Mike:
When will Mr. Issner's answers get posted ??
Can't wait !!

What will the new soft top be like for the new Wrangler? It is very hard to store the plastic windows in the current Wrangler, and it’s not the easiest thing to use. I would like to be able operate the soft top very easily, like what’s found on most soft-top roadsters. Obviously I doubt it could ever be that easy to operate, but I think improvements could be made.

Will the new Wrangler come with a removable GPS similar to the Mopar/Garmin Trail Guide for the current Wrangler? I like the idea of a GPS that can have voice directions in the car, but be removable for mountain biking etc.

Will the new Wrangler come with a transfer case similar to the NV242 (one with 2WD, 4WD part time, 4WD full time, neutral, 4WD low range)? Why not use fixed yokes from the factory?

Will the new Wrangler come with technologically advanced differentials like the Eaton EGerodisc’s found in the Grand Cherokee? This seems like it would be a good compliment to more traditional selectable lockers. It would make sense that the image vehicle for Jeep would have a very sophisticated four wheel drive system, in addition to a traditional one.

One More Toime For All The Stooupid Peeepole..(Cockney Accent)

As a matter of fact...YES!!!...An Infrastructure for alternative fuel would NOT be affected by a Hurricane of the magnatude of Katrina, or a terrorist attack of out fuel supply.

WHY, You may ask? Let's see...not all of our CORN is grown in the GULF COAST...

Not all of our SOYBEANS are grown in the GULF COAST...

Not all of our NATURAL GAS comes from the GULF COAST...

Not all of our NUCLEAR PLANTS are located in the GULF COAST...

The list goes on and on and on...

We as a country are vunerable because all of our eggs are literally in one basket. We had the chance to begin using alternative fuels in the 70's, and boneheads like you guys , too afraid of a little technology (Yea You-Kaczinski!!!) have been dragging the rest of the country's collective feet.

Natural gas from Landfills to power methane-fueled JEEPS!!!

Bio-Ethanol and Bio-Diesel to power Hybrid JEEPS!!!

Solar Cell Satelites in orbit beaming down energy to a collector array in the Nevada Nuclear Test Site ot power the production of synthetic octane for vehicle fuel!!!

More Nuclear Power Plants to charge battery packs for Hybrid JEEPS!!!

And before you say that Nuclear Power plants would be vunerable to an aerial attack by terrorists- nationwide high speed monorail ground transportation to replace domestic air travel that would be a danger to Nuclear Power plants!!!

So, let's see there, HotWheels,... the argument is that our oh so fragile fuel supply was interrupted during Hurricane Katrina and it would have come in handy to have alternative fuel sources available that terrorists or Mother Nature would have trouble infiltrating, hmmmm? So, if the most plentiful auto fuel (gas) was not available, where would the locals have loaded up on Biodiesel, Ethanol, Methane, Propane, Hydrogen, E85, or plugged in thier golf carts during Hurricane Katrina? Even if that infrastructure were in place, it would be no less immune to a natural disaster or terrorist act. Note to Jeep Design Team: Keep those gas & diesel powertrains simple, reliable, and torquiful! Or we'll jump.

I wouldn't even consider buying a hybrid JK if one were available. I'm sure I'm not the only person that will say that either. Think about it for a second or two. It's not the right platform for "hybridization" or whatever you want to call it. Think about what those battery packs and electric motor(s) would be subjected to when a Jeep is taken offroad. You have water, mud, dirt, sand, rocks, silt and other nasties that are not really friendly to electric motors and related componentry. The warranty claims for batteries and motors would be a disaster for DC. I say save the hybrid stuff for the " street biased" Jeeps where it can be better utilized. Keep the JK gas and diesel powered.

Well, have you ever considered that mabye you could be wrong???

1. As I mentioned before, Hybrid Assist in a Wrangler would be there to help the Wrangler do what it does best, off road driving, rock crawling, stream fording...Not be a wimpy greenie-mobile...The parallel benefit on the street is increased mileage, and higher towing capacity.

