“Jeep Wrangler - the most capable and iconic vehicle in the world - has a new heart but retains the same soul for 2012,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.
Chrysler Group’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine - winner of the prestigious Ward’s 10 Best Engines award - delivers 285 horsepower (209 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm), with greater fuel efficiency. The improvement, when compared to the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine, is 40 percent in horsepower and 10 percent in torque. Additionally, for refined shifting and greater performance, the Jeep Wrangler migrates from a four-speed to a new five-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler also features the company’s first application of a manual transmission to the Pentastar V-6.
The Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited will continue to be available in four models: Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon. Combined with an all-new interior for 2011, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is virtually all-new over the past two model years and will excite core Jeep followers while appealing to new customers.
Engineering
Wrangler continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, live axles, electronic lockers, and is one of the few mid-size SUVs that offers a six-speed manual transmission - in addition to its new five-speed automatic transmission.
The new automatic transmission benefits the 2012 Wrangler as much as the new engine with more refined shifting and gear selection. By increasing the number of speeds from four to five, the transmission allows the engine to operate in a more efficient RPM range, which helps increase fuel economy. Also, a lower first-gear ratio in the new automatic transmission gives the Wrangler more off-road capability via a lower overall crawl ratio.
Jeep Wrangler is now available with more axle gear ratios allowing customers to optimize fuel economy and/or vehicle capability. Wrangler is available with 3.21, 3.73 or 4.10 ratios depending on model. Also, Wrangler offers towing capability up to 3,500 lbs.
Safety and Security
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are available with an array of safety and security technology features. Standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Trailer-sway Control, Hill-start Assist and brake traction control are among two dozen available safety and security features. Jeep safety systems are engineered to improve handling and accident avoidance while providing occupant protection, allowing Jeep Wrangler customers the ability to safely “go anywhere and do anything.”
Connectivity
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler stays connected with Uconnect systems, including voice recognition, Bluetooth streaming audio, navigation and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The Wrangler’s connectivity systems have improved ergonomics by giving the driver control at their fingertips. Intuitive buttons on the front and rear of the steering wheel control a number of features allowing the driver to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Manufacturing
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are built in the Toledo Supplier Park in Toledo, Ohio. The plant features the flexibility to integrate the all-new powertrain with the addition of new engine carriers and transmission lift equipment.
The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is manufactured at the Trenton engine plant in Michigan. The five-speed automatic transmission is produced in Kokomo, Ind. (ITP2), and the manual six-speed transmission is produced in Gaggenau, Germany.
Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon models offer a body-color hardtop and fender flares. A new paint process was developed to match the body color to the sheet molded compound (SMC) hardtops that exceeds the corporate quality standards of paint adhesion and UV resistance in the harshest environments. The body and top are painted separately with blended and matched paint to assure color continuity.