2018 Jeep Wrangler Won’t go All Aluminum

Contrary to previous plans, the next-generation 2018 Jeep Wrangler will only use aluminum for some of its body panels. 

FCA has decided not to give the Wrangler a fully aluminum body and instead will use the lightweight material on the hood, tailgate and doors. “There will be a large portion of that vehicle that will be aluminum. It will not be all aluminum,” FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne said. “We’ve run the numbers and we’ve simulated mileage and the impact. Because of the difference in cost — not just of the material but the actual assembly process — I think we can do almost as well without doing it all-aluminum. I think we can get very close.”

SEE ALSO: 2018 Jeep Wrangler NOT Going Unibody

Jeep is working to improve the Wrangler’s fuel economy and shedding weight is just one way to help with efficiency. The brand is also likely to introduce an eight-speed transmission to the Wrangler along with the possibility of the 3.0-liter diesel found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The basics of the Wrangler, those being body-on-frame construction and solid axles, are expected to remain to keep the off-road crowd happy. Styling also won’t be a big departure from what we see today.

[Source: Automotive News]

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