2012 Jeep Wrangler
by Bruce Hubbard- Detroit-Miami-
Tampa-Sarasota- Palm Beach
Bradley Hubbard- Philadelphia
Correspondent
Bonnie Lynch- Grosse Pointe,
Michigan
AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
With
Bantam, Ford and Willys Overland all involved in the the history of Jeeps, the
legacy continues today and will
continue well into the future.
The Willys
Overland Company...then followed by Kaiser, American Motors Corporation (AMC),
Chrysler Corporation, Daimler-Chrysler and now Chrysler LLC the great Jeep name
lives on as one of the most unique and iconic vehicles ever designed.
JEEP one of
the most capable off-road vehicle in the world – becomes even more capable both
on- and off-road for 2012, in part because 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.
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 (353 N•m) lb.-ft. of torque, while delivering up to 21 miles per gallon highway in the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The improvement, when compared to the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine, is 40 percent in horsepower and 10 percent in torque.
“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 4x4 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.
Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining capability with an interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of a body-color hardtop for the Sahara and Rubicon models.
Jeep’s off-road capability with four-wheel
drive and is produced with more than seven decades of 4x4 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 manual – in addition to its new
five-speed automatic transmission.
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.
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.
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."
With the
rear seat up you get a minimum of cargo space. Fold the seat up it and plenty of space for cargo. Place to store the roof T tops when
weather permits removing them.
Removing takes a few minutes but is well worth it. At high speed noisy
as heck but Jeep owners and Wrangler Rubicon owners want the rugged way.
The front seats as the rear are
nicely trimmed with a great fabric that resists water, stains and dirt. My model of the Wrangler Rubicon did
not have optional heated seats which I would certainly buy. I did not see on the options heated
steering wheel but that again I would like for my Rubicon.
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.
Jeep Wrangler’s buyers will be
happy to know that the residual or resale value is one of the highest when you
decide to sell or trade in your Wrangler.
Jeep® Wrangler has been named Best
Resale Value in its class by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. For the second
consecutive year, the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler is also
one of the Top 10 cars with Best Resale Value according to Kelley Blue Book.
“Jeep had one of the better year-over-year improvements with a 4.1 percentage point gain in its 60-month residual value for 2012,” said Eric Ibara, director of residual value consulting for Kelley Blue Book. “Particularly the Wrangler, among this year’s top-10 list, has been a steady performer, consistently racking up high values. For example, the 2007 model has yet to dip below 60 percent of MSRP as a 5-year-old vehicle. Each succeeding model year has managed to maintain that same high level of performance.”
“Jeep had one of the better year-over-year improvements with a 4.1 percentage point gain in its 60-month residual value for 2012,” said Eric Ibara, director of residual value consulting for Kelley Blue Book. “Particularly the Wrangler, among this year’s top-10 list, has been a steady performer, consistently racking up high values. For example, the 2007 model has yet to dip below 60 percent of MSRP as a 5-year-old vehicle. Each succeeding model year has managed to maintain that same high level of performance.”
The new 2012 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon
– the most capable production vehicle on the planet – has been named “Four
Wheeler of the Year” by Four Wheeler magazine.
The award is given annually by the editors of the opinion-leading off-road
enthusiast magazine.
The SEMA Award honors vehicles that
specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for
accessorization and showcase this year’s most unique products. The award
recognizes four outstanding vehicle models in four categories – “Hottest Car,”
“Hottest Sport Compact Car,” “Hottest Truck,” and “Hottest-4x4-SUV.” Both
awards were accepted by Mopar® President and CEO Pietro Gorlier.
"The Jeep Wrangler has an incredible enthusiast following, and with hundreds of Mopar parts and accessories available for it, it is clearly one of our most customized vehicles," said Gorlier. "And, in just its first year, our new Fiat 500 is prominent throughout this year's SEMA Show as it is the perfect canvas for customization."
"The Jeep Wrangler has an incredible enthusiast following, and with hundreds of Mopar parts and accessories available for it, it is clearly one of our most customized vehicles," said Gorlier. "And, in just its first year, our new Fiat 500 is prominent throughout this year's SEMA Show as it is the perfect canvas for customization."
After introducing industry-first camper trailers for
Jeep® vehicles, Mopar® will now offer Jeep Wrangler owners more than 250 other ways
to customize and personalize their ride.
Mopar HOT!
“Jeep Wrangler owners spend hundreds of dollars on Mopar accessories to further enhance the performance and appearance of their vehicle,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “Unlike other aftermarket offerings, all Mopar parts and accessories are quality-tested to meet the strict capability and durability requirements of Jeep.”
Another example of MOPAR JEEP.
The “Hottest 4x4-SUV” of this year’s Show is the fourth award the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler has received in the last 10 days. Last week, it captured the prestigious “4x4 of the Year” crown from Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine, the “Mid-size SUV of Texas” award by the Texas Auto Writers Association and “Best Off-Road Value” in the Active Lifestyle Vehicle awards competition.
“With an avid following of enthusiasts, Jeep Wrangler has long been the most customized SUV in the marketplace,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Wrangler owners love to modify their vehicles, often at purchase with dealer-installed Mopar parts, and throughout their ownership experience. For 2012, Jeep Wrangler is an even better customization platform, with more fuel efficiency, power and capability than ever before.”
With a base price of under $23K
(two-door, with destination) unchanged from 2011. The Wrangler Unlimited is
some $3,500 more expensive, and an upscale Sahara or Rubicon can easily
approach – or exceed – $40,000.
The
JEEP we drove for a week. Superb but we needed MOPAR accessories like front end
winch.
Photos
by Bruce Hubbard
autoadvisorgroup.blogspot.com
brucehubbardphotography.IFP3.com
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