Next-Gen Jeep Wrangler To Keep Its Solid Axles After All

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

The next-gen Jeep Wrangler may have aluminum panels and hybrid power, but one more thing is now certain: the iconic vehicle will retain its solid axles.

Automotive News reports the Wrangler will receive tweaks to its suspension for improvements in ride comfort and fuel economy, but the floating solid axles will remain to maintain its ability to climb hills and rocks among those who actually do hit the Rubicon.

Other features for the upcoming vehicle include an eight-speed auto, fixed windscreen, and body-on-frame construction. Power will likely come from smaller turbocharged units instead of the current 3.6-liter V6, per FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • LALoser LALoser on Feb 16, 2015

    Just bought a new Rubicon Unlimited this past Saturday. 6M. So far...2 days... I like it.

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    • Wheeljack Wheeljack on Feb 16, 2015

      Take it to Moab and drive it through Hell's gate. That'll get your blood pumping.

  • Luke42 Luke42 on Feb 16, 2015

    If they make a hybrid Wrangler, please include an electric power takeoff! I've been trying to figure out where to put an off grid (solar-style) inverter in my Prius. The Prius HV system runs between 200 and 240VDC, which is within the range that a string of PV panels will produce. Alas, the car is just too damn small, and it would be safer if it received more engineering hours than I can give it. A Wrangler with a hybrid system and a big esectric power takeoff (I'm talking a pair of L6-30s and some 20A 110V outlets) would be a go-anywhere mobile powerplant. That would be beyond badass. Diesel would be cool, too. And I like the Renegade, since solid axles aren't important to me.

  • Truckducken Truckducken on Feb 17, 2015

    I can see it now, the new Dana 44 enhanced with aluminum and carbon fiber.

  • Pete Zaitcev Pete Zaitcev on Feb 18, 2015

    This announcement looks like it could be predicted years in advance. Remember, Wrangler is very, very light for its size, already. Yet, Marchione asked for weight reductions. Clearly, you cannot save weight by going to independent suspensions and unibody. Just look how much Pathfinder weighs, for example. Back in the 60s, unibodies were lighter, when frames were made by forming a C-channel from a flat stock, or even worse - by welding. Now, not so much. Therefore, it might as well retain the BOF construction and solid axles, because there aren't weight savings to be found there. It may actually be easier to swap the tub to aluminum one on a BOF vehicle. Still, making the windshield fixed could save a pound or two, in part by integrating the roll cage with A-pillars better. And, you're going to have curtain airbags standard. Oops, there go the saved pounds. As for the 8-speed, it could be seen from a kilometer away. That tranny is well regarded and was used in trucks for years. Turbo is coming too, no doubt. Personally, I'd be quite happy with a 2.4L turbo, rated for about 205 or 210 hp. Together with weight reduction and the 8-speed, it would move just fine.

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