 Official Jeep Site Debuts Wrangler Unlimited
Posted by mike on 2004/1/6 23:00:00 (864) reads
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Some official information and photos from DaimlerChrysler
DaimlerChrysler has posted numerous photos and descriptions (including some niffy animation) of the "stretched" Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Here's a snippet: Go-anywhere, do-anything and now bring everything. The icon of the legendary Jeep® brand just got more versatile with 15 inches added to its overall length. The new 2004½ Jeep Wrangler Unlimited delivers 13 inches more cargo area and two inches more second row leg room, while maintaining the unmatched open-air fun and 4x4 capability of the original Jeep Wrangler. The legend grows. "We hear time and time again that owners don't want us to change a thing on their Jeep vehicles. But there is also a smaller group of Jeep owners who told us they would love a Jeep Wrangler, but needed more space for their lifestyle," said Jeff Bell, Vice President - Chrysler/Jeep Marketing, Chrysler Group. "We set out to create a longer wheelbase Wrangler that could give those customers what they really wanted, while maintaining the true fun and freedom of the original Jeep Wrangler." It Adds Up To More Versatility, Capability and Comfort While maintaining its legendary 4x4 Jeep capability, the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offers more refined, on-road comfort and quietness because of its longer 103-inch wheelbase, which includes an additional 10 inches compared to the original Wrangler. The versatility and functionality is increased with the additional 13 inches in space behind the second row, giving the Wrangler Unlimited double the amount of cargo capacity. The additional two inches in the second row provides more leg and knee room for passengers. Access to the second row is also improved with tip and slide front seats added to the driver's side. In addition to the more refined ride, the longer wheelbase contributes to the Wrangler Unlimited's best-in-segment towing capability of 3500 lbs., which is 1500 lbs. more than the standard Wrangler. "We set out to create more space for cargo and passengers, but the increase in wheelbase also improves the on-road ride and towing capability of the Wrangler Unlimited," said Jaci Woody, Executive Engineer, Jeep Special Programs Engineering. "The added space broadens the appeal of the Wrangler Unlimited to customers who appreciate space and additional towing capability without compromising the character of the Wrangler." Don't wait - go check it out: http://www.jeep.com/wrangler/.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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 Originally posted by: Jeff I was just at a dealer that indicated some dealers have the Unlimited in and sold them as soon as they were on the lot.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: NorthWester Sorry. Don't like it. It looks awkward ... like they took the perfectly proportioned Wrangler and added 15 inches to it. Oh yeah. I guess that's what they did. Who's the target market? Housewives?
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Bill This is great idea. I just wish they would have given more credit to the cj6 and and cj8 on the jeep web page. They make it sound like it was all Diamler Chysler's idea. I have a scrambler and hopefully will get one of these as a daily driver, as soon as they come out with a manual.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Andrea What about RHD? The new size is just what "mail"
people need, hope they offer it. Anyone out there know?
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Jon Misterbill sounds like he knows what he is talking about. Keep us informed of any other "insider" secrets!
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Jon Remember, this is Mike's Free Jeep News not Mike's Free Bronco News : )
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: rich ScramblerKen, that Bronco is a hoot! I like it.
Now just make the top detachable and I'm sold!
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: CJ Jack Doug - click on "See The Proof" under the gold Rubicon image
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: mikem I hope it they offer this in a manual transmission. How could you make Wrangler and not offer a manual transmission. If you want something that is easy to drive buy a minivan.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: xjgary Nice! With the rear seat removed the Unlimited has more cargo space (74.4cf)than either the Liberty (69.o), or the Grand Cherokee (72.3). It is also about the same length as the old XJ, which is wonderful news, and more rear seat leg room than a Grand Cherokee. The unlimited's payload is only 750 pounds, however. That's just my camping gear!
Now, how about Turbo Diesel/V8 options, manual transmission, and a Rubicon version!
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Doug Where pray tell is the info for the Unlimited on the Jeep site?
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: rich I drove a Bronco for about 5 years in between Jeeps (kids) Any pics?
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: rich Also, have you seen the new Hummer pickup? Lot
beeter than the damn H2
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Jon Thanks for the links. Great pics. I had a hard time finding anything on the Jeep site too.
Have we seen any photos with the hardtop?
I like the smaller height of the side windows on the soft top. Hopefully the hardtop will be the same.
Looks like it has as much roon behind the rear seat as a Liberty now. I know thats now saying much, but for a Wrangler that's alot!
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: CJ Jack |
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: rich Yes ScramblerKen, that would be me! Sorry about the no-go on the new Scrambler, but I'm happy about this! Unfortunately, since I've sunk nearly
$6000 into my TJ in the last 2 years, and my fiancee just bought a Liberty, I won't be buying
my dream Jeep anytime soon! I waited for years for this to happen, but I could never drive it around stock for very long, so financially its out of the question! (whimper)
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Wyatt here is my comment
I'd like to see two larger doors as well. If they don't make a 4-door Wrangler then they should have better access to the back seat.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Dak If they could have stretched the doors by the same two inches they gave the back seat it definitely would have helped. But wtf, I'll probably just end up removing the back seat like I did on my TJ. Am waiting to see one on the roads.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: ScramblerKen Hey Rich, take a look at: http://www.freep.com/autos/photos/index.htmNavigate through the photos, and you will run into the Bronco concept. Lots of other new model and concepts to look at too.... I'm with you, if I had 'unlimited' (yes, pun intended) money, or if I could 'stretch' my money, I would call up AEV. In my case I'd order me a Brute. Sure is fun to dream! |
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: ScramblerKen The H3T pickup is not bad looking. From what I read it is built on the new Chevy pickup platform (the colorado). Still just a concept.
