Next-Gen Jeep Wrangler Confirmed For 8-Speed Automatic
November 24th, 2014 1:48 PM
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A two-pedal Jeep Wrangler might be sacrilege to some, but the next-generation off-roader will be packing an 8-speed automatic for those who don’t want to row their own.
According to Automotive News, the next Wrangler is confirmed for the 8-speed auto, based on an SEC filing. The 8-speed will not only be used on the Wrangler, but all rear-drive FCA products, save for heavy duty trucks and the Viper.
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What next, spray on mud?
A stick and thumb throttle kit is great for TJ, but in JK auto is a solid choice, primarily because the manual is so bad. The durabilty of clutch is particularly poor, with throw-out bearings failing left and right at 30k miles, master cylinder next. The transmission itself often pops out of gear. Although if they fixed the clutch, it would make manual useful again.
I recently test drove a manual Wrangler, and, while I strongly prefer manuals, I'd be tempted to get the auto in this vehicle just because their manual is so vague and sloppy. Every time I went for 3rd or 5th I was never sure which I had till I let the clutch out. I'd probably get used to it after a couple of weeks, but it would never be pleasant.
Hmm, yes it probably didn't help that I drove the S2000 to the Jeep dealership. :) Seriously though, I've owned three different Japanese SUVs, designed 10, 20, and 30 years earlier than the 2015 Unlimited I drove, all had transfer cases, and all had significantly better-defined gates than the Jeep transmission. I think Jeep could do better if they tried a little harder.