Next-Gen Jeep Wrangler To Have Diesel, 8-Speed Auto Combo

by Cameron Aubernon

March 5th, 2015 7:54 PM

next gen jeep wrangler to have diesel 8 speed auto combo

We’ve said the next Jeep Wrangler would have diesel power, as well as an eight-speed auto. Now, both will be paired with each other.

Autoblog reports the specific combo is a 3-liter EcoDiesel V6 mated to a ZF eight-speed auto, following similar pairings in the Grand Cherokee and the Ram 1500. When asked for official confirmation from the brand, however, representative Gabrielle Schulte said that her employer does not comment on speculation.

As for when one might be able to battle the Rubicon — or the Rubicon Outlet Mall — in a diesel-driven, eight-speed automatic Wrangler, Autoblog‘s source couldn’t confirm the model year such a beast would appear in showrooms.

#Diesels #EcoDiesel #Jeep #Wrangler #Zf8-speed

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85258 on Mar 06, 2015

I suspect engine supply could be an issue. My company ordered a Ram Eco Diesel in Late Nov and we still have not been assigned a build date. We have one Eco Diesel already but we ordered it the first day they were released in early 2014. Unless they ramp up production demand for this engine is already outstripping supply.

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- Mikeg216 on Mar 06, 2015
  
  Rumor says along with the new production line in toledo will be an engine foundry.
  
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Beerboy12 on Mar 06, 2015

All that wonderful low rev torque of a diesel and to throw it all away with a torque converter... Put this combo into a mall crawler, OK, give the off road enthusiasts, the people who know what they are doing, a manual and a decent low range transfer box with that diesel.

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- Drzhivago138 on Mar 06, 2015
  
  Welcome to 2015. Automatics are now on an equal footing with manuals. And the diesel will probably be available with the manual for the Luddites.
  
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- See 7 up on Mar 06, 2015
  
  Diesel low range torque properties are at high loads, large throttle opening situations. Low speed offroad torque requirements are better suited via a low speed transfer case. There are very few situations where the Rubicon low speed transfer case (72:1 reduction in manual) cause one to be torque limited. In fact, waiting for torque to come via the turbo in such situations can result in driveline failure as torque modulation is much harder.
  
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- See 7 up on Mar 06, 2015
  
  @Drzhivago138 Nothing magically changed in 2015 with regard to torque converters overheating in low speed high slip situations, although this can be mitigated with a cooler and proper low range reduction ratio (but this was the case pre 2015) Modern autos are great and a great choice for many, but they are not a replacement for a manual in all situations, nor can they fully replicate the abilities one has with a manual (and truth be told, manuals have some disadvantages as well, especially if your low range gear reduction is inadequate for the terrain) I won't even get into the argument regarding some, like me, that just prefer a manual.
  
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Lou_BC on Mar 06, 2015

The success of this option all hinges upon the price of admission. I can see off-roaders liking it due to the better fuel economy. If you can extend driving range 15-20% in the back country that would make a huge difference. Diesel tends to be more plentiful in remote regions because there is always heavy equipment around and diesel powered gen sets. Initially I was happy to see the Ram get the VM 3.0 for similar reasons but I would be forced to buy a fairly plane basic truck to get a cargo rating that I would be happy with. That killed it for me.

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Luke42 on Mar 07, 2015

My midlife crisis convertible has just been announced!

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