2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Hits Dealer System - 1st Official Look @ Engines, Options, Packages, Features!

I'm not entirely surprised about the lack of a 2-door Sahara. I seriously can't think of the last time I've seen one on the road, but it's definitely been a long time.

 

Don't forget the KJ also had a optional tow package that included both a mechanical cooling fan and the basic electrical cooling fan to help move the heat when you were towing.

Edit: maybe it was HD cooling and not a tow package

 

Funny thing is I just saw 2 on the lot about an hour ago when I picked up my JK after window replacement, and was walking around looking at the latest models including finally seeing a Smokey Mountain edition.

I think the 2 dr Sahara is very popular out here (I see it alot vs Sport B but the majority are still Sport S) and this is refreshed stock not just sitting there on the lot for months.

I think their popularity here in CowTown is as the first 'car' for 'daddy's-little-girl'. As sexist as that sounds , just like White is a 'Chick-Jeep' colour , I personally knew two of these Shara 2dr owners (one reipient and one co-worker father giving it as a gift).

 

Uh O. KA-BOOM.
Seriously, that makes North Korea look funny.

 

It's been a sweltering summer with no A/C in my '02 GC, and air only blows from the defrost. I'm foregoing this costly repair for a down payment on a JL diesel, even if I have to suffer through the Summer of 2018. I owned a Golf TDI manual (42/49 mpg) for 15 years. Praying for a Rubicon diesel, preferably with a stick shift.

 

D

 

I hope the fenders and color body options will be available - this what I have now '16 and. would wait for the JL but if not maybe '18 JK will be available

 

That will be HT 3 body color 3 piece hardtop and MM 3 body color fenders - available on 2018 Sport ? I hope !

 

Any idea if the cargo area, with the back seat removed, will be more, less or the same as the JK? When I got my 07, the rear seat was removed, wrapped and stored for the day that I trade it in - hopefully real soon

 

Some were speculating that it looks bigger based on the leaked rear image - the sportbar's position in the trunk area compared to the JK.

 

That's a pic of the JLU, the JL isn't supposed to increase its wheelbase, and the seats might be pushed further back due to angine bay constraints, window rake, comfort, etc.

So rear JL cargo space may drop, maybe not, but I don't see it increasing, though it would be nice.

 

I quoted an aluminum diff in the axles for the JK when I worked for aluminum foundry.

My rant...My JK looks cool but sucks and falls so short of what it could be. I'm gonna rip out the stupid v6 and slide in a chevy lsx for 100 more horses and the same gas mileage. My rear foldable seat is too heavy and needs to slide. Gonna rip out the stupid carpet and rhino-line it. Gonna cut out the "trunk" and put a deeper trunk in it. Need to get rid of the blinker (failing 3 blink opposite the way i'm turning retardation). Locks decide to randomly not work. Hard top glass on sides needs to open just like the rear window. Can you make a top that doesn't leak? I spoke with engineers at a Taguchi methods class at the design center and the suppliers were still struggling with fixes. Design the suspension with full size truck parts like the tie rod ends, please.

 

Do we have any idea yet on what options will be available on what models/trims for the next generation Wrangler?

 

They sell more than the Rubicon.

 

Can VW, Ford, GM, Mitsubishi, Mercedes? Nope. They all leak.

 

It may be somewhat unlikely that the diesel will have a manual transmission - although it's the thing I want. I'm only guessing at this as the description includes "ESS" which denotes "Electronic Stop Start" in the order bank. If that holds true, then we may be stuck with only an automatic diesel. Having an ESS system with a manual would be just freakin' insane.

As far as the radio goes, the current crop of 8.4 systems has been updated to include Apple Carplay and Android Auto (the newest version is in the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Challengers that I've seen). They won't separate the two out for the new Wrangler, as that would add unnecessary complexity not to mention logistical nightmares for the suppliers and the assembly line.

I'm curious about the "high roof" option. What the heck is that?

 

I wouldn't use ESS as a guide of manual/auto, there are lots of manual transmission ESS system in Europe and abroad... including a lot of the Alfa Romeos, and.. the Wrangler CRD diesel.

Actually it would be quite easy to make it firmware selectable feature, and charge for each, although it appears they aren't doing that.

They simply have a master unit with all the features, and then they are unlocked or locked by using the production version of the dealers' Star Scan tool, the way they currently do with the BackUp Camera and Rear Seat Entertainment features on the Wrangler's 430 radio.

Neither complex nor a challenge on the assembly line who wouldn't really notice it except if their job is to test all features, and they would see all the variations, all the lock-out/lock-in features are associated with the VIN once the vehicle configuration is locked in and then it's programmed automatically as part of the normal prep.

 

I would not trust this to be completely finalized yet but this image could be some of the JLU Sahara options. The OP also has a few trim specific options listed.

 

Well, maybe you wouldn't ... but I would.

While there may be "lots" of manual transmission ESS systems in Europe and abroad, that really doesn't mean much in the United States of America, which is neither "Europe" nor "abroad." Just as the DOT or EPA. Y'know; the guys who approve things like ESS to work with specific types of transmissions in the United States - something that they haven't done for the 3.0 diesel.

As far as the Wrangler CRD diesel goes, I haven't ever seen a single one of these vehicles with the ESS technology and a manual transmission ever. And they drive them all over the place down in So. Cal.

Ford, Chevy, Nissan, and even RAM do not have ESS technology in their diesels that are coupled with a manual transmission.

So, while you might not use ESS as a guide, it seems that most of the major manufacturers do.

It wouldn't at all be "quite easy" to make any kind of "firmware" feature. The differences between Apple Carplay and Android Auto are significant, costly, and ultimately not something that a manufacturer is going to separate out after putting in so much time and money into integrating both into a single unit.

Perhaps some aren't familiar with giving the customer what they want. While some customers will go colorblind for a good price when it comes to buying a red Wrangler when they came in wanting a Granite Crystal one, it's far less likely that they'll change phone carriers, get new phones, upgrade their contacts, and get hooked into a new 2-year phone plan just to buy a Wrangler. That's silly.

And besides, the Uconnect 8.4 system that supports Carplay and Auto is already in production. As I said, the new systems are appearing in the Chrysler and Dodge products. By the end of 2018 it will be standard across all CDJR models.

While there may be a pie-in-the-sky panacea in your world that allows techs to use a StarScan tool to change a radio whenever a customer comes in to test drive a car, in the reality currently in operation in THIS dimension, techs and work bays cost time - as in billable hours - neither the dealership nor the manufacturer is willing to pay to continually flash firmware. Techs and bays are there to generate revenue.

And heaven forbid if a family comes in that has a mix of Android and Apple products that all have to be paired to the ridiculous (and imaginary) Apple- or Android-Only 8.4 radio...

To be clear: the 130, 430, 430N, 730, and 730N radios are all going to be retired from service; the Uconnect radios that are standard across the rest of the CDJR and Maserati lines are what is going into the new JL. Any argument that references "well, this is how they do in in the 430" are irrelevant and immaterial.

 

Just ordered new seals for my top...every time we get a heavy rain, the floorboards are soaked. It's that little gap next to the B pillar that does it...

(Over 5 years of being fairly leak free...not bad I say)