 We
learned some time ago that Jeep engineers were working on a
significantly upgraded version of the so much-loved Wrangler
YJ. What we didn't learn was the answer to the question everybody
was most curious about: When would it go on sale?
Now we know. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, as it's called, will
be available as an '03 model, available this summer. This is
great news, and here's why: While other manufacturers are hard
at work making their four wheel-drive vehicles more pavement
oriented, Jeep has been hard at work making the TJ even more
capable than it already is-and it's already plenty capable.
 To
make it worth of the Rubicon name, the Wrangler has been given
a series of hard-core upgrades. These begin with front and rear
Dana 44 axles in place of the Dana 30/35 front/rear axles used
in other versions of the Wrangler, except when the optional
Dana 44 rear is specified. Inside these Dana 44s, Jeep has specified
front and rear locking differentials built by Tochigi Fuji Sanjyo.
These lockers are actuated by air pressure, and a dash- mounted
switch locks the rear axle and toggles the front axle locker
on and off.
Instead of the usual NVG231 transfer case with its 2.72:1 low-range,
the Rubicon will be equipped with a NVG2410R transfer case with
a 4.10:1 What this means is that with the manual transmission
and its 4.02:1 First-gear ratio, the Wrangler Rubicon now has
a crawl ratio of 65.92, easily the lowest of any new vehicle
currently on the market. Putting all that crawlability to the
ground will be a set of 31-inch Goodyear MT/R tires. Previously,
the largest tire available on a Wrangler was a 30-inch Goodyear
Wrangler GS/A.
Four-wheel disc brakes also are part of the Rubicon package,
replacing the front disc/rear drum system used on other models
in the line.
Finally, to minimize body damage on difficult trails, a pair
of diamond plate rocker-panel guards complete the package.
 We'll
present a complete road test as soon as we can get our hands
on a Wrangler Rubicon. Speaking of the Liberty, the good folks
at Jeep have been busy with the newest Jeep, too. They recently
announced the addition of a Renegade model to the Liberty line.
This features several upgrades, including the 3.7L V-6 as standard
equipment for this model, Goodyear P235 all-terrain tires on
17-inch aluminum six-spoke wheels that are unique to this model,
off-road lamp bar with four halogen lamps, wheel flares that
are unique to this model, tubular side steps, and several new
colors. |
