2007 Jeep Wrangler
Since it seems like a lot of folks still aren’t up to date with the latest info on the upcoming 2007 Jeep Wrangler, I thought I’d put together everything I know about the new models.
General
The ‘07 Wrangler will be available in two body styles—a 2-dr SWB vehicle and a 4-dr LWB vehicle. Rumor has it that the 4-dr will be called ‘Rescue’, not to be confused with the wildly popular Rescue Concept. Both vehicles will be known as the ‘JK’, and not TK and TKL (the 4-dr) as they’ve commonly been called ‘til now. ‘JK’ is a pretty goofy code name though, especially since it’s the acronym for ‘just kidding’, and given the already wide-spread use of TK and TKL, I wouldn’t be surprised if most people, including the aftermarket, continue to refer to them as the TK and TKL, and not as the JK.
The ‘07’s will be both longer and wider than the current TJ, though judging from spy photos most of the extra width is in the trackwidth and fenders, and not so much the body. The new longer SWB version will replace the current TJ and TJ Unlimited (commonly called the ‘LJ’). And yes, there should be Rubicon models of both body styles.
Due to federal crash-test regulations, the gas tank has been moved from the back to the passenger side, and the muffler now sits where the gas tank used to be.
New creatute-comfort options include power locks and windows, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a GPS navigation system and satellite radio as factory options either. All the test mules photographed have had full steel doors, but sources have said that half-doors will be still available.
Suspension, axles, and tires
Yes, the ‘07’s will still have a solid front axle, and it will have a Quadra-Coil suspension similar to the current TJ’s. Eye-witnesses have reported Dana44 axles front and rear, but it’s not known if the vehicles were Rubicon models or not. Considering all Unlimiteds come standard with a Dana44 rear end, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Dana35 go away. The rear lower control arms on the test models are tubular, while the front arms have still been stamped steel, and both are noticeably longer than the current lower arms on the TJ.
One cool new feature will be a push-button swaybar disconnect system similar to the one on the Dodge Ram Power Wagon. I haven’t heard anything on whether this system will be optional for all new Wranglers, or just the Rubicon models.
Some of the test vehicles seen in the spy photos have been running BFG MT tires on what are probably 17” rims. The new Rubicon models will supposedly come with 33” tires, so does this mean they’ll be riding on BFG MT’s? Or stick with the Goodyear MT/R’s?
Powertrain
While export models will get an optional diesel motor, US residents will be stuck with a 3.8L V6 (not the 3.7L V6 currently used in the Liberty and GrandCherokee/Commander). That means no V8 option either, sorry guys, at least not for now. The transmissions should be similar if not the same as the current models (6-sp manual or 4-sp auto).
The transfercases should also be the same as are currently offered, but I did hear an early rumor that Selec-Trac full-time 4wd may be offered on the 4-dr models. This would help the Wrangler better compete against the likes of the Hummer H3 and similar vehicles, most all of which come with full-time 4wd, and it would probably be a welcome option for folks living up north.
The top
Have no fear folks, the soft top lives on! On both models! Yep, that’s right, the 4-dr will also be available with a soft top. The hard tops for both models will feature removeable panels over the front seats that come off like T-tops, but opens up the whole space like a targa top. I haven’t heard anything on the possibility of removeable panels anywhere else though.
Looks
Round headlights and a 7-slot grille are both there of course, and the front turn signals should move from the fenders back to the grille. The overall look of the new Wranglers, both inside and out, should be very close to the recent Gladiator Concept, and the body of the 4-dr will look nearly identical to that of the Rescue Concept, just smaller of course. All of the uncamoflaged “photos” of the new ‘07’s that are floating around the web are really just photoshopped images of either the Rescue or the Gladiator.
The doors still have external hinges so they should still removeable, but I haven’t heard for sure one way or the other if the windshield still folds down or not. The awkward reverse door paddles have been revised too, hopefully they’ve turned them the right way this time.
Spy pics
17 Comments so far
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Nice consolidation of info, Jason.
