AUBURN HILLS, MI – Chrysler posted new information about its 2012-MY Jeep Wrangler, which will come with a more powerful 3.6L V-6 engine and a new five-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler shares the engine and transmission with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The new Wrangler will come in two-door and four-door models. The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited will be available in four models: Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon.

Performance and Handling

The new 3.6L Pentastar V-6 can deliver up to 21 mpg, 285 horsepower (209 kW), and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Chrysler said its engine provides 40-percent more power and 10-percent more torque than the previous 3.8L V-6. The new five-speed transmission, compared to the previous model’s four-speed version, allows the Wrangler to operate in a more efficient RPM range, which boosts fuel economy. Also, more speeds allow the engine to remain in the torque curve, which increases acceleration. The Wrangler also features an available six-speed manual transmission.

The new Wrangler offers a body-on-frame design. Suspension features include a front and rear five-link system, live axles, and electronic lockers. A lower first-gear ratio in the new five-speed automatic transmission gives the Wrangler a lower overall crawl ratio in off-road use. Chrysler said the new Wrangler is available with more axle gear ratios (3.21, 3.73 or 4.10 ratios), which allow customers to optimize fuel economy, depending on the model. The vehicle’s towing capacity is up to 3,500 lbs.

Interior

The Wrangler can seat up to five adults. New interior features include upgraded materials, heated seats, power mirrors, automatic temperature controls, and steering wheel controls for vehicle systems. The Jeep Wrangler also features larger rear windows for improved visibility. The new model comes with a USB port that connects to the media center and a number of 12-volt accessory outlets throughout the vehicle. It also comes with a 115-volt AC outlet is available to power select two-pronged home electronics.

When it comes to connectivity features, the 2012-MY Wrangler features Chrysler’s Uconnect systems, which offer voice recognition, Bluetooth streaming audio, navigation, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Exterior

For the exterior, the Wrangler features round headlamps, a seven-slot grille, trapezoid wheel flares, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield, and convertible tops and half doors. For the Rubicon model, it shares a body-color hardtop option with the Sahara model.

Safety

The 2012-MY Wrangler’s and Wrangler Unlimited’s safety features include standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Trailer-sway Control, Hill-start Assist and brake traction control.