Spy Shots: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Development Mule



We have a glimpse of a very early version of the next Jeep Wrangler.

Read the rest on the JK-Forum.com homepage. >>

 

Quick glance...what is even different?

 

I looked up the pics and it has a longer wheelbase. The cowl is longer.

 

It looks like the same jeep wrangler but with a Rubicon bumper on a Sahara

 

It looks like some sort of gauge duct taped to the roof.

 

I wouldn't draw any conclusions at all about the appearance of the next iteration of the Wrangler. This is probably a test mule for running gear, software changes, etc. Stuff you can't see readily. The longer cowl may suggest more room needed for the engine/transmission. Can a factory Hemi option be on the horizon? Not likely, but nice to dream!

 

Edit: Mark beat me to the punch. Just a JK body riding on top of whatever new pieces they're testing.

I hope we get to see more soon!

 

I would bet that the extended wheelbase allows space for the 9 speed transmission that is in the current Cherokee.

 

Maybe the 8-speed used in current trucks? I think the ZF 9-speed is only used in transverse-mount applications and not with part-time 4wd at present.

 

I think the magazines may have this all wrong. I don't think the longer cowl is to hide additional body length, I think it's to hide the gap where the new, rounded, and more angled windshield will fit.

Jeep won't mess too much with the rest of a winning formula, but they've got to increase the rake on the windshield if they're gonna get close to their 30 mph target.

(They've also gotta add a diesel.)