Jeep Wrangler, The American All-rounder
The Jeep Wrangler is a B-segment all-rounder that Jeep has been building uninterruptedly since 1987. It spans three generations and is the civilian version of the Willys MB, used during the Second World War. Currently, Jeep belongs to Fiat Crysler Automobiles. Each of the different generations of this car was assigned a different name, the first being YJ, TJ the second and the third JK.
YJ, the first generation
The first version of the all-rounder was developed as a possible replacement for the CJ7 in 1982. After its approval in early 1983, full-bodied prototypes, designed by Chuck Mashigan in 1984, were produced to finally begin production and go on sale. on March 13, 1986. Its design kept the purest essence of the Willys models, adapting this vehicle for all the public.
A 2.5 AMC 150 I4, and a 4.2 AMC 258 I6 were used in its engines. But in early 1991, they were replaced by a 4.2 L AMC 258 I6; all on gasoline. Until 1995 this generation ceased to be produced.
The YJ model was sold as a Wrangler in the United States, and was produced in Ontario, Canada, until 1992 when production was moved to Ohio. There, they were produced at the plant where the Willys was manufactured during WWII.
In the United States it was sold in different editions, such as the Base version, I feel this is the most basic with a team adapted to less demanding consumers, through Laredo, Sport, Sahara, Renegade, Rio Grande, SE, Texas and LIMITED. All of them kept their mechanical characteristics the same, but certain physical aspects and the equipment in the cabin differentiated them.
TJ, the second generation
The design of this new generation was at the hand of Michael Santoro, and was presented at the Detroit Auto Show in 1996. It would go on sale that same year. The renewed model, presented a coil spring suspension, based on that of its brother Jeep Grand Cherokee, to improve the handling of this all-terrain and increase its off-road capacity.
Regarding his design, he returned to the round headlights as the square ones were highly criticized by the devotees of the brand. Depending on the versions of this car, it mounted different gasoline engines. The Base edition had a 2.4 L PowerTech I4, the SE had a 2.5 L PowerTech I4 engine and the X, Sport, Sahara and Rubicon had a 4.0 L PowerTech.
A notable flaw in this generation is its height, because it is too low for an off-road vehicle, and if it was used for off-road activities, suspension systems of 2 to 10 inches of extra height had to be installed.
A highlight of this generation are the Unlimited versions, which offered much more for those off-road lovers. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, introduced in April 2004, featured an additional 10-inch wheelbase, a Dana 44 rear axle, with a 3.73 gear ratio.
In late 2004, the Rubicon Unlimited was launched , which has the wheelbase of the Unlimited and the off-road capabilities of the Rubicon. In turn, it featured front and rear Dana 44 axles, with the Rock-Trac NV241 four-wheel drive system, Goodyear MT / R 245 / 75R16 tires, a six-speed manual transmission, and other comfort and convenience options that didn’t. offered on all other Wrangler models.
The third generation named JK
It was released in 2007 and the design was done by Mark Moushegian. It was decided to change a four-door body and mount a new platform specially designed for this model.
The JK model included new safety features, such as stability control, antilock braking system, and traction control. The engine, transmission and, to some extent, braking, as well as lights, auxiliary systems and almost all functions of the car are controlled by computer. A first for the Jeep Wrangler.
Since 2007, the JK generation Unlimited series was also presented at the New York Auto Show. Its most notable aspect is the inclusion of a greater number of teams, more than any other Wrangler. Included in this equipment is the standard electronic stability program and optional seat-mounted side airbags, keyless ignition, navigation system and Sirius satellite radio. The navigation and satellite systems are part of the MyGig Entertainment system, which also incorporates a hard drive that allows storage of MP3 music files and images.
Most popular versions of the Jeep Wrangler.
In addition to those already mentioned, the Wrangler has many limited editions, such as the Tomb Rider, Islander Edition, Call Of Duty: MW3 Edition and many others. The most conventional are: Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, Night Eagle and Rubicon Recon. In current versions, its mechanical characteristics vary slightly, as do some of its physical characteristics; they only maintain the same engine, a 3.6-liter V6 with 286 hp. So being able to decide on one will not be a lot of work, except for the size of the cabin and the body itself.
Today, the Wranglers offer several versions to offer variety to their consumers. It is a car that has maintained a constant evolution, adapted to the passage of time. Also, it is one of the cars with the most American essence, both in its appearance, as well as in its engine and purpose.
