This is a first look at the ’18 Jeep Wrangler, caught testing outside in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Spotted with significant camouflage, this is more insight into what the next iteration of the iconic Jeep should look like when it’s shown next year. The new Wrangler should resemble the outgoing one, but various aerodynamic tweaks will make it less upright. A fixed windshield and possibly longer front end will be the main giveaways. Noticeably different though are the bulging front fenders, looking to borrow some flavor from the vintage Baja bug.
Underneath, there will be significant amounts of aluminum in the name of weight reduction, although the body will be mostly made of steel. The Pentastar V6 and eight-speed automatic will be the mainstream powertrain, although the big news will be a 3.0L V6 turbodiesel for North America and likely global markets. A hybrid powertrain is also rumored.
Jeep officials have insisted the Wrangler’s off-road abilities will only be improved, despite the changes for economy.
The Wrangler should appear sometime early next year and go on sale by next summer.
Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde