New Generation Jeep Wrangler JL Reveal

Jeep has officially released the new Jeep Wrangler JL at the LA Auto Show! It's amazing to see how far the Wrangler has evolved from past models.

Wrangler JL

Starting in 1987 Jeep released the CJ replacement with the Wrangler YJ. The suspension and drivetrain were very similar to the CJ. It was not until the late model YJ, the inline 6-cylinder received fuel injection, which enhanced its performance and reliability. Of course there is one thing that stands out with the Wrangler YJ! The square headlights that you either love or hate. The Wrangler YJ ended production in 1995 and here comes it's replacement the Wrangler TJ.

Wrangler YJ

Jeep did not release the Wrangler TJ until 1997. They used 1996 to make production changes for the new model Wrangler. It's safe to say the Wrangler TJ was drastically different from the Wrangler YJ! The Wrangler TJ had the following changes: coil-spring suspension, air-bags, turn signals in the fenders, gauge cluster above the steering wheel and optional Dana 44 rear differential (tow package). Starting in 2003 Jeep released a Rubicon version. The TJ Rubicon was the perfect package for the offroad enthusiast. With the Rubicon you get 4:1 crawl ratio transfer-case, Dana 44 differentials front and rear with locking differentials and mud-terrain tires. Before the end of the Wrangler TJ in 2006, Jeep decided to release a long wheelbase version in 2004 called the Wrangler Unlimited, also known as LJ. It had an additional ten inches of wheelbase. As another ten years passed with the Wrangler it became time for a change, this time a major change!

Wrangler TJ

Now it's 2007 and Jeep released the Wrangler JK with the biggest difference being a four door option! The four door Wrangler was very controversial for die-hard Jeepers. They would say "it's not a real Jeep", but in all actuality by having four doors it helped increase the Wranglers popularity with consumers and increased after-market support. The Wrangler JK is still in production and expected to tapper off in early 2018.

Wrangler JK

Come to the present day and we have the official release of the new Wrangler JL! This new Wrangler has a mix of all the old Jeeps into the styling. For example the headlights cut into the grill slots, which is inherited from the older CJ. The front turn signals are in the fenders like the TJ. The windshield is designed to fold down quicker and easier like all other Wranglers and CJs before the JK. The Wrangler JL will get three different top options: three-piece hardtop, folding soft top and a power top. Plus there are three different engine options: 2.0l turbo/hybrid four-cylinder, 3.6l Pentastar V6 (standard on 2012+ JK), and to be released in 2019 the 3.0 CRD V6 diesel.

We are very excited to see what the future holds with the new Wrangler JL. It looks like a modernized Wrangler JK with the new technology and powertrain options! It's expected to be at dealers by mid-January and we are looking forward to enhancing them at the shop!

Wrangler JL Reveal

video credit: Jeep