Wrangler JK
2007 - 2018
The third generation of the Wrangler was introduced at the large Detroit Auto Show back in January 2006, but anyone wishing to order one had to wait until March 2007.
It was only then that the production of a new family began that now comes in two sizes. In addition to the significantly enlarged basic model with a wheelbase of 2425 mm and a length of 3880 mm there was now the almost gigantic Wrangler Unlimited offering, for the first time, four doors, a wheelbase of 2945 mm and a length of 4750 mm, which is a record for this class of vehicle.
However, if this is not enough it also offers 1310 to 2460 liters of trunk space. In stylistic terms both models followed in the tradition with only slightly rounded forms, keeping the robust chassis and two classic fixed axles.
Progress could nevertheless be seen in the design of the engines. All gasoline customers were given the traditional two-valve V6 engine with 3778 cm³, 199 HP (146 kW) and 315 Newton meters of torque. Turbodiesel aficionados located outside the USA were given four-valve technology in a four-cylinder engine with 2768 cm³ and 200 HP (147 kW), which with 460 Nm of torque was way ahead of its V6 stablemate.
Progress also characterized the updated power transmission.
Wrangler JKs either had six-speed manual gearboxes or a four-speed automatic transmission.
An exception to this were the since modeljear 2011 with facelift delivered Wrangler JK versions. Their automatic gearboxes had exclusively, for the time being at least, five speeds.
The six-cylinder gasoline versions in Europe, where demand was lower, came with a six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic transmission.
The Rubicon will of course remain the master of rough terrain as it continues to have all the qualities that gave its predecessor the upper hand.
