Sneak peak at the 2007 4-dr Wrangler
TheCarConnection.com/ (scroll down a bit to find it)
From the picture in the link above, you can obviously see the long front control arms, which should eliminate any lingering doubt that the ‘07 model will have a solid front axle. The muffler has indeed be relocated to where the TJ’s gas tank sits, so you can expect muffler skids to be one of the first products on the market for the new models. The door handles are clearly revised, though it appears that they use a small pushbutton, ala the XJ’s door handles, instead of an actual pull-handle like the Grand Cherokee has (which is what I thought it would have). Unlike the Rescue concept and the Liberty, the rear flares are not split with the front half mounted to the door—which makes sense considering that all four doors are removeable. There’s some type of hinge looking assembly on the windshield, indicating that it will still be foldable (though I’ve heard conflicting info on just how exactly this will work). The overall appearance of the front is very much like the Gladiator concept, even down to the small round side marker light on the fender/flare.
Oh yeah, the model shown is right-hand drive, so it’s probably a euro-spec model. That would (hopefully) explain the red lens (probably a UK-spec rear fog light) on the rear bumper as well as the end caps on the front bumper extending up to meet the flares.
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Thanks for posting that. I’ve been checking your site almost daily, since you seem to have your eye on this…
I’m can’t wait to trade in my XC-90 for a new four door…still hoping they give us the CRD option too. Not sure about the removable roof panel idea. It seems too civilized, and it may wind up looking something like an H3, if they don’t do it right…
Aside from the “pillbox” windows on the H3, I honestly think it looks better than the current Grand Cherokee and Commander, so I don’t think looking like the H3 would really be such a bad thing. Hummers seem to be looking more “Jeep” than Jeep’s own SUV’s lately, and don’t even get me started on Hummer’s offroad equipment vs what Jeep’s trying to pass off…
No CRD option unfortunately though, just a 3.8L V6, and maybe a 4-cyl on the base models, though I really can’t see a regular 4-cyl being able to move that big 4-dr.
I think the removeable roof panel idea will work out pretty well, especially for those that would prefer the quiet and security of a hard top most of the time but would still like to have that “open air” feel sometimes when the weather is nice. I have heard that the 4-dr is supposed to be available with some type of soft top though.
Don’t get to excited about the CRD (Common Rail Diesel) not being available in this. It’s a great engine, but if you like the mud in any way, it’s the wrong engine to have. I say this depending on the engine bay’s size. I have the KJ CRD (2.5’ lifted w/ 30’ tires) and it handles GREAT, however, I made the mistake of mudding it. Their is NO room in the engine bay, it’s really crammed in there. Therefore mud will remain and will especially clog your radiator. I’ll play with my KJ but not in the mud.
I will take all sorts of pics from the NAIAS and post them on jeepin.com as I like just outside of Motown.