2. As I also mentioned before, and mabye I'M wrong, but it would stand to reason that as hybrids become more prevelant, conventional automotive technology will eventually slow to a snail's pace, and the Wrangler will have to adopt the technology that is most prevelant and cutting edge, even if it means fuell cells, hybrid motors, and alternative fuels.

3. Speaking of Alternative Fuels, looking back at the fuel shortages caused by Hurricane Katrina, I can only shudder at the thought that some $#!+-head terrorist has already figured out that if a hurricaine can cause as much interruption as Katrina did to our fragile fuel supply, then how much more damage can be done by an all out attack on our refining plants?

Mabye you guys out there dont realize it, but we were really a few steps away from driving JEEP Mountain Bikes to work (which, by the way, are not bad, especailly the AWD Rubicon model), but I digress...Mabye the ability to burn Biodiesel, Ethanol, Methane, Propane, or short electric-only commutes is not only a greenie concept, but, in a crisis, a civic responsibility.

Just a thought...

Myhotwheels@AOL.COM

All right, I can't take anymore talk of hybrids and fuel cells in a Wrangler... That's a granola bar's wet dream! Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think there's a lot of Jeepers interested in hybrids that can cost up to $5K more and can take >5years just to get to break even (IF it doesn't fail before that). Hydrogen fuel cells are a moot option until someone figures out how to get H2 cracked cheaply. And that could be 50 years off, 50 years from now. Into the forseeable future, we simply want GAS engines with at least as much low end torque as the venerable 4.0L I6 and maybe --maybe a diesel option (which has plenty of torque by its nature) that gets a few more mpg and can last 500K miles. I say we take a vote on it. While we're at it, does anyone out there want to bolt on a few square feet of solar panels on the roof to boil a cup of water, or pinwheels on the antennae for wind power assist?

I like what I see in the new JK and plan on buying a 08 Rubi (gotta let those first year bugs get worked out first).........but I do have a couple of questions and issues.

The number 1 question I have is WHY OH WHY DID YOU GUYS STICK A D35 UNDER THIS THING? This is THE most hated Jeep/Dana axle assembly ever produced and to continue to use it under the entirely new JK platform (even with upgrades) is mind-boggling. The D44 or AAM equivalent should have been used across the board for all JKs.

Why were odd ball 32" tires used for the Rubi instead of more commonly used 33s? Why weren't 31s standard on all JKs?

Why were CVs used instead of u-joints? I will say thanks for eliminating the rear slip yoke though.

Is the 3.8 really going to be the lone US engine choice, and if not, what other engine options will be offered? And if you do offer the 4.0 V6 later on, please, please do not try to save face and make comparisons to the old inline 6 4.0. That's just wrong and it will add insult to injury for those of us still not happy that you and the brass at DC have killed off THE BEST Jeep engine to ever reside under the hood of a Jeep. Was evolving the 4.0 inline ever an option? When I say evolving I mean going with a aluminum cross flow head, roller cam or even SOHC/DOHC, etc, etc.

Why was the lower front fender Jeep stamp removed? It's as much a part of Jeep tradition as the round headlights and 7 slot grille are. At least you could've put a Jeep sticker there or something.

What are the 9 special JK only colors going to be? If you say purple is one of them (like the 97s) I will vomit.

Can we expect a factory lift kit and say 33" + sized tires as an option on later JKs?

What are your plans for dealing with the rumored to be coming H4? It seems GM is going right at the heart of Jeep with this model.

Thanks for your time. And last of all, THANKS FOR KEEPING THE JK SOLID AXLE ALL THE WAY AROUND!

This is a 'Part II' to my previous post regarding a Hybrid Assist option on the Wrangler...

President Bush's made an announcement today about automotive technology that would "startle" the general American public, which was mostly regarding Battery Capacity for Hybrids, pure electric, and plug-in Hybrids.

