New 2012 Jeep Wrangler: A New Heart, the Same Soul

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ –

— The most capable production off-road vehicle in the world gets better:
dramatically improved on-road performance combines with even more
off-road prowess
— All-new premium powertrain will excite core Jeep® followers and attract
new customers with improved everyday on-road performance
— New 3.6-liter V-6 engine improves fuel efficiency up to 21 miles per
gallon, while delivering 285 horsepower (40 percent improvement) and 260
lb.-ft. of torque (10 percent improvement)
— Wrangler powertrain now includes new five-speed automatic transmission
shared with Jeep Grand Cherokee – for refined shifting and greater
performance
— All-new powertrain combined with new-for-2011 interior equal completely
new Jeep Wrangler experience
— Wrangler Rubicon now shares body-color hardtop with Sahara models
Jeep® Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – becomes
even more capable both on- and off-road for 2012, courtesy of an all-new, more
fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine, and a new five-speed
automatic transmission – both of which it shares with the award-winning Jeep
Grand Cherokee.

The all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission
dramatically enhance Wrangler’s on-road driving performance – delivering up to
21 miles per gallon, 40 percent more power and 10 percent more torque – while
also taking the vehicle’s legendary off-road capability to a new level.

“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. “Our new 3.6-liter V-6 engine gives the
ever-capable Wrangler a completely new, more refined on-road driving experience
- complete with more fuel efficiency, power and torque.

“Available in 2-door and 4-door models and boasting an untouchable combination
of efficient design, open-air freedom, significant towing capability, improved
real-world drivability, and unique 4×4 systems that deliver unmatched off-road
prowess, Jeep Wrangler once again resets the benchmark and offers consumers the
ultimate vehicle for any driving adventure,” Manley added.

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

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler delivers unmatched off-road capability with legendary
four-wheel drive and is produced with more than seven decades of 4×4 engineering
experience. 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. More speeds also
enable the engine to remain in the torque curve, increasing acceleration. The
2012 Jeep Wrangler boasts a 25-percent improvement in 0-60 mph time, which is
now 8.4 seconds. 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.

A best-in-class approach angle of 44.6 degrees, breakover angle of 25.5 degrees
and best-in-class departure angle of 40.6 degrees, helps the Jeep Wrangler scale
the toughest terrain.

The capable driveline of the Sport and Sahara models include a Dana 30 front
axle and Dana 44 rear axle. The Command-Trac® NV241, part-time, two-speed
transfer case, features a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. In addition, an optional
Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential provides extra torque and grip in
low-traction environments such as sand, mud or snow.

The Wrangler Rubicon model features heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles and
the Rock-Trac® NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio.
Rubicon also includes electric front and rear locking differentials,
disconnecting front sway bar and 32-inch tires, taking the Wrangler to the
highest level of capability.

Design

In 2011, Jeep introduced an all-new interior to Wrangler that combines rich
styling, versatility, comfort and improved feature use. Highlights include
upgraded materials, automatic temperature controls, heated seats, power mirrors
and steering wheel controls for vehicle systems. Larger rear windows are
engineered for greater visibility. A USB port connects to the media center,
12-volt accessory outlets are located throughout the Wrangler and a 115-volt AC
outlet is available to power select two-pronged home electronics.

Jeep Wrangler’s signature features include classic round headlamps, seven-slot
grille, trapezoid wheel flares, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down
windshield and innovative removable and convertible tops and half-doors that
allow the Wrangler to retain the brand’s iconic appearance and function. New for
2012, Wrangler Rubicon models now share a body-color hardtop option with the
Sahara model, offering a premium appearance.

With room for five adults, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited remains the only four-door
4×4 convertible on the market.

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.

Quality

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler underwent millions of durability testing miles during
development in the company’s scientific labs, at its proving grounds and on
public roads in various climates.

The Wrangler’s 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine recorded more than 12 million
customer-equivalent miles on engine dynamometers prior to production. Testing
was increased by 50 percent compared to previous Chrysler Group V-6 engines, to
guarantee a long life against severe conditions and accommodate high-load
applications such as trailer towing. Reducing noise, vibration and harshness was
a key objective for every engine component and was achieved using advanced
computer-aided engineering techniques.

As the Wrangler approached production, the company also tested day and night,
on- and off-road to put the equivalent of three years of wear and tear on the
vehicle in approximately three months time. This accelerated testing occurred on
public roads, paved and unpaved, in an attempt to find and fix any issues before
the first SUVs were delivered to customers. The test drivers checked all the
functional aspects of the vehicle, such as heating and cooling, window
operation, convertible and removable hardtop operation and navigation system.

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, Indiana
(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.

Jeep Brand

Built on 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with
class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek
extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life
to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide
owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty,
Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the
world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are
available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain
options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120
countries around the world.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC