Contact: Ashley Kahael

Ariel Gavilan

All-new ® Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited: Built for the World’s Most Demanding Trails and the Daily Commute (ONA)

20 per cent quieter cabin provides new levels of refinement

All-new frame and suspension configuration

The most off-road hardware ever offered directly from the factory

Standard Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)

October 29, 2006, Auburn Hills, Mich./Stuttgart, Germany -

Throughout Jeep® Wrangler’s 65-year history, Jeep engineers have ensured that each new generation Wrangler delivers and improves upon its world-class off-road capability, open-air fun and freedom, and interior comfort and convenience.

For the all-new and Wrangler Unlimited – the sixth generation of Wrangler models – Jeep engineers focused on more than 50 functional objectives, from ground clearance to articulation to ride and handling. The result is the ultimate “out-of-the-box” off-road vehicle combined with everyday practicality and all the necessary features to “go anywhere and do anything.”

“The all-new Jeep Wrangler continues to live up to its name,” said Mike Donoughe, Vice President – Body-on-frame Product Team, Group. “With the ability to conquer the world’s most extreme off-road obstacles, the Jeep Wrangler provides enthusiasts the ultimate trail rig that only Jeep can engineer.

“While improving upon its legendary 4x4 attributes, Jeep Wrangler reaches new levels of on-road ride, handling and refinement, adding even more comfort when driving around town or during the daily commute,” added Donoughe.

New Levels of On-road Refinement Central to improving occupant comfort in the all-new Jeep Wrangler are several new features that led to a 20 per cent quieter cabin:

Shear-type body mounts provide effective tuning for passenger compartment isolation, as well as exceptional durability. The standard Jeep Wrangler utilises 10 body mounts, while the Wrangler Unlimited utilises 12 body mounts. Each mount is individually tuned for optimum sound isolation Extensive use of Polymer Constraint Layer (PCL) reduces road noise and resonance between Wrangler’s engine and cabin New door cut-line seals, and seals along the A- and roof significantly reduce wind noise from entering the cabin The all-new Wrangler features a curved windscreen, which reduces wind resistance. In addition, the interface between the windscreen and the top is repositioned to improve airflow, reduce wind noise and create a better weather seal

New, Robust Frame Essential to meeting dynamic targets for the all-new Jeep Wrangler is an all-new fully-boxed frame that is 100 per cent stiffer in bending and 50 per cent stiffer in torsion. The robust stiffness and strength of Wrangler’s frame provides a stable platform to base suspension tuning, as well as improve suspension and drivetrain refinement.

Hydroforming is utilised for sections of Jeep Wrangler’s front frame rails that bear the front suspension load, as well as for crushable front rail tips. Wrangler’s entire frame is also fully boxed for increased stiffness, durability and strong body and suspension attachment points. Roll-formed tubular centre rails are incorporated into the all-new Wrangler Unlimited model’s frame, extending its by 523mm (20.6 in.).

Wide-spaced frame rails – wider than frame rails on Dodge Ram pickup trucks – cradle the fuel tank between the wheels, providing significant impact integrity for the fuel system. Cross members are also boxed and contribute to Jeep Wrangler’s superior rigid frame, improving off-road performance. The standard Wrangler features seven cross members and the Wrangler Unlimited features eight.

Providing armour for the all-new Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited’s underbody components are three skid plates, protecting the fuel tank, and automatic oil pan. In addition, Rubicon models provide heavy-gauge tubular steel rock rails that reduce the risk of vehicle body damage from severe off-road trails.

Durable and Refined Suspension The proven, five-link coil suspension configuration of the all-new Jeep Wrangler is significantly enhanced over its predecessor with new steering and suspension geometry, and all-new shocks and springs.

“The all-new Jeep Wrangler’s suspension provides more off-road flexibility, yet significantly withstands body lean during on-road cornering and effectively absorbs on-road imperfections,” said Donoughe.

Jeep Wrangler’s five-link front suspension features longitudinal location of the axles by leading control arms in front and trailing control arms in the rear. Full-width, forged steel front and rear track bars provide lateral location of the axle with minimal angle change during suspension travel.

The all-new Jeep Wrangler’s rear suspension also features a five-link configuration with trailing upper and lower control arms for longitudinal control and a track bar for lateral axle control. Unlike its predecessor, control arms are mounted outboard of the frame, and springs are mounted inboard to allow for mid-ship mounting of the fuel tank. In addition, shock absorbers are splayed – angled inboard at the top – to maintain more consistent dampening between light and full loads.

Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited both feature shock absorbers that are tuned to match softer coil rates, and achieve optimum balance between advanced on-road handling and rugged off-road capability. Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models with 17-in. and 18-in. wheels feature standard high-pressure monotube shocks, utilising Low Speed Tunable (LST) valve technology. LST provides firm control of low-speed suspension motions, yet with higher speed motions, the valve stiffness decreases, preventing an overly stiff ride.

Enhanced Dana Axles The foundation of Jeep Wrangler’s suspension – providing the required strength, durability and off-road mettle – are beefy Dana axles that feature larger pinion shafts, pinion bearings, axle joints and ring gears. In addition, all Wrangler front axles feature driveshaft attachments on top, versus underneath, for greater gear strength and ground clearance.

Standard Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sport and Sahara models feature an enhanced Dana 30 front axle and enhanced Dana 44 rear axle. Engineered to take on the most demanding trails, the all-new Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon feature enhanced heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles.

Precise Steering The all-new Jeep Wrangler’s new recirculating-ball steering configuration features a robust cross-car steering linkage system, providing the stiffest possible steering linkage in a solid-axle vehicle. An on-centre pre-load device features a more precise on-centre feel, and steering efforts are tuned specifically for both on- and off-road driving conditions.

Moving the steering knuckles outboard into the wheel envelopes, the new Jeep Wrangler’s scrub radius is significantly reduced. The smaller scrub radius helps increase steering stability while braking, enhances handling and steering, and reduces steering wheel inputs such as bump steer from uneven road surfaces.

Turning circle diameter for standard Jeep Wrangler models is 10.36m (34 ft.), while Wrangler Unlimited models feature a turning diameter of 12.25m (40.2 ft.).

Next-generation Transfer Cases Key upgrades to the Jeep Wrangler’s transfer cases continue Wrangler’s heritage as the most capable off-road production vehicle in the world.

“A long list of proven, upgraded 4x4 hardware – essential components among off-road enthusiasts – underscores the all-new Jeep Wrangler’s off-road capabilities,” said Donoughe. “From heavy-duty transfer cases with low gear ratios to locking differentials, Jeep Wrangler has more mettle than any other vehicle, and more than enough to conquer a variety of off-road challenges right out of the box.”

Jeep Wrangler Sport and Sahara models feature the second-generation Command-Trac® NV241 part-time, two- speed transfer case, featuring a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. For increased structural stiffness and sealing, the main case features 18 bolts, versus its predecessor’s nine. In addition, flanged front and rear output shafts mated to constant velocity joints on the driveshaft replace sliding yokes, providing better seals and smoother, more efficient operation.

The all-new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features an upgraded Off-Road Rock-Trac® NV241OR two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio. Also featuring flanged front and rear output shafts mated to constant velocity joints, the NV241OR transfer case is engineered exclusively for Wrangler Rubicon models to meet the most demanding durability requirements of intense off-road operation.

Upgraded Locking Differentials A Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential is optional with Jeep Wrangler Sport and Sahara models, featuring a 3.21 or 4.10 axle ratio, which provides extra grip during low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon models are equipped with Tru-Lock® front- and rear-locking differentials and feature a 4.10 axle ratio. Tru-Lock differentials provide low-speed manoeuvring when climbing boulders and ascending steep inclines by evenly splitting torque between both wheels, forcing them to turn in unison for extra traction. Axle lockers may be easily toggled on and off by the dash-mounted switch. An optional Tru-Lock rear is available with all Sport and Sahara models (late availability).

Available for the first time with Jeep Wrangler are Brake Lock Differentials (BLDs), which are incorporated into the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) algorithm. BLDs apply braking force to an axle’s spinning wheel in order to provide an equal amount of torque to each wheel and deliver greater traction for rock-crawling over severe off-road terrain. A separate set of BLD calibrations is designed for off-road operation and automatically activates when driving in 4WD Low.

Electronic Stability Programme For the first time in a Wrangler, the all-new Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited come standard with Chrysler Group’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), providing significant benefits in accident-avoidance driving situations. ESP helps the driver maintain vehicle directional stability by applying selective braking and engine control, within the limits of available traction, to maintain the vehicle’s intended course. Wrangler’s ESP system includes hydraulic Brake Assist System, Traction Control System, Brake Lock Differentials and Electronic Roll Mitigation.

The Jeep Wrangler’s ESP system provides three modes: “full on,” “off-road mode” and “partial on,” with the default mode as “full on” with each engine start. The benefits of ESP’s three modes are as follows:

ESP MODE BENEFIT

ON Applies selective braking and engine control to maintain the vehicle’s intended course. Full-time ERM and Traction Control System are available.

PARTIAL Traction Control System is deactivated, and ESP operates at a higher threshold. Full-time ERM and Brake Lock Differentials are available.

OFF-ROAD ESP and ERM are turned off. Brake Lock Differentials are available. Ideal for off-road activities where wheel lock-up is desirable.

World-class Ground Clearance and Articulation The all-new Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited’s improved, world-class ground clearance, combined with short front and rear overhangs, are designed to navigate the world’s most challenging off-road trails.

With an approach angle of 36.4 degrees, breakover angle of 23.1 degrees and 29.8-degree departure angle, the standard Jeep Wrangler is once again the most formidable production off-roader.

With an additional 523mm (20.6 in.) in wheelbase length, the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited also achieves off-road leadership. The standard Wrangler Unlimited features an approach angle of 36.5 degrees, breakover angle of 19.0 degrees and 29.8 degree departure angle – all more than worthy of negotiating extreme obstacles.

For the first time, Jeep Wrangler offers an electronic-disconnecting front stabiliser bar – Active Sway Bar System (ASBS) – delivering additional wheel travel for traversing the toughest trails. The driver-actuated stabiliser bar disengagement is possible in both 4WD High or 4WD Low at speeds below 29 km/h (18 mph). As a safety feature, the stabiliser bar re-engages at speeds above 29 km/h (18 mph).

As a result of ASBS, the all-new Jeep Wrangler boasts a 652 Ramp Travel Index (RTI: a measurement of a vehicle’s suspension articulation) with the front stabiliser bar engaged and an 832 RTI with the front stabiliser bar disconnected – a 28 per cent increase.

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