I think this "undressing was done" on purpose

The "tub" is still there (kinda), but it's going to be considerably different than the TJ's tub. The body construction will be more like a regular SUV or pick-up truck, vs the "tub" of the CJs and previous Wranglers. The rocker panel angles back under the door like the XJ's rocker panels, and it looks very much like there's a pinch seam under the rocker panel.

There won't be a diesel though, nor a V8. Just a 3.8L V6 (yes, 3.8, not the 3.7) and possibly a 4-banger on base models (though I really can't see them trying to get by with a 4-banger in the 4-dr model).

The doors are still removeable, but the hinges are quite a bit different than the current ones, judging by how the Gladiator's door were done.

And WTJ is correct about the vehicle in the pic being a euro-spec model (RHD, enclosed front fenders, red rear fog ligh on the bumper).

WOW! This gets my my blood stirring! I've held off trading my 97 for anything new; just waiting to see the next model. Looks like the wait may have been worth it!

I'm just hoping I'll be able to talk DCX into giving me one.

maccram you are correct! this vehicle was unvailed in las vegas in nov. to the dealers and it looks very close to the rescue...a real beauty!!! i can't wait!

As I thought about it more, it makes sense why DCX would unveil the Wrangler at Detroit instead of NY. If they only release the Compass at Detroit, they will get bad press that the brand is going "soft". But with the Wrangler by it's side that statement will hardly be true.

I personally feel that the FJ, the H2, and the H3 are all about to be made yesterday's news by a vehicle that truly is a descendant of a vehicle from the 1940's. Kind of ironic.

I am looking forward to seeing the Wrangler (both this four-door version, and the traditional two-door version) fully unveiled and finding out more about the technical goodies beneath.

Forgive me if anyone has already mentioned this, but the spy-photo appears to be of a Euro-spec Jeep.

Note the steering-wheel is on the right side, along with the enclosed front-fender/bumper (like the current Euro-TJ), and the red reflectors on the rear bumper.

The 4door version will be my first jeep to own. I'm in love with this vehicle. Looks so much like the Rescue concept. Only hope it will have the towing capacity to haul my 21' bay boat.

Oh, man. This looks great to me. I've had 3 XJs, my favorite SUV design, and this may even be better. We're pretty happy with our current Liberty, but its appearance is mediocre at best, and this one looks so cool we may have to get one. Hope it comes with a good roof rack for canoes, etc. I'm too big and we carry too much stuff for the current Wrangler, but this might be a good fit. I'll bet they will sell a ton of these things. Make mine red, please.

I have to say that this looks like it might even be better than the Dakar. The tub is intact, solid axles, removeable hard tops with "rescue" like styling. . . . . Jesus. Oh, it's good.

I would have to agree, I bet this photo was "leaked"
on purpose. Don't you remember the Commander with it's camo running around and the closer it got to the big introduction the more photos you would see with less and less covering on. DC, your such a tease. This is going to be a very big year(2006) for Jeep. The new Wrangler models, Compass and Patriot. Has Jeep ever had this many different models in the past?? I am still planning on a Commander but this could be tempting!

I don't think this picture was an accident. It was perfectly placed to hide the biggest question the top.

Some things that I noticed different, were the door pulls, the raked front, the plastic bumper and the dash looked like a different configuration.

I think that the back hard top will be similar to the current hard top up to the back seat and as you can see in the picture the removable panel cover the rest of the front. which will be cool because you can just remove the front panel quickly and have some air.

I haven't been this excited about a car since I bought my 97 wrangler. I made the mistake of thinking that I should grow up and I bought a bmw convertible, I sold it after about six months and went back to my jeep, which I kept on the side and still drive.

the new wrangler will be my next car. I will never stray again.

Diesel, Diesel, Diesel...

And it doesn't have to be the diesel that is in the Liberty. I would take it with the Mercedes 3.2 or 4.0 diesel. Tri-turbocharged 3.2L diesel V-6, 282 hp, 465 lb-ft; Twin-turbocharged 4.0L diesel V-8, 311 hp, 539 lb-ft.

But it definitely needs a diesel with the 6 speed

Diesel, Diesel, Diesel...

DCX are you listening?

Diesel, Diesel, Diesel...

Glaidiator, Gladiator, Gladiator...

I agree with naming it the Wrangler Cherokee. My XJ has 211,000 miles on it and will, one day, need to be replaced. This looks like it would be a very nice replacement vehicle.

I agree with naming it the Wrangler Cherokee. My XJ has 211,000 miles on it and will, one day, need to be replaced. This looks like it would be a very nice replacement vehicle.

I really like what I see so far...The 4 door model pictured here would really appeal to persons like myself, who currently own a Wrangler, have outgrown it with kids, need to upgrade to something with more room and 4 doors, but still want to stay close to the Wrangler line.

The removable hardtop panels (and I am still assuming, zip-in soft-top panels) would appeal to condo-dwellers like myself with limited storage space, as well as providing more options for hardtop arrangements (1 or 2 sunroofs, possibly? hardop on the rear half, canvas over the front seats for a 'quickie' dose of sun?)

I am getting one A.S.A.P.

I like the prospect of a CRD and 6 Spd. trans...throw on the rock-trac transfer case, and some decent axles, and were ready to tackle the Rubicon.

I am guessing that it will be called the 'Scout' or 'Wrangler-Scout'---possibly 'Dakar', (or mabye 'Dakar' will show up as a high-end package, like the Rubicon)...Remember, DCX paid some cash to IH for the Scout name, and they haven't used it yet.

DEC 16...I have been reading alot of posts calling for the 4-door Wrangler to be called the Cherokee...I don't think that will happen here in the U.S.

Way back when, Chrysler/Jeep made an agreement with the Cherokee Indian Nation that when the XJ was replaced (with the Liberty) that the replacement KJ would be named something other than 'Cherokee'. Chrysler/Jeep held onto the name 'Grand Cherokee', with, of course, a large donation to Naitive American Indian Tribes, however pledged to not pick names for any future Jeep which infringe on the Naitive American Indians legacy.

So, Unless DCX has since backed out of that agreement, I am not counting on a Naitive American-Based name...Besides, I like DAKAR, because the DAKAR concept was the real impetus for this 4-door Wrangler, and if DCX doesn't offer a high end package which mimics the DAKAR concept, you can be sure the aftermarket is going to grab the ball and run with it.

This one picture holds a lot of info - the back doors appear to be removable with a pinned door hinge, the front hood latch, windshield hinge, and front and rear control arms all seem to be similar to the TJ, and you can catch a glimpse of what seem to be the removable rooftop panels.

I cant wait for the official release to find out about engines and some of the more technical options.

Last I read they were throwing around "Rescue" for the four-door nameplate?

I see a true Jeep kept in a true-Jeep form! Please bring TK's to the Rubicon challenge at Camp Jeep '06!!

it looks as if they kept the tub design after all from the photo!!!! The fj has no chance!!!!!! I hope they put the crd in there..a more fitting name would be wrangler rescue or commando!!!!

H3 and FJ Crusier- you are already yesterdays news.

Sweeeeeeeet!

I hope it is as hot mechanically as it appears to be cosmetically!

I love my '05 TJ! But.......

Now what do I do?

I know what I want for Christmas! Hopefully DC will put a diesel in it with a 6 spd.

That brief little view of it sure makes it look nice. I cannot wait to see the whole shebang. I like the color, too. Exact color of my Cherokee.

I have found the replacement for my XJ! The new TK 4 door, go ahead call it the Cherokee DCX.