Did anyone notice the Ford Bronco concept? Maybe some competition to Jeep might get DC to put more money into the Jeep line.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Rudan The Wrangler Unlimited looks great, now how about a
Rubicon version and optional ABS brakes?
An optional V8 would be nice too!
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: misterbill Some answers to questions/comments -
Wrangler Unlimiteds will only have automatics at first - you'll be able to get a manual later this year and by the 2005 model, it will be available with any option you can get on a Wrangler SWB (short wheelbase)but no Rubicon version.
The added length gives it more than twice as much room behind the rear seat as the current Wrangler - about as much as the trunk in a small sedan - and yes, you CAN fit a cooler back there.
Because they had to get the vehicle out in 16 months, the first ones will come equipped the same - the automatic, he soft top and basically everything that comes with the existing Sport package plus a few extras - like standard A/C and rear disc brakes.
The soft top is a stretched version of the Sunrider soft top from BestTop - it has a "sun roof" half-down position.
Features that will be unique to Wrangler Unlimited - N/A on SWB Wrangler - are a tip and slide front seat on the driver's side and extra sound insulation (hood pad, dash pad, rear carpet pad).
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Craig M Happ Glad to hear they are going ahead with the Unlimited. However, where on the official Jeep site is the info???? It is not very easy to navigate to find out more and see what it looks like.
Thanks!
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: ScramblerKen Hey Rich, I can understand the money issues, but who knows, maybe in the future you can pick up a used one and have fun doing the upgrades like you did on your current rig. I wish they had included the pickup truck version, but at least they are making the stretched model. I much rather see this then 'car' like vehicles in the Jeep line.
I don't know if anyone else noticed the new incentive program on Wranglers. This won't help on a purchase of an Unlimited since those won't be available until April, but you can get $2000 rebate plus 0% for 4 years (not one or the other). I'm not a salesman or anything like that so I don't know what all the rules are.
For Rudan, at this time, no Rubicon version, but they do use the Dana 44 for the rear. Since they use the Dana 44 rear, no ABS option. Now if you want the V8, talk to AEV. They are installing Hemi 5.7L in TJs. Of course you better have lots of money.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: rich James, get ready to "laugh" alot...
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: James I think it's hideous! I'll probably laugh at the first one I see on the road. What a joke.
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: glenn The Wrangler Unlimited is O.K.,but if they would ever produce the Dakar Wrangler, 4 doors, they couldn't build them fast enough. They won't build it because they think it will compete with the Liberty. What a joke, only cheerleaders want Liberty's and I think they have sold every cheerleader in America one, so build the Dakar for everybody else who wants a real Jeep with room.
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Craig M Happ Sweet lookin ride indeed!! I may have to get trade in my 2002 Wrangler Sport for an Unlimited. DC did very well indeed.
Thanks to all for the link information!!
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: rich Ya ScramblerKen, if I had about 50 grand to burn
I'd call AEV right now...TJ 104 with all the bells
maybe even the Hemi..for $20,000!!
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: CJ Jack The Jeep site (use the http://www.jeep.com/wrangler/ link above) has a colour configurator that shows the Unlimited with the hard top. Go to the site, and click on "See The Proof" under the gold Rubicon image. Then click on Features, then click on Colours. Personally, I think it looks best in black. |
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: ScramblerKen Now that the details have been released, their is a bit of bad news. 1) The vehicle will only be available in North America. 2) Does not look like a Rubicon version will be available. 3) The vehicle might only be offered with an automatic transmission. (Poke around the Jeep web site for this info) Overall, I still think the Unlimited is a step in the right direction. And for the guy that always mentions the CJ6, in a Jeep press release: The Jeep Wrangler is now available in two distinct configurations -- original Wrangler and the new longer Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, adding another page to the heritage of the Jeep brand. The first time Jeep offered both shorter and longer wheelbase versions of the Jeep Universals was 1956 with the introduction of the CJ6. see: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=638221&TICK=NAIAS&STORY=/www/story/01-06-2004/0002084022&EDATE=Jan+6,+2004 Happy Jeepin... |
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: SS here is my comment
Just stumbled onto this forum as I was looking for info about the new jeep. I haven't made up my mind about it yet, but I sure could use the extra space. My question is this: everyone continues to talk about wanting the Dakar. Isn't this unlimited basicly the same size/same vehicle as the dakar except that it only has 2 doors and has a removable top? I don't know much about the dakar but that looks to be the only real differnces. If I'm wrong please educate me.
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: whipped Looks good top down but strange with hardtop they just need to add 4 doors..........
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| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: Greg Thank goodness jeep stuck the Unlimited on their site. If they left things up to MSN's official auto show coverage (which I've been glued to the past few days to catch a glimpse of the Unlimited) all you'd have is some of the information we already knew and a crappy picture of the front end that doesn't revile the change in length. It’s much easier for me to sell my wife on the idea of buying a wrangler now that you can get a longer one, you can tow more like a small pick-up (for small truck buyer’s that can help make up for the lack of a bed), and it helps that you can actually see the difference between and wrangler and the wrangler unlimited at jeep.com
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Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
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Originally posted by: jarhead Finally! I am so glad I waited.
I am sure the mpg has dropped a bit, but that is my only beef with the vehicle. Not enough to change my mind though.
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