Report - Next gen 2017 Jeep Wrangler to stay body-on-frame

27/10/2014 - 09:18 | ,   | Aravind Jayachandran

The new Wrangler would continue to be made at the Ohio plant. 

Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts can finally rejoice. According to Automotive News, the next generation Wrangler will retain the body-on-frame construction, which is a tough chassis construction normally preferred for tackling tough and arduous terrain. But that does not mean the Wrangler wouldn't come with any changes.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X front three quarters at the Paris Motor Show 2014
Sources have confirmed that the new Wrangler will stay true to its roots and have a ladder-frame chassis.

Sources say that the body will be aluminium to reduce weight and increase its fuel efficiency. It's still under consideration as the costs of making aluminium Wranglers are high, and would require re-configuring their processes and production techniques.

Nevertheless, the tough image of the Wrangler will be present, as Jeep spokesman Todd Goyer made a bold statement that the next generation Wrangler "will be the most capable Wrangler ever."

Also, because Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, mentioned that the next generation Wrangler could adopt a unibody construction, it was assumed that its production could be shifted outside its Toledo Assembly Plant in Ohio, home of the Jeep Wrangler.

Jeep Wrangler Apollo Edition at 2014 Beijing Auto Show - front
According to company officials, the new Wrangler "will be the most capable Wrangler ever." Seen here is the current generation model's Apollo Edition.

Also read: Jeep postpones Indian market launch to 2015

Now that the next generation Wrangler is retaining the body-on-frame construction, and after the persuasion of local and state officials, it looks like the iconic Jeep will continue to be made at its historical home.

[Source - Automotive News]

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