Ok guys, here's the scoop... Jeep had a trio of JK's out at the Superlift ORV Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the weekend of April 29th. That's what those pics are from. That's the second time I know of that they've gone to the ORV Park for offroad testing. Same group of JK's as the first time, and I think it's the same group that was in Colorado with PSC. There is a 2-dr CRD in the bunch, (the Unlimited is not a CRD), but it's an export model.

Ok, I am a newbie here and hate to interrupt the diesel talk but....
I am a owner of a 1999 XJ looking for a replacement.
I love the XJ and think the 07 Unlimited Rubicon would be great replacement.
Everything about the 07 Unlimited seems to be great except the engine.
I noticed that the Dodge Nitro has a 4.0 V6 with 255HP and 275Torque.

XJ______________4.0 I6___190 HP___235 Torque____Curb Weight ~3500
07Unlimited____3.8 V6___205HP___240 Torque____Curb Weight ~4500
%Increase_______________HP +8%___Torque +2%____Curb Weight +26%

Obviously an 8% increase in HP and 2% increase in Torque will not offset the
26% increase in weight.
Are XJ owners looking for an upgrade are going to be rather disappointed with performance?

Wouldn’t the 4.0 V6 be a better choice?
XJ______________4.0 I6___190 HP___235 Torque____Curb Weight ~3500
________________4.0 V6__255HP____275 Torque____Curb Weight ~4500
%Increase_______________HP +34%__Torque +17%___Curb Weight +26%

I admit that I haven’t seen the Torque curve for this motor (4.0L V6).
But, I am assuming if there is considerably more overall torque there is
a good chance that there Torque curve will be higher than the 3.8 across rpm especially
considering the 3.8 is from a minivan.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_SOHC_V6_engine


If the 4.0 V6 could run E85 that would be perfect.

Update 5/8/06 Previously refered to 3.8 as 3.7 the HP and Torque numbers were and are correct for 3.8 (205/240)

I am not a big fan of the stock bumper, but the bumper with the winch on the Unlimited looks really good. It will be nice to see what it looks like with tubular bumpers as well. I like the way the Unlimited looks with Sunrider top folded back. I think it will be fine with half doors - it will probably look at least as good as the soft top with full doors. For all of those who thinks the Unlimited looks like an H3, there will not be any confusion with the soft top.

Still want the diesel. A carpet delete option with a line-x or rhino lined interior would be nice as well.

I've seen pictures here

http://arkansascrawlers.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/nph-YaBB.pl?num=1146510280

and here

http://www.spydercustoms.com/index2.php

(click on "spyder bytes", then click "spyder bytes" again)

CRD???? I have the order guide and its just the 3.8 avail. for 2007 ordering. May be in 2008???? If we all scream and shout at jeep maybe they will cave in!!!! They do seem a bit nervous about keeping the loyalist on this 3.8!!!!!

If you click on the link and you will see another photo of the back of a two door 07 Wrangler with a "CRD" nameplate.
??

Nice find Mike! I am hoping to get a soft top unlimited with half doors eventually (diesel?).

I think the soft top with half doors will look odd, but we'll see.

The pics look like they are testing some new bumpers with winches and whatnot. COOL!