With how aggressive people have been taking pictures of mules, I wouldn’t be completely surprised if an un-camo’d photo was leaked prematurely. Not counting on it, of course.
I think I’m going to have Jeep envy for a new “Rescue” as soon as we start seeing it.
Jason, What of the rumor that Jeep will no longer be using Dana for axles?
Nolan, check the section above about “Suspension, axles, and tires”
Jason, I saw that but I thought DC had a contract with AAM now? I guess it is jsut another rumor.
They do, I just don’t think it’s exclusive. Most of the new axles for Jeeps and Dodges are being made by AAM, but some are still being done by Dana Corp apparently.
I had planned on buying a Rubicon in the sping. I may have to wait, and just keep the TJ as a fun vehicle. what to do….what to do.
Anyone know when we’ll finally get to see the new Wrangler?
Will the new Jeep warngler have HID headlights as seen on the Galsiator concept? We really need this type of technology for off road applications.
@Oni: According to TheCarConnection.com, the new Wrangler will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January. They’re saying that the 2-dr model will be shown, which I find strange because everything I’ve read says the 4-dr will be the first model to hit dealer lots.
@JOHN: Neither the Grand Cherokee nor the new Commander have HID headlights (bad decision on DCX’s part IMHO), so I’m fairly certain that we won’t be seeing HID on the new Wranglers.
Jason: Great info. on the new Wrangler.
Will it have the full gauge cluster like the current Wrangler ??
I sure hope so.
Thanks….and keep up the good work !!
rick
Jason,
I’m sure you’ve seen the article in the Todelo Blade (see below) on the availability of a diesel in the new Wrangler. How sure are you that this information is incorrect?
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050806/BUSINESS02/508060374
Bob
I’m pretty sure it’s incorrect, at least the way they’ve got it worded. There will be a another Jeep vehicle available in the US with the CRD around the time that the next gen Wranglers come out, but it won’t be a diesel Wrangler. There will be a diesel Wrangler though, just not for the US market. The actual quote reads,
Technically, everything in the quote is true, but they way it’s worded and presented make you think that the CRD Wrangler will be the second CRD US model mentioned in the first half of the quote, but it’s not.
Since the price of fuel is out of sight what has Jeep done with the new engines to increase fuel economy. What are we looking at in mileage?
I suppose the new 6 speed will help.
Thanks,
Ed McDonald
Hello,
This was a very interesting article, first info I’ve seen on them. Kudos to you, Jason.
However, when you claim “Eye-witnesses have reported Dana44 axles front and rear”, are we then talking about full Dana 44s throughout? As you might know, the TJ/LJ Rubicon front axles are D44 housings with tubes and outers from D30, but refered to as Dana 44. The rearend is fortunately all Dana 44. What will the JKs get? Will there be a 4:1 TC in them?
One more thing, why won’t they sell dieselpowered Wranglers in the US, I thought the market for exactly that, was huge?!
Lastly, I am very reliefed knowing that DCX is stciking with the beloved solid axles – that was a must, IMO! We’ll see how the sale goes, if as I predicted – they should put SFAs in the rest of the cars in their segment too.
Let me know what you think.
Regards,
ARH
@ARH: I figure the front is probably going to be a 1/4-ton hybrid like the current Rubicon D44 front. The Rubicon models should retain the current NV241 t’case (4:1 low range).
I honestly have no idea why they’re not planning a CRD Wrangler for the US Market, because I KNOW it would sell like hotcakes. You go to any forum or email list that’s talking about the new Wranglers and the #1 thing everyone says they want is a diesel motor.
when can i buy 1
According to a report in Automotive News of 19 December, DCX will make Diesel power available in the 2007 Dodge Caliber which will begin production in early 2006. It’ll be a VW engine. This, together with RAM Cummins and Jeep Liberty, shows a big DCX commitment to light duty Diesel power in the U.S. market. A very good thing!
I’ve always wanted SelectTrac in my Wrangler, long overdue, it’s great in our Cherokee.