As many have reported the 2011 Jeep Wrangler will have an all new interior. Allpar had some terrific spy shots anonymously sent into them of the new interior. It appears a low sheen soft touch pad will be on top off the dash and on the door panels. The steering wheel is either lifted from the new 2011 Grand Cherokee or is very similar along with the shift knob. The 2011 Wranglers will also have the option of the hard tops painted to match the exterior color. For all the changes and details of the 2011 Jeep Wrangler head over to Allpar.
The Jeep Wrangler is a storied nameplate, with a dedicated fan base. The Wranger I tested is a hardcore off-roading machine. Frills are kept to a minimum (at least they used to be) and this vehicle has a dedicated purpose. So what to make of the Wrangler? Is it really only good for off-roading? Is it all fun in the sun, even in the city? I spent the week in this red rock (that’s name of the color) Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon to find out.
Exterior-
The Wrangler has the same general shape for the longest time – and you know what they say,” if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” The reality is that the Wrangler design is not broken, but rather it is timeless. For a some time enthusiasts have longed for a longer wheelbase Wrangler with a real rear seat. Jeep finally gave in and now we have the Wrangler Unlimited. The Unlimited adds two doors, which brings the total to four- a new trick for the Wrangler. The hood still features exterior clamps and the windshield has the ability to fold down onto the hood. The entire hard top comes off, along with all four doors. This leaves the top exposed – but fear not, the Wrangler has a factory roll cage in the unfortunate case you do flip over (it has been known to happen in a Jeep every once in a while). The two round headlights flank the traditional Jeep slotted grille. The front bumper has integrated fog lights and tow hooks and the rear bumper also has a tow hook. The spare tire is mounted to the rear hatch, which does impair visibility slightly, but you will be thankful on the trail that you have the spare.
Interior-
The interior is a simple place to spend your time. Hard plastics are everywhere and at first, I complained about it. Then someone wise (make that a few people) on Twitter brought it to my attention that it is easier to clean hard plastics with a hose. Suddenly, it made sense to me. I will say that it is 2010 and the Jeep Wrangler can now be equipped with a factory hard drive-based navigation unit. I never thought I would see the day! It actually works quite well. Loading music onto the hard drive from my flash drive was a quick and simple operation. Navigation was simple to use and the system was quick to operate. The radio was decent enough. but nothing mind blowing. The doors and roof are all plain, with only the necessary panels. Not only can you get a navigation system, but you can also have power locks and windows! In that sense, this is the most luxurious Wrangler of all time.
Powertrain-
Currently, you have one engine option – a 3.8 liter V6 pumping out 202 horsepower and 237 pound feet of torque. Of course, this power can be either sent to the rear wheels or all four with locking front and rear differentials in the Rubicon edition. The Rubicon edition also features the trick electronic sway bar disconnect so you can have more suspension travel when off-roading. The transmission was a four speed automatic, which in most vehicles we would be calling that archaic, but in the Jeep Wrangler it works fine. The Wrangler is rated at 15/19 mpg and I averaged 15.2 mpg with mostly city driving.
The Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon I was in had a sticker price of $38,005. That is a lot for a Jeep Wrangler! The options on my test vehicle totaled nearly $6,000 over the $32,050 base price for the Unlimited Rubicon. I’m not sure I would pay for the red paint, but the media center package which was the navigation and all that went along with it was $1,550, which isn’t bad for what was included. The engineering that goes into the off-roading capabilities of the Wrangler is extensive. and that is where the cost of this vehicle comes from.
Someone recently asked me if they should buy a Wrangler. He was all excited because it comes in a four door now. He has three kids and lives in the city. I asked him why he wants it. His response, “it looks fun!” OK, so marketing works. I explained to him he would not use the vehicle for the intended purpose and would not be happy overall in the long run day to day. He listened to my advice. After my week with the Wrangler, I can say I gave good advice.
Final Thoughts-
Overall my impressions were positive. This is still truly first and foremost a Jeep. It was developed and engineered for off-road use. It is highly capable while livable on-road. That being said, I would not say this is a vehicle I would want to drive around on a daily basis if I was never planning on off-roading. I would be able to tolerate the harsh ride if I was not planning on fully utilizing its capabilities on the weekends, but with almost no rear space in the back, it is not ridiculously useful. If you do plan on off-roading and want a great vehicle to do such things, then this is a great SUV. I can see people that live near the desert, near the mountains and near the woods loving this vehicle and really getting to utilize its capabilities. Is the Wrangler a bad vehicle? Absolutely not, but only if bought for the right reasons.
