2016 Wrangler: Reading the tea leaves

[haven]

The iconic Jeep Wrangler is due for a makeover for the 2016 model year. Automotive News has been reading Jeep's help wanted ads, and thinks the job postings hold clues to the direction Jeep wants to go with the Wrangler. AN expects the newest Wrangler to use lighter materials and have a more aerodynamic design, alll in the name of increased fuel efficiency.

Recent Jeep concept vehicles, including Wrangler Stitch and Wrangler Pork Chop (get it?) show how the Wrangler can retain its off-road capability while reducing weight. I'm guessing that the price of the base Wrangler will go up substantially if the vehicle includes high strength steel in the chassis and aluminum in the body panels.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/radical-2016-jeep-wrangler-suggested-by-job-listings/

 

[evilfij]

Aluminium body panels would be excellent. Other than cost, there are few disadvantages.

Given the volumn of JKs sold, they could do an all aluminium tub and make it cost effective (now only large luxury vehicles use this -- Audi A8 for a long time, jag XJ from 2003, range rover from 2013). As long as they keep it body on frame and solid axle, I think enthusiasts will remain pleased. To put it in perspective, on a unibody sedan, using an aluminium body will save >500lbs over steel. On a JK if they used aluminium for the tub, doors, fenders, hood and top, it would probably save the same.

 

[X-plorenow]

The other rumor that I have been hearing, and even louder lately, is that it will also have IFS. Recently read that Jeep has decided it will have IFS,just deciding what system. Current leader I hear is the IFS from the Grand Cherokee...

 

[DaveInDenver]

IFS would ruin it credibility. I think they could make the thing look like just about anything they want as long as it has solid axles. But the reality is that /most/ people who buy Wranglers use it in a way that IFS would be compatible, e.g. mild trails, camping, beach cruising, etc. It would ride better and probably be slightly safer and lighter on pavement.

Toyota went through this in 1986 and at the time IFS was looked at indifferently, a fair number of people considered it an improvement as the truck rode better. I think it's possible and for all the grief people will just break out the welders for swaps.

 

[X-plorenow]

I agree. I desperately don't want IFS. It's just what I hear. Fingers crossed though.

 

[haven]

One approach would be to offer IFS as the standard suspension, and solid front axle as part of the Rubicon package. That would yield a better ride, better street handling, and lighter weight for the majority of Wranglers sold.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Having the option of a solid axle would defy the presumption to make it cheaper. The frames would not be identical. Toyota did that with this Hilux from 1986 to 1997, so it's not impossible. I just don't think it's likely in this day-and-age.

 

[m(a)ce]

is this the model where they eliminate the fold down windshield for improved aerodynamics/mpgs?

 

[Chi-Town]

IFS can be just as capable as a solid axle. Look at the competitors in the king of hammers, there were a lot of guys running IFS. Also the Toyota guys do pretty well with it. Better articulation, less weight, easier to service (imagine doing you re-gear on a work bench), and just as durable. As long as they don't mess with the basic frame/body assembly I think we'll end up with a mechanically better wrangler. Let's just hope the do a better job with the body design than the poor cherokee

 

[Clutch]

IFS would ruin it credibility. I think they could make the thing look like just about anything they want as long as it has solid axles. But the reality is that /most/ people who buy Wranglers use it in a way that IFS would be compatible, e.g. mild trails, camping, beach cruising, etc. It would ride better and probably be slightly safer and lighter on pavement.

.

The purist would loose it. there have been some cool IFS concepts in the past.

I like the Hurricane. Probably not feasible for mass market though.



Couple others too





this one is a bit more "aero"

 

[Silvanus]

Doesn't really matter, there are plenty of micro fabricators of CJ Class frames, body, etc.! Keep your CJ class 1/4 ton and rebuild it, it'll be be few grand as opposed 30-40K for base model Jeep car! Today's Jeep is a car manufacturer no longer interested in 1/4 trucks.
Shame really, the Jeep had been the inspiration for the Landy,FJ and others, and has price themselves out the Middle Class market!