There was also mention of using Organic waste products such as wood chips and plant stalks to produce Ethanol (currently only the corn itsef is used to make Ethanol).

With this announcement, how will these advances impact the evolution of the current (2007) and beyond Wrangler?

Electric Vehicle Advocates such as Roderick Wilde
and Dennis Weaver have stated in interviews that when battery capacity exceeds (I believe) 350 Amp-Hours/ Kilogram, there will no longer be a need for the internal combustion engine, other than to act as a small gen-set for long-distance driving (long as in greater than 250 miles)

I believe I read that battery storage capacity is somewhere around 200-250 amp-hrs/Kg---that is 250 amps. flowing for one continous hour, per 1 Kg of battery weight---1 Lb=454 Grams, 1 Kg=1000g, 1Kg= approx 2.2Lbs.

As we quickly near 350 A-Hr/Kg, what role will the engine play in the future Wrangler

I understand that simpler is better with the Wrangler, however, as more Hybrids come on-line, I believe that conventional technology development will slow down, and Jeep will ultimately have to adopt technoligies such as...
Hybrid drivelines
Fuel Cells
Stirling engine gen-sets
2-stroke engine gensets
CVT transmissions
Electric Generation/Regeneration motors
...to keep the Wrangler not only competitive with the market, but also best in class.

As far as Ethanol/ E85 fuel, when will the Wrangler be able to use this alternative fuel, When will a Diesel Engine be an option for the Wrangler, and how is Daimler's Jatropha Plant Biodiesel research advancing?

ok... was wondering about the rims and the bumpers.... is it true the bolt pattern for the new rims will be different from the old ? (5 x 5" instead of 5 x 5.5") Thus, the newer 'Jeep' rims won't be able to fir the older models.
And, what is this 'blow molding' for the bumpers ? Are they entirely plastic to the ends ? or is there a solid core that extends out under that plastic ? Also, How easy will it be to get a winch onto these new bumpers ? (especially with the odd placement of the auxilliary lighting)

i would like to know what changes were made to the dana 35s and how this effects the overall strength of the axle? i would also like to know why the dana was kept as the axle suppliers for the new wrangler instead of aam?
thank you much
-nate

with so MANY vehicles having the hybrid option when is jeep going to get in the game? diesel is a great option BUT jeep has in the past seemed to be behind the eight ball with what the consumer wants. is there a jeep hybrid in the next 2 years?

I'm curious as to a diesel version & if the Unlimited name will continue.
Thank you
Mike
www.WranglerUnlimited.com

Will the 4 door Wrangler be a 4 or 5 seat vehicle? I have 3 children and really want to be able to buy this vehicle.

- Bob

Sadly, the new 3.8L V6 engine and its minivan origins will be inexorably linked, and it's not really much (if any) of a power/torque improvement over the 4.0L I6... and it still places the new Jeep near the tail end of the segment. C'mon, give us some inspiration! If you use the 4.0L 255HP V6, not only do you retain the old 4.0L designation, but its minivan origins would soon be forgotten. Don't take babysteps! It's already been 15 years since an engine upgrade --put some grunt under the hood & take a commanding lead in this segment! Even if you kept the 3.8L V6 as a base engine and offered the 4.0L V6 as an option on the X, Sahara & Rubicon, you'd be able to forget about using that old mediocre 4.7L V8 guzzler... then concentrate on shoehorning in the 5.7L HEMI... and PLEASE PLEASE always offer a manual tranny as an option!

