2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: New Tops, Engines and Colors – OH MY! – Miami Lakes Automall Jeep
Revealed at the LA Auto Show in late 2017, the all-new Jeep Wrangler JL definitely brings modernity into its iconic rugged design. Yet, Jeep always knows how to keep things fun and fresh with every redesigned model. Head of Jeep brand design, Mark Allen says that the project began with “way-out sketches” that were used to encourage creativity during the developmental stages. Well, those creative juices sure didn’t disappoint – the all-new Wrangler JL is loaded with all-new features, some of which will be available later this year.
Wrangler JL New Tops
Part of the Jeep Wranglers charm is its ability to connect current Wrangler owners with those who drove the very first civilian Jeeps, back in the 1940’s. Another special and unique quality is allowing drivers the opportunity to enjoy “open air freedom” — according to Jeep.
Adding to the already available “Sunrider” soft top and “Freedom Top” hardtop, Jeep added the all-new “Sky One-Touch” Power Top to the mix.
Working in much of the same way as the Jeep Wrangler JK in regards to removing the Freedom Top, Wrangler JL owners would still have to use the metal latch above the visor and the right-angle latch in the rear outboard corners. However, the JL added more latches in place of the knobs, originally used to fasten the hardtop to the sound bar. As a result, Jeep owners can now remove the Freedom Top significantly quicker without running the risk of losing those fastener knobs.
The Sunrider soft top also received a facelift for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL. Instead of Jeep owners having to deal with the hassle of the Wrangler JK soft top zippers, the all-new JL replaced it with a “Tongue and Groove” sliders — which now allows for raising and lowering of the roof, a one-person job.
The Sky One-Touch Powertop, according to Car and Driver, is an electrically operated full-length canvas roof, it slides rearward with the press of a button, opening approximately 90 percent of the roof area to the sky. Available on Sahara and Rubicon four-door models only, it allows for the rear quarter-windows to also be removed for near open-air cruising.
Engine
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL engine and powertrain options were highly anticipated leading up the Wrangler JLs reveal back in November. The three new engines options available on the next-generation Wrangler include the 3.6-liter V6, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 (available in 2019). The 2.0L and 3.0L Diesel engine share eight-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.6L engine can be ordered with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
As previously mentioned, the all-new 3.0L EcoDiesel engine will be available starting in 2019 and it will be an option for the four-door Jeep models. The EcoDiesel engine is estimated to produce 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque while including the Engine Stop-Start (ESS) feature.
Also joining the Wrangler JL lineup is the all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This turbocharged engine, which will be available on select trims, was rated best-in-class with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as previously mentioned above, the 2.0L engine also features all-new technology — eTorque technology. Meant to improve fuel efficiency, the eTorque technology was also intended to improve the drivers comfort while start/stop operations and launch performance are in use. The 3.6L engine is making its return for the 2018 model year, but with some tweaks. The Pentastar V6 engine outputs 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and is now standard with Engine Stop-Start (ESS).
Specialty Colors
Another cool feature added to the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL are the amazing new color options. Jeep has definitely taken the tagline “Taste The Rainbow” to new heights, especially in regard to the assigned color names. Available later on this year, the five specialty colors include, Nacho Clear Coat, Mojito! Clear Coat, Punk’n Metallic Clear Coat, Ocean Blue Metallic Clear Coat, and Sting-Gray Clear Coat. Returning colors for the 2018 model year include, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Firecracker Red Clear Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat and Black Clear Coat. Unfortunately, there isn’t any additional information as to when the new color options will be available to consumers and dealers but we look forward to see how they’ll look in person!
* Stop by Miami Lakes Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram located in Miami Lakes, FL to test drive the 2018 Jeep Wrangler or visit our Miami Lakes Automall website to check out our entire 2018 new car inventory.*
Photocred: Cars.com
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