As for IFS, too many parts, drive axle exposed to the trail, expensive to fix, but boon for Fab shops though!

 

[nwoods]

How can IFS generate more articulation?

 

[Septu]

Doesn't really matter, there are plenty of micro fabricators of CJ Class frames, body, etc.! Keep your CJ class 1/4 ton and rebuild it, it'll be be few grand as opposed 30-40K for base model Jeep car! Today's Jeep is a car manufacturer no longer interested in 1/4 trucks.
Shame really, the Jeep had been the inspiration for the Landy,FJ and others, and has price themselves out the Middle Class market!

As for IFS, too many parts, drive axle exposed to the trail, expensive to fix, but boon for Fab shops though!

It's a ton of work rebuilding something. And it's a lot more time, effort and money than people think. And lastly, the vast majority of us don't want to do that, or don't have the knowledge/skills to do so. I know I wouldn't consider undertaking something like that - nor would most others. I do think that if they went this route, we'd see a lot more people getting a 07-10, swapping out the engine with a LS/Hemi/diesel and going from there. Your whole build would be 40k, yet you'd have a vehicle with a new engine.

 

[jeepdreamer]

I'm scared to see where Jeep/Feep goes with the only remaining actual Jeep looking model.
A retired Col. here has been working on his MB since I've been here. Its jaw dropping sexy and almost laughable in its pure simplicity. We took it for a spin and got waves and grins everywhere we went. Fast forward a few decades and my CJ8 is mechanically vastly improved (personal opinion) over the MB due to technology. It still looks like a jeep and is pretty spartan, but is arguably more civilized.
But gazing into my crystal ball (bald head..haha) I just don't see Jeep/Feep holding out much longer with the style. Between regulations coming from all over to make efficent vehicles and customers that have become simply spoiled by modern convinence... the days of spartan cars selling en masse are over. Anyone remember when AC was an option? An automatic tranny was an upgrade? Now those are standard items and you have to special order to row your own or do without ac. I imagine the solid axle is on the chopping block and the headsman's axe is half way to it. Body on frame is likely right next to it. Fold down windshield? Bah! Of all the facets that scream jeep... this is the one I could kinda understand going away as how many folks, honestly, really fold theirs down. Heck, My sister has a JK and has never had the hard top off. I'm sure she is not alone.
Yes... I understand that the need to make money by selling cars is the main driving force. Meeting the regulations is a non-option as well. So for me...I'll stick to the old stuff and keep rebuilding. Who knows...maybe Feep will open a side business selling quads/atvs the size of an MB that looks like an MB and come around full circle?

 

[X-plorenow]

I'm scared to see where Jeep/Feep goes with the only remaining actual Jeep looking model.
A retired Col. here has been working on his MB since I've been here. Its jaw dropping sexy and almost laughable in its pure simplicity. We took it for a spin and got waves and grins everywhere we went. Fast forward a few decades and my CJ8 is mechanically vastly improved (personal opinion) over the MB due to technology. It still looks like a jeep and is pretty spartan, but is arguably more civilized.
But gazing into my crystal ball (bald head..haha) I just don't see Jeep/Feep holding out much longer with the style. Between regulations coming from all over to make efficent vehicles and customers that have become simply spoiled by modern convinence... the days of spartan cars selling en masse are over. Anyone remember when AC was an option? An automatic tranny was an upgrade? Now those are standard items and you have to special order to row your own or do without ac. I imagine the solid axle is on the chopping block and the headsman's axe is half way to it. Body on frame is likely right next to it. Fold down windshield? Bah! Of all the facets that scream jeep... this is the one I could kinda understand going away as how many folks, honestly, really fold theirs down. Heck, My sister has a JK and has never had the hard top off. I'm sure she is not alone.
Yes... I understand that the need to make money by selling cars is the main driving force. Meeting the regulations is a non-option as well. So for me...I'll stick to the old stuff and keep rebuilding. Who knows...maybe Feep will open a side business selling quads/atvs the size of an MB that looks like an MB and come around full circle?

Amen! I am right with you.