I hate to harp on the Diesel questions, but I thought I could put a little more teeth in to this line of questioning. This may be long, but here goes:

Given the popularity of the CRD Liberty, the overall suitability for off-road applications, and the implicit fuel economy gains, it seems to me that some flavor of diesel option is coming for the US Wrangler. We know that the Gladiator concept is equipped with the 2.8L VM diesel, and that the JK is "identical" to the Gladiator from the front seat forward. Therefore, the engineering to install one in the JK is already complete. Jeep publications even list the Diesel-optioned Wrangler as an export option. I can only think of a few reasons why the Diesel JK won't be offered out of the gate in the US market. In order of most logical (to me):

1. Emission shortcomings. Does the VM CRD meet the 2007 US emission requirements? The non-SCR 3.0 MB diesel? The Bluetec seems to meet new US emission requirements. Is this an option for the JK?
2. DC is waiting for ULSD roll-out. Perhaps the VM and MB diesel options meet emissions requirements, but only with cleaner fuel? Low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) is currently mandated for release in Oct-Nov of this year. (Of course, this has been delayed at least once already.) European diesel is lower sulfur than the current US diesel, and European emission requirements are less stringent than the US. Is this the reason for offering the export diesel but holding back the US diesel JK? Will ULSD affect DC decision making regarding diesel options for the Jeep lineup?
3. Supplier shortcomings. Can VM or MB meet projected sales for diesel JK, TK, etc? Is supplier pricing a factor (i.e., orders of magnitude more expensive than the 3.8L gas engine)?

I've read some of the publicity regarding the Bluetec Diesel using SCR technology. Most who follow this technology know that the EPA doesn't seem to like any sort of emission control requiring operator action more often than 100k miles (i.e. refilling a urea tank). Does DC see this attitude changing in the near future?

My speculation is that DC will offer the diesel Wrangler for 08 or 09 model year, but will not advertise as such until the US clean fuel mandate goes in to effect and ULSD is in the pumps. BTW, my dream is a short wheelbase, 3.0L MB (Bluetec or not), 6-speed, manually shifted, Rubicon trimmed, JK. I've never bought a new vehicle in my life because I just can't stand the depreciation hit. However, I will buy a new diesel JK if offered.
Dave

If I've missed this question being posted by someone else please forgive me. But....

Oh my God, oh my God..isn't anyone going to ask about the truck variant? I guess I will.

Will the truck variant (Gladiator) be offered? If so can you provide some specifics?

Thanks!

If a diesel option will be available, will a manual transmission be offered? Or will it just come with an automatic like the Liberty?

the 3.8 engine was chosen because it has a short length (back to front) this will allow it to do better in head on crash tests.

1. Why couldn't they use the new 4.0. that engine is in the same basic famly and it gets more hp and torque?


2. Is there going to be a pickup version?

3. Why were cv joints used instead of
u-joints?

4. Why were Dana axles used when Chrysler is using AAM axles in other trucks?

5. Will the new 4 door be called a wrangler or some other name?

6. How does the new 3.8 stack up against the old 4.0 in tems of durability?

7. Will there be a diesel option?

8. Can the stability program be truely shut off? Or is the program allways on in some capacity?

9. How hard is it to change the bumpers, especially the front on with those lights?

10. Why are the tires still on the small side?

11. How many hard top setions will there be in the 4 door?

12. What hight can the new wrangler be lifted without having to change the driveshafts or swapping the cv-joints for u-joints.

Does Jeep plan to offer a JK with a PTO transfer case so I can install a lawn-mowing, brush-cutting attachment?

Why haven't we seen any official pics of the soft top? What changes are in the works? Are there still just two colors?

Will the 4 door have the same part-time 4 wheel drive as the 2 door?

Thanks for taking a shot at our questions!

Are there plans to offer an extended wheelbase two-door to go along with the four-door? Perhaps another Unlimited model?

Why use OHV old technology, when Korean and Japanese are using variable valve timing on quad cam, four valves per cylinder technology in serious 4WD SUVs.
The difference in economy, torque and power is substantial.
Even the new turbo diesels will make more performance.
Please comment!!!!
Many thanks

Rumor has it that the 4-door variant will be offered with Hemi engine and MDS:

If so, how will this generally impact overall gas mileage assuming that drivers follow Dodge's tips for maximizing MDS fuel efficienecy (gradual acceleration, keep speeds under 65 MPH, etc.)?

