Popular word floating around the auto industry suggests that the 2018 Jeep Wrangler gets the eight-speed automatic gearbox designed by Chrysler. Even though this particular event is quite a long time away, the rumor mills started operating ever since talks on a major redesign spread like wildfire.
There are no official images of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler at the moment as the company is yet to come up with one. Hence, the images that you see floating around are either of their current generation Wrangler or are fan-made.
Chrysler has been in several discussions with Fiat about investing a respectable sum in their Toledo plant, in order to improve the manufacturing capabilities. This investment is slated to hugely affect the Wrangler’s production as new technology will be installed to improve the chassis construction, wheel structure and body development of all upcoming models of the Wrangler.
The Jeep Wrangler is without doubt one of the biggest sellers from the company, which has forced the management to think about ways to keep the vehicle selling across global markets. The latest report about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler being hooked up with an eight-speed ZF transmission system comes from AutomotiveNews and refers to a statement from the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
The eight-speed automatic ZF transmission is presently utilized in the Ram 1500, 2015 Dodge Charger, 2015 Dodge Challenger and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Performance enhancements are obvious while Chrysler claims an improvement in fuel economy by 9 percent over the standard five-speed slush box that was in place in the previous generation models.
Chrysler states that, switching to an aluminum frame on the Wrangler has helped them extract optimum power out of the engine, which is just what’s needed for the upgrade. Lightweight construction will also enhance the fuel economy and Chrysler claims an average city drive efficiency of 17 MPG. Official on road tests are yet to be performed, and we shall get back to you with the results soon!
Sergio Marchionne, CEO, Chrysler, states that the 3.6-liter V6 engine block on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will develop greater power as a result of the lightweight construction and efficient transmission system. What fans are worried about right now is whether Chrysler plans on issuing standard solid axles that are currently manufactured by the Dana Holding Corp or whether they plan on shifting to an independent suspension.
While the solid axle is the key to a Jeep’s off-road capability, independent suspension improves the fuel economy. A Jeep that is handicapped off-road is no Jeep at all. We hope that the makers are listening!
Stay tuned for additional news, reports and updates from the world of automobiles.