Full Disclosure- The review vehicle was provided by Jeep
Earlier this spring I was accepted into MAMA (Midwest Automotive Media Association). This is a non-profit group that brings automotive journalists and public relations people together. I will be attending the spring rally tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday at Road America Raceway in Elkhart, Wisconsin. Wednesday we will have the opportunity to wring out quite a few cars on the track. Thursday morning we will do some off roading with a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, new Ram Power Wagon and whatever else is brought for some fun. Last but not least, we will road test on nearby roads around the Road America track. This will provide some real world insight to how these cars handle the roadways. I will be tweeting on and off along with taking video and pictures to post later.
Episode 26 starts with introducing this weeks guests Mirko Reinhardt and Nick Fay. Moving into the garage we talk about both the EVOMS Porsche 997.2 TT and 2010 Dodge Charger SRT8 I was in for the past weeks along with the Porsche Boxster Nick drove. Last but not least we discuss the Tesla Roadster Sport I drove. We then move along to the major news of the week segment. This week included-
Next came our main topic which we have a discussion about the differences between American driving and European driving and the overall differences in car culture.
Episode 24 starts with introductions including Justin Loyear from Cheers and Gears and this weeks guest William Maley also known as realmudmonster on Twitter. Moving into the garage we talk about the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon I was in for the past week along with the Chevrolet Equinox Colin was in. We then move along to the major news of the week segment. This week included-
The numbers are officially in on the all-new Pentastar V6 and it will be pumping out 10 more hp then previously stated in the upcoming 2011 Grand Cherokee. That brings the grand total to 290 hp and 260 lb-ft channeled through a five-speed automatic. The optional Hemi will be rated at 360 hp and 390 lb-ft, also channeled through a five-speed automatic. Definitely notable is the estimated fuel mileage in the V6, which is expected to come in around 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. That is significantly better than the current generation Grand Cherokee’s 3.7 liter V6. The Hemi will probably be rated right around 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. For that kind of power the Hemi has a somewhat acceptable highway rating in my opinion. More news is sure to flow out on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee as it is anticipated to go on sale next month and arrive in dealerships shortly after.
UPDATED- The above sketch was recently added to Allpar and might give a better idea of what the Sebring 200C will look like. – Credit Jack Ratchett
It is no secret that the Chrysler Sebring and its platform mate, the Dodge Avenger, are colossal failures in nearly every sense. They were clumsy in their execution and, as a result, didn’t sell and became the dismal trailings of rental fleets. Sergio Marchionne informed us way back in 2009 (which seems eons ago almost) that the replacements were on the way and they would be much better. Well, let’s be real! They have nowhere to go but up. These sketches were done by Jack Ratchett and is supposedly a “dead ringer” for the upcoming 200C, which is set to start production November 18 and replace the Sebring. Word on the street is that the Avenger refresh will be much less drastic; merely a sleeker front end and a barely touched rear-end. The interior of both cars is supposed to be a huge improvement. One person heard that the interior of the upcoming Sebring replacement will be aimed at Lexus but not Toyota, which is particularly interesting because we have heard similar statements about the interior in the upcoming 300C refresh.
The engine line up will consist of the new Pentastar V6 launching soon in the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a four cylinder. The Pentastar V6 is capable of 280 hp and 260 ft-lb. It is unclear if a six speed automatic transmission will be used or a borrowed Fiat six speed dual clutch unit. The four cylinder will be the volume engine, which will be either a retuned version of the World Engine or, possibly a Fiat sourced engine, though this too is unclear at this point but the former is more likely.
We should get to see the Sebring replacement (200C?) in the fall so we will have to sit tight for the next six months and hopefully some spy shots will leak out.
Episode 31 features a full spectrum of automotive news, from a tiny electric powered Mitsubishi, to a giant city bus. We welcome, for the first time, our Canadian correspondent and Cheers and Gears member, Jeremy Sally. along with regulars Joel Feder and Justin Loyear.
As many have reported the 2011 Jeep Wrangler will have an all new interior. Allpar had some terrific spy shots anonymously sent into them of the new interior. It appears a low sheen soft touch pad will be on top off the dash and on the door panels. The steering wheel is either lifted from the new 2011 Grand Cherokee or is very similar along with the shift knob. The 2011 Wranglers will also have the option of the hard tops painted to match the exterior color. For all the changes and details of the 2011 Jeep Wrangler head over to Allpar.
Source- Allpar