With a V-8, what will the tow package look like (pre-wired brake controller, beefed-up axle ratio and suspension, bigger battery, trans fluid cooler, max towing cap, etc?).

Thanks!

1. How does the 3.8 liter compares to the 4.0 it is replacing? Can we expect the 3.8 to have as much low end torque as the 4.0?

2. Why was the 3.8 chosen over other engines such as the 3.7 v-6 or 3.5 v-6?

3. Is there any chance that we may see any other engine options in the near future, such as a v-8 or more powerful v-6?

4. Are there any plans to bring a diesel to the US market?

5. Is there a possibility that we may see some more vehicles built off the Wrangler platform, perhaps a truck?

Will the 4-door Wrangler have more than 3 removable hard top panels? Will the roll bar on the 4-door extend all the way to the rear of the vehicle or will it come back just far enough to protect the rear seats?

From the perspective of the photos I've seen so far, the muffler looks like it's going to be vulnerable hanging out back like that. Am I unecessarily concerned? Thanks for the opportunity to ask.

Why was there a height increase in the rear seat-back combined with a reduction in the rear glass area? Judging by the pictures, the rearward visibility appears quite poor.

Mine isn't about the new Wrangler exactly. I was wondering where to find the engineers offices here in MD. (was told possibly in Columbia, but haven't been able to find... yet) Thanks.

Was a Hybrid Assist ever considered for the 2007 Wrangler?

I ask this because one popular feature of all Jeeps is the ability to disconnect the starter interlock, and start the engine in first gear, to 'creep' the engine along rough terrain, let the engine carry the vehicle along at idle, and repeat the process when the engine bogs down.

A Hybrid Assist on the Wrangler would allow the driver to 'creep' along rough terrain with the electric motor providing generous amounts of torque at idle speeds...the vehicle would creep along at idle speed, with the electric motor putting torque into the engine when it is about to bog down.

Instead of using the ignition key, the driver could 'creep' the engine along, and restart the engine with the tap of a foot.

Other advantages for a Wrangler equipped with a Hybrid Assist would be increased towing capacity, and a 'clutchless' start in first gear (usefull in snow and mud).

And if you really want to get creative, putting the transmission in nuetral, and letting the engine idle would allow the gen/regen motor connected directly to the output shaft to propel the vehicle in 'electromotive drive' directly from the battery pack,for slow speed driving,(i.e. construction, stop and go traffic, mall parking lots, corporate drives, fire roads, etc) saving huge amounts of gas in the process.

This is not a hybrid system like the Prius or the Escape, designed to get maximum mileage, but rather to get maximum performance out of the Wrangler, and better mileage for increased off-raod range.

I won't rehash the CRD and E85 questions, other than are they or will they be available?

Thanks---Myhotwheels@AOL.COM

my biggest question is how will the gas milage be on the 2007 wrangler?

Why did Jeep stick with a part-time 4-wheel drive system instead of a lockable center diff configuration (i.e. full-time system)?

What will the wheelbase be for the 4-door version of the Wrangler?


Comment: Make a diesel and they will come.

What will the pricing be for the new Wrangler? Will it be similar to the 2006 models?

i can't be the only one wanting to know this... what kind of gas mileage will the new wrangler get? what size tank?

With the rumor mill starting to buzz about Hummer coming out with an "H4" Wrangler-sized platform, does the possibility of reviving the old trademark lawsuit, or a new lawsuit regarding the seven slot grill come back into play? How serious of a threat is Hummer viewed by you (and/or Jeep)? Is the 4-door Wrangler a response to Hummer and the H3? Are there any possibilities of Jeep getting back into the military market and putting Jeeps were they wre born - with the US Army? Was there ever discussion/consideration in Jeep to bid for producing the civilian Hummer H1/acquiring AG? Why or why not? Any finally, while I like the Commander, is there any possibility of Jeep coming out with a vehicle/platform similar to/based on the new Dodge Power Wagon (full sized ladder frame, etc.)?

