The next Jeep Wrangler goes on a diet, to utilize more aluminum

The new Jeep Wrangler’s doors, hood, and body will incorporate Alcoa 6022 grade sheet aluminum.

Jeep is reportedly making some radical changes to the new Wrangler. Some tidbits surfaced via a Wranger enthusiast forum, indicating the next generation model will utilize more aluminum. The goal is to reduce the weight of the Wrangler to improve fuel consumption and driveability.

According to the report, discovered by MotorTrend, the doors and hood are the main recipients of the lighter material. However, the use of aluminum won’t be limited to just those body parts. The original report suggests aluminum will be incorporated into the body and construction of the next Wrangler.

In addition to the heightened use of aluminum, rumors say the next version could even gain diesel, pickup, and hybrid variants. Already confirmed is a new “Hurricane” turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic.

While this may seem like a way to move the Wrangler forward into the future, some die-hard Jeep enthusiasts expressed their worry. The Wrangler is known for its durability and capability off road. This reputation however lies in the Wrangler’s simple construction and complicating the construction of the next-gen model could compromise this street-cred.

Do you agree with these changes? Or should the Wrangler just be a steel tub, a manual transmission, and a torquey Pentastar V6? The diesel on the other hand will surely be popular.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: JL Wrangler Forums via MotorTrend

 

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