard Trac-Lok limited slip rear differential and offer an electronic locking rear differential as an option. A new Freedom Edition is a modified Wrangler sport with 3 unique body colors (Hydro Blue, Billet Silver, and Black and Dune. The package includes a Mineral Gray painted grille, a unique interior and exterior with "Oscar Mike" badging throughout, body colored fenders with silver-painted 17 inch alloy wheels, and rock rails with black tail lamp guards. The interior includes black seats with tectonic fabric, and a French Silver accent stitching steering wheel.
European models were set to go on sale in the first quarter of 2014. UK models include only 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine with automatic transmission.
Equipment
New Mopar Jeep Performance Parts and Accessories included 2014 Jeep Wrangler Trail Rated Kit, 4:10 Dana 44 front and rear axles (for 2007-2014 Wrangler), Hardtop Headliner (for 2007 and later Wrangler), Black Grille (with hood seal and a matching black Jeep badge), Side Visor.
2015 model year update
Changes for 2015 include the new paint colors (including, new for 2015, Tank (dark olive green), Sunset Orange, Copper Brown, Baja Yellow, and Firecracker Red.) and trim packages (Sport, Willys Wheeler, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon Hard Rock levels.)
Changes also include a new standard eight-speaker audio system, a new nine-speaker system that includes a subwoofer, a package that bundles steel wheels with 31-inch tires for Sport models, and a Torx tool set that's standard on all models, allowing owners to remove the doors or lower the windshield wherever they are.
The Jeep Wrangler was released in India on 30 August 2016. Alongside the Grand Cherokee, the Wrangler was the first model to be sold directly by Jeep in the country. Jeeps were previously built under licence by Mahindra in India since the 1960s.
2018 model year update
For 2018, Jeep is expected to continue producing the JK Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, which are built at the Toledo Complex, to be sold alongside the new model that is expected to be released in late November 2017. To distinguish between the two models, all Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models of the current (JK) generation will receive a 'Wrangler JK' decal on each side. The 2018 models receive minimal changes, though the lower-grade (Sport, Sport S, Willy's Wheeler, Willy's Wheeler W, and Freedom Edition) now offer fewer options. Models remain Sport, Sport S, Willy's Wheeler, Willy's Wheeler W, Freedom Edition, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon Recon. Higher-grade models (Willy's Wheeler W, Freedom Edition, and Sahara) now receive the option of a tan roof, in addition to the previously available black and exterior color-keyed roofs. The Toledo North plant, which produced the Jeep Cherokee (KL) up until early 2017 after its move to the Belvidere Assembly Plant, is currently being retooled for the production of the all-new Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited JL.
Military Jeep J8 (2007-)
On September 13, 2007, at the Defence Systems and Equipment International trade show, Chrysler LLC unveiled a Wrangler Unlimited version designed for military use dubbed the J8. The unarmored Jeep J8 is equipped with larger brakes, axles and suspension components than the civilian version and has a payload capacity of 1,339 kg (2,952 lb). The J8 also differs from the civilian model by utilizing heavy-duty rear leaf springs for carrying heavier payloads. The Jeep J8 is powered by a VM 2.8-liter (169 CID) four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 118 kW (158 hp) and 400 N·m (295 lbf·ft) of torque, providing towing capability of up to 3,500 kg (7,700 lb). The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The J8 also features a unique air-intake system with special filtration and a hood-mounted snorkel that enables the J8 to wade in water up to 762 mm (30 in) deep and tackle sandstorm conditions for up to five hours. Available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for personnel or equipment transport, or a four-door multipurpose vehicle, it may be produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in either right-hand- or left-hand-drive. Targeted for use by the militaries in overseas markets, the J8 is not available in the United States because it will not meet U.S. emissions requirements. The J8 will be produced in Egypt.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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