Will the new Wrangler be offered in the US with the CRD or possibly the BlueTec diesel engines? Both would offer significant improvements in durability, efficiency and enviromental impact. Secondly, is the Hemi going to be offered, and will it be the MDS variant? At least it could be fuel efficient part of the time.
I like many Red Blooded Americans have several friends who have been shipped out to Iraq, to support our dependancy on foriegn oil. By offering a Hybrid Diesel Electric Wrangler you could effectively double or possibly triple the mileage over the gas version. If it is Bio-Diesel compatible you directly reduce the amount of foreign crude we purchase from OPEC. Keep our troops and dollars here in the US. Since Bio-Diesel is primarily soybean based we again help the US farmer. I understand DOD is looking for a diesel/electric HMMVEE replacement. The good publicity is limitless here. Jeep saves soldiers. Jeep saves dollars. Jeep saves farms. Give Americans the option to make a better choice. Where Jeep goes, the others will follow, like always.
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

Was a Hemi engine option ever considered for the new Wrangler?
If so, why did your team choose to go with the minivan V6 instead?
If not, why not?

What can you tell us about recommended engine oils, as well as recommended lubes for the standard/auto transmissions, and the diffs and transfer case, particularly with respect to the synthetics?LUBES

Have you considered a V8 engine option for the 2007 Jeep?

First of all thank you for allowing our questions.
I currently own a '98 Wrangler and I am planning to buy the new one as soon as the order forms come out. My question is why the "Sport" is eliminated ?? I surely don't want to go "up" to the Sahara to get what I want, but be forced to take things I don't want. Or will the "X" be able to be optioned up.....off road package.....bigger tires...etc.
Thanks, Rick

What are the chances that we might see some other engine choices for the JK in the near future?

Specifically what are the chances of the Diesel being offered in the US market?

What will the fuel capacity be in the production 2007 Wrangler?

1. Why was the decision made to discontinue the 'Jeep' stamp (or as many people now call it, the 'Joop' stamp) in the body tub? That's been a signature part of the Jeep Universal design since the first CJ5's.


2. Why was the Dakar concept never put into production? It was a fantasically popular concept with the public and would have used much of the then-new TJ's parts.


3. What are the reasons for switching from a traditional u-joint to a CV joint on the transfer case and rear axle pinion?


4. In the undercarriage photos I've seen from the reveal at NAIAS, there is a fairly large "device" mounted under the body, opposite the gas tank. What is the purpose of this piece and why was it mounted where it is, as opposed to putting the muffler in that space?


5. Considering the JK's new longer wheelbase and wider track, and the fact that both the Hummer H3 and the new Toyota FJ Cruiser both come stock with 32's (the H3 has optional 33" tires), why does the Wrangler still come standard with such small tires? ie: 225/75R16's. And why wasn't the tire size on the Rubicon upgraded to a full 33" tire?

Why didn't Jeep plan for any way to store the removable top panels in the new 2 door wrangler? It looks like the same old story of having to leave them in the garage or fill up the back seat area. Is Jeep reconsidering this issue for the 4 door since it will be a larger vehicle?

Do you see the JK-platform spawning any other Jeep vehicles aside from the two-door and four-door Wrangler variants. Namely are there plans for a pickup variant?

How does Jeep plan to continue to the grow the Jeep lineup without losing any of it's legendary off-road abilities?

With all the emphasis these days on outdoor conservation and responsibility, why doesn't Jeep consider more eco-friendly engines in the Wrangler?

A clean burning diesel that could burn biodiesel fuel would be fantastic. At the least, an engine that would burn alternative fuels, such as E85, would be very welcome.

